MLB Player News

Indians manager Terry Francona told MLB.com Saturday that the team might "back" starter Justin Masterson up a day once the team returns from the All-Star break on Friday against the Twins.

Masterson is expected to see some work during the All-Star game. Francona does not want to work the right-hander on three days of rest.

"We want him to be able to enjoy his experience there, be able to pitch, not have to worry about coming out of it three days later," Francona said. "We may redo that, but we should have it [figured out] tomorrow."

Orioles starting pitcher Jason Hammel allowed two runs in the sixth and was pulled in the seventh after hitting the leadoff batter and issuing a walk in a 7-3 loss Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Hammel gave up a two-run home run in the first inning and was charged with six runs on 10 hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out one while throwing 58 of 99 pitches for strikes.

Hammel finishes the first half of the season on an eight-game winless streak and is 7-6 with a 5.24 ERA. His next start has not been announced. 

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel's winless streak reached five starts Saturday as he settled for a no-decision in a 4-3 loss to the Rays.

Keuchel allowed three runs on six hits over 80 pitches in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out three and walked none while getting 13 groundball outs. Keuchel had a 3-0 lead but lost it with a three-run fifth inning.

Keuchel finishes the first half of the season 4-5 with a 4.62 ERA in 89 2/3 innings. His next start has not been determined. 

Rays starter Alex Cobb is expected to throw live batting practice prior to Sunday's game against Houston, the Tampa Bay Times reports. Cobb is shooting for a return in early August from a concussion suffered June 15 and has finally passed all his concussion tests. 

Indians starter Corey Kluber enjoyed another solid outing as he picked up his seventh win of the season Friday night against the Royals. The right-hander permitted three hits and three walks while striking out eight over 7 2/3 innings in a 3-0 victory.

Kluber is 4-1 with a 3.15 ERA while striking out 40 and walking 13 in his last seven starts. He sits at 7-5 with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP in 17 appearances (15 starts) at the break.

Doctors gave Rangers starter Yu Darvish a clean bill of health Thursday, according to the Dallas Morning News.

The right-hander is expected to rejoin the team and resume his throwing program Friday. Darvish, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with fatigue of his trapezius muscle, is scheduled to make his next start July 22 against the Yankees.

White Sox starter Chris Sale allowed 10 hits, but picked up the win Thursday.

The Tigers were able to put some pressure on Sale through 6 2/3 innings. On top of the 10 hits, the team also drew two walks off Sale. Sale finished the game giving up three earned runs and striking out eight. He has a 2.85 ERA. 

Rays pitcher Alex Cobb has made progress, and said an early August return is "realistic."

Cobb threw a bullpen session Wednesday, which well went. He also had a concussion test, which he believes he passed. Cobb participated in fielding drills, and stood behind a screen to watch line drives. He admitted it was scary at first, but it eventually felt normal. 

Cobb has a 3.01 ERA in 83 2/3 innings. 

Athletics pitching prospect Sonny Gray made his debut in Wednesday's 5-0 loss to the Pirates, pitching two scoreless innings while allowing one hit, walking none and striking out three. Gray threw 18 of his 25 pitches for strikes during the fifth and sixth innings of Wednesday's game.

Astros starting pitcher Jordan Lyles surrendered four earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two in 6 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss to the Cardinals Wednesday. He didn't factor into the decision.

It was the fourth time in 14 starts that Lyles has given up four or more runs. He's 4-3 with a 4.02 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 55:24 K:BB ratio in 80 2/3 innings heading into the break.