MLB Player News

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber threw a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled to throw a simulated game Monday, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. If all goes well, Kluber could return to the rotation next week.

Out with an injury to his right middle finger, Kluber is 7-5 with a 3.54 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 116:26 K:BB ratio in 122 innings.

As expected, Mariners pitcher Taijuan Walker has been called up for Friday's start.

The team optioned pitcher Erasmo Ramirez, but he will be called up before his next start. Walker will take on the Astros in his major-league debut. 

Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi has been optioned back to Triple-A Durham Friday.

Odorizzi was expected to make just one start, so the move is expected. Odorizzi has a 5.09 ERA in five games. 

Twins pitcher Vance Worley has been shut down for the year, according to 1500 ESPN. 

General manager Terry Ryan said Worley was sent home after a recent MRI on his injured shoulder. Ryan added that Worley "has a lot to prove next spring," indicating his season was over. 

Worley has a 7.21 ERA in 10 starts. 

Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles was saddled with his seventh loss despite putting together a quality start in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Mariners. Lyles surrendered three earned runs on four hits (including two home runs) and two walks while striking out four in six innings.

Lyles needed one out to pick up his first save in his second relief appearance of the season Monday before putting together a solid start in Thursday's loss. He brings a 6-7 record, 5.12 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 82:40 K:BB ratio into Wednesday's scheduled start against the Twins.

Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings while giving up three hits, striking out three and walking none in his first rehab start with Double-A Bowie Thursday.

"Really what I wanted to feel tonight was the slider," Hammel told the Baltimore Sun after the start. "I had much better feel for the slider, so that will be a big difference-maker when I’m back. Other than that, I did pretty well. A lot of ground balls ... and I got the pitches in and I got the work in."

The Orioles could address a need in the bullpen when Hammel is ready to return.

"I’m game for anything," Hammel told the Sun. "Obviously, I’m more comfortable as a starter and I think I’d be more help as a starter, but it’s the playoffs. All hands on deck. Everybody should be ready to go no matter what. September is a month where adrenaline carries you through. We’re right there again and that’s where we want to be."

Hammel is 7-8 with a 5.20 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 85:46 K:BB ratio in 123 innings.

Jake Odorizzi allowed just one run over five innings, but he wound up as the losing pitcher in the Rays' defeat at the hands of the Angels on Thursday.

Odorizzi allowed just four hits and two walks, striking out three. He now has an 0-1 record and a 5.09 ERA.

If you're a Martin Perez owner or thinking of being one, watch Travis Blackley's start against the Twins on Sunday closely. According to the Dallas Morning News, Rangers manager Ron Washington recently told ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM, "each time (Blackley's) spot comes up, we’ll make a decision." If Blackley stumbles on Sunday, with a day off on Sept. 5, the Rangers could skip him in the rotation next week, giving Perez an opportunity to make two starts.

Though Perez is getting more swinging strikes this season, his strikeout rate (5.9 K/9) is still mediocre, which leaves him as a borderline standard mixed league option at best in one-start weeks. Should he get starts at both the A's and Angels next week, Perez would probably collect enough strikeouts to be relevant. At those pitcher-friendly parks, he also stands a better chance of avoiding extra-base hits and lowering his 3.58 ERA.

Before you set your lineups for Fantasy Week 23 (Aug. 2-8), check in on Blackley, as a difficult weekend outing for him could mean a productive week ahead for Perez.

Rays pitcher Jake Odorizzi has been recalled for Thursday's start against the Angels.

In order to make room on the active roster, pitcher Jeff Beliveau was sent to the minors. Odorizzi has a 6.00 ERA in four games in the majors. 

Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson pitched well enough to win Wenesday against the Braves, but he settled for a no-decision as the Indians went on to lose, 3-2.

Masterson limited the Braves to two runs while scattering five hits and four walks over six innings, with both runs coming in the second inning. Masterson struck out six batters. He exited the game down 2-1, but the Indians rallied before eventually falling short.

Masterson remains 14-9 after the no-decision, and his ERA fell slightly to 3.49. His next start is set to take place Monday against the Orioles.