MLB Player News

Yeah, I've seen all I needed to see. Consider me a card-carrying backer of Sonny Gray, who I now rank ever-so-generously ahead of the similarly hyped Danny Salazar and the magically productive Chris Tillman.

Come on, guys! Only 49 percent owned? What are you waiting for?

(He said tongue-in-cheek.)

Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer said he's starting Friday against the Yankees, which means Roberto Hernandez is getting skipped. Everyone will move up a day, so David Price will pitch Saturday and Alex Cobb will finish out the Yankees series. 

With Matt Moore (elbow) close to returning, Hernandez is likely headed to the bullpen, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray made just his third start Tuesday night at home against Seattle. He was sensational once again for the A's but had to settle for a no-decision after his bullpen gave up his lead immediately after he left.

Gray remains 1-1 for his career as he took the no-decision against the Mariners Tuesday after an outstanding performance. He went seven strong innings and allowed just two runs on two walks and two base hits. Nick Franklin's two-run homer in the third was all the damage done against him over 94 pitches.

Gray struck out seven batters as his ERA is now at 1.44 after just five career appearances. The 23-year-old's second home run allowed this season produced just the second time he's given up runs in any capacity this season over 25 innings. He's struck out 27 thus far in an incredible beginning to his career.

Gray is next scheduled to take the mound for the A's Monday at Detroit.

After dominating the Mariners in his first start back from the disabled list, Rays pitcher Alex Cobb took the mound in Baltimore Tuesday. Cobb was very sharp once again.

The Tampa Bay starter, who lost much of the season after taking a line drive comebacker to the head earlier in the year, gave up just two runs -- one earned -- on three hits and four walks over six innings. He got his pitch count up and left after 92 pitches but earned the win to move to 8-2 for the year.

Cobb, who struck out five Orioles batters, lowered his ERA to 2.85. He's 2-0 with two earned runs allowed over 11 innings with 11 Ks over his first two starts back in action for the Rays. Back to being a concrete member of the Tampa Bay starting rotation, Cobb makes his next start for manager Joe Maddon Monday at Kansas City in a one-game series.

Orioles pitching prospect Kevin Gausman picked up his first win at the Triple-A level for Norfolk Monday night, MASNSports.com reports. Gausman gave up three hits and didn't walk a batter over five shutout innings. 

Gausman, who struck out seven and touched 96-98 mph with his fastball, had very positive reports on his outing. Baltimore is expected to add Gausman to the roster in September. That said, he is likely to pitch in relief at that point, though manager Buck Showalter did leave open the possibility he starts. 

"He could do either, depending on what the need is, if he's called up," Showalter said. "We're still in that process. We've got a few days."

Orioles manager Buck Showalter mentioned Tuesday that he could turn to a six-man rotation in September due to the team having just one off day, MLB.com reports. 

The rotation would likely consist of Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez, Jason Hammel, Scott Feldman and Bud Norris. Baltimore has other rotation options in the minors such as Tsuyoshi Wada, Zach Britton, Steve Johnson and Freddy Garcia as well. 

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire explained to MLB Network Radio Tuesday why the team chose to demote Kyle Gibson, who dropped to 2-4 with a 6.53 ERA following Monday's loss against the Mets.

"It comes down to command. He knew it," Gardenhire said. "He has good stuff, but has to get the command down. He was erratic."

Gardenhire added part of the reason for the demotion was to protect Gibson since he's a big part of the team's future.

"He was frustrated up here, and we don't want him to go through that," Gardenhire said. "He'll be a big part of our rotation next year."

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber (middle finger) played catch up to 150 feet with tape on his finger Monday, MLB.com reports. He then played catch up to 60 feet without the tape in Anaheim.

Twins starter Kyle Gibson was optioned back to Triple-A Rochester Monday following his loss to the Mets, the St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports. 

Gibson allowed 10 hits over just 3 2/3 innings in the defeat. He gave up four runs, walked two and struck out two. The 25-year-old rookie has gone 2-4 this season with a 6.53 ERA for the Twins. 

Twins starter Kyle Gibson was unable to get out of the fourth inning Monday against the Mets.

Gibson gave up 10 hits in just 3 2/3 innings. He allowed four earned runs. Gibson walked two and struck out two during the contest. His ERA is now 6.53. The loss dropped Gibson to 2-4.