MLB Player News

Orioles starter Jason Hammel, who is on the 15-day DL, underwent an MRI which came back with no tears, The Baltimore Sun reports Saturday.

Hammel has only inflammation around the ulnar nerve. He will take off from throwing for a few days. He is hopeful he'll be able to return in the minimum 15 days.

Rays starting pitcher Alex Cobb has recovered well from his concussion, but another ailment seems to be delaying his return now. According to MLB.com, Cobb had to be removed from his last rehab start after just two pitches due to a blister on his right index finger.

"It sounds like a pretty wimpy injury but it's pitchers' kryptonite, it really is," Cobb said Friday. "It's not something you can pitch around. It's there on every pitch. You can't alter arm angles or the way you pitch. That's the last place the ball leaves your body and you feel it."

Cobb is going to try to pitch again Saturday Class A Charlotte, and the blister is not considered a major impediment to his eventual return to the rotation. Manager Joe Maddon told MLB.com Friday he expects Cobb back with the team by the time they return from a road trip Aug. 13.

"Isn't it awkward?" Maddon said. "He gets hit in the head and a blister is keeping him out. It's strange but it also speaks to the power of the blister. When pitchers get blisters, man, it can really make a big difference. Go back to Nolan Ryan with the pickle brine. Samson can come to his knees with a blister. He'll be fine."

Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles fell to 4-5 in his team's 6-3 loss to the Orioles Thursday, allowing five runs (three earned) on nine hits while striking out five and walking none in 5 2/3 innings.

The Astros have lost each of Lyles' last seven starts, and Thursday's loss was the first time he struck out more than three batters over that stretch. He owns a 4.91 ERA and 1.48 WHIP into Tuesday's scheduled start against the Red Sox.

Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish brought his A-game Thursday, holding the Diamondbacks scoreless while allowing five hits, walking none and striking out 14 in seven innings to move to 10-5 in his team's 7-1 win.

Darvish needed 111 pitches to post his fourth 14-strikeout game of the year. He brings a 2.66 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 186:47 K:BB ratio into Tuesday's scheduled start against the Angels.

Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel will have an MRI on his arm, according to MASN.

The MRI is scheduled for Friday. Hammel was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a flexor strain. He has a 5.20 ERA in 123 innings. 

Indians pitcher Justin Masterson threw a strong start Thursday against the White Sox.

Masterson allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings. He gave up five hits, and walked three. Masterson also added seven strikeouts. The win brought his record to 13-7. His ERA stands at a solid 3.33.

White Sox starter Chris Sale was knocked around by the Indians Thursday.

Sale gave up five runs on 10 hits. He lasted just five innings. On the bright side, Sale did not walk any hitters and notched six strikeouts. Sale dropped to 6-11 despite his strong 2.92 ERA.

Blue Jays pitching prospect Marcus Stroman struck out 13 batters in Wednesday's start at Double-A.

Stroman gave up two runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings. This marks his second straight game with double-digit strikeouts. In his last start, Stroman notched 11 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. Stroman has a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts at Double-A New Hampshire.

Rangers pitcher Martin Perez earned a quality start but did not factor into the decision in his team's 2-1 win over the Angels Wednesday. He allowed one earned run on four hits and two walks while striking out four in 7 1/3 innings.

Perez had given up 15 earned runs in 15 innings over his previous three starts before bouncing back with a quality effort Wednesday. He brings a 3-3 record, 3.93 ERA and 1.41 WHIP into Monday's scheduled rematch with the Angels.

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber pitched 8 2/3 innings but did not factor into the decision in his team's 6-5 win over the White Sox Wednesday. Kluber surrendered four earned runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking none.

Kluber hasn't recorded a decision in any of his last three starts. He owns a 7-5 record, 3.77 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 110:25 K:BB ratio heading into Monday's scheduled start against the Tigers.