MLB Player News

Tigers starter Justin Verlander was actually losing his start Tuesday in Cleveland heading into the fifth inning. After Detroit put five on the board in the frame, Verlander was able to cruise the rest of the way to victory.

The ace of the Tigers' staff allowed just a Ryan Raburn ground out RBI in the second inning and didn't give up another run as he went eight strong innings for the win. He improved his record to 12-8 with a 3.74 ERA.

Verlander allowed just the one earned run on four hits and no walks over 112 pitches with seven strikeouts on the performance. Verlander, who didn't walk a batter Tuesday for just the first time this season, has won back-to-back outings with two runs allowed over 14 frames and 13 Ks.

With the 30-year-old appearing to be pitching his best baseball of the season right now, Verlander is next scheduled to take the hill on Sunday in New York against the Yankees.

The Indians placed starting pitcher Corey Kluber on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, MLB.com reports. Kluber has a right middle finger sprain. 

The starter pitched against the Tigers Monday night and saw his 7 1/3 shutout innings amount to a Detroit victory against closer Chris Perez. Kluber has not allowed a single run in three of his last five outings, though he did give up seven over 14 2/3 in his other two starts over that stretch. 

The Rays moved starter Alex Cobb (concussion) from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster for the addition of Jason Bourgeois, the Tampa Bay Times reports. 

That makes Aug. 15 the first day that Cobb can return to pitch for the Rays. Cobb is expected to make a rehab start Thursday and that means it is possible he could make his following start one week later for the Rays at home against Seattle. 

Mariners pitching prospect James Paxton will not start Tuesday, the team announced.

Paxton will be replaced by the recently demoted Tom Wilhelmsen. Wilhelmsen will only pitch an inning or two, and Paxton will come in and relieve him. The move allows rival scouts to see Wilhelmsen while they wait for Paxton to come to the mound. It shouldn't signal a role change for Paxton moving forward. 

Paxton has a 4.29 ERA in 22 starts at Triple-A Tacoma. 

Texas starter Martin Perez recorded a quality start Monday night in Anaheim. He wasn't as economical as he could be, but Perez still managed to earn the victory over the Angels.

Perez moved to 4-3 on the season as he allowed two earned runs on four hits and four walks over 111 pitches and 6 1/3 innings for the win. He struck out seven batters and his ERA is now at 3.81.

The 22-year-old Perez has now allowed just three earned runs over his last two outings spanning 13 2/3 innings with 11 Ks. The win was his first since moving to 3-1 back on July 9 at Baltimore. Perez is likely to make his next start for the Rangers on Sunday at Houston. That said, that start is not set in stone by manager Ron Washington as of yet.

White Sox starter Jose Quintana cruised to victory Monday at home against the Yankees. With Andy Pettitte struggling badly and the Sox going up big early, Quintana was able to coast to his sixth victory.

Quintana (6-3) gave up just one earned run on eight hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings in the win. He struck out five over 109 pitches and his ERA is now at 3.51 on the season.

The 24-year-old continues to pitch well for Chicago and has allowed three or fewer earned runs in seven straight outings. He's done it in nine of his last 10 starts overall. Quintana next takes the hill for the White Sox on Saturday against Minnesota.

Indians starter Corey Kluber watched his 7 1/3 shutout innings and his 2-0 lead go down the tubes in a hurry Monday night at home against the Tigers. Chris Perez gave up four runs in the ninth as Kluber settled for the no-decision in the 4-2 loss.

Kluber allowed just six base hits and walked a batter over 105 pitches in his excellent effort. He struck out six and lowered his ERA to 3.54 on the season.

Kluber has not allowed a single run in three of his last five outings, though he did give up seven over 14 2/3 in his other two starts over that stretch. He's been pitching well and his record remains at 7-5 after the no-decision. His next start comes Sunday at home against the Angels.

Rays pitcher Alex Cobb will make another rehab start Thursday, but expects to rejoin the club's rotation shortly after, according to the Tampa Tribune. 

Cobb said it took him a few innings to settle in during Saturday's start, but he felt really great by the third and fourth inning. He also indicated that he's not dealing with any side effects of his concussion. Cobb was able to field a ball hit back to him with no problem, and said he had no vertigo while on the mound. Cobb had a 3.01 ERA in 13 starts before the injury.

Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson lasted just three innings in his team's 6-4 win over the Astros Saturday, not factoring into the decision after allowing four earned runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out two in 91 pitches.

Gibson has posted back-to-back mediocre performances to bring his ERA up to 6.69 and his WHIP to 1.68. He brings a 2-3 record and 20:12 K:BB ratio into Friday's scheduled start against the White Sox.

Rays pitcher Alex Cobb began a rehab assignment with high Class A Charlotte Saturday, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out three in four innings.

Cobb is working his way back from a concussion and also dealt with a blister issue in his previous rehab start. Manager Joe Maddon has said he expects Cobb back with the team by Aug. 13.