MLB Player News

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman, who was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk Monday, said he will be pitching out of the bullpen initially. However, he is still a candidate to start Friday against the Yankees, which is the rotation spot vacated by Freddy Garcia's demotion to the minors.

The Indians optioned starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco to Triple-A Columbus Monday. Carrasco, who lost for the third time in four starts Sunday against the Twins, could still be recalled for Friday's doubleheader against the White Sox.

The 10-day rule players must spend on the minor-league roster following a demotion doesn't interfere with the 26-man roster for doubleheaders.

Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman is back with the big-league team, as Baltimore recalled him from Triple-A Norfolk Monday. Gausman was listed among the team's relievers for Monday's game against the Indians, taking the roster spot of Freddy Garcia.

Gausman, who is one of the team's top prospects, is 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA in five starts. He's been tagged for 21 runs on 34 hits (seven home runs) and six walks in 24 2/3 innings. He has 20 strikeouts.

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander ran his winless streak to three games Sunday against the Red Sox and lasted only five innings for the second straight start. He's walked seven batters in his last 10 innings and manager Jim Leyland has easily pinpointed Verlander's struggles.

"He continues to have command issues, that’s the only issue," Leyland said, per the Detroit Free Press. "It’s not a stuff issue or anything else. It’s command issues. Today, none of the repertoire was really getting it where he wanted it to go."

Verlander agrees with his manager's assessment. 

"The command is definitely not there," Verlander said. "Just trying to find it. It’s one of those things where you have to find it, and when it clicks, it clicks. Don’t try to press too much. Just go out there and continue to do the work that I know has made me the pitcher that I am."

Astros starting pitcher Jordan Lyles took a step back and suffered his second loss Sunday afternoon against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Lyles was charged with eight runs -- five earned -- on 10 hits and a walk while striking out three in five innings of a 14-6 loss.

Lyles had gone 3-0 in his last three starts before dropping his first decision since May 12. He has allowed six earned runs in his last 12 innings. He is scheduled to make his next start Sunday at home against the Angels. He is 3-1 with a 4.24 ERA in six starts at home.

The Minnesota Twins announced Sunday that top pitching prospect Kyle Gibson will be recalled and make his major league debut Saturday at Target Field against the Royals, MLB.com reports. 

Gibson, who entered the season as the No. 49 prospect by MLB.com, has gone 7-5 with a 3.01 ERA over 15 starts with Triple-A Rochester this year. He's 6-2 over his last 10 outings with a 2.88 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 65 2/3 innings. 

Tigers ace Justin Verlander had another less-than-stellar outing Sunday at home against the Red Sox. Boasting a 3.90 ERA, Verlander was on the hook for the loss before the Tigers tied things up after he left.

Taking a no-decision, Verlander still needed 112 pitches to go just five full innings before being replaced by Drew Smyly. He allowed four earned runs on seven hits and three walks and struck out four batters.

Verlander, who likely won't pitch in the All-Star Game, even if he makes the team, has gone 0-1 in his last two outings with nine runs allowed over just 10 innings with seven walks and nine Ks. He's struggled since winning four straight starts from May 22 through June 7.

Verlander will look to bounce back when he next gets the ball for a start Saturday at Tampa Bay.

Indians starter Carlos Carrasco was not economical enough with his pitches Sunday and it translated into a short outing against the Twins.

Carrasco needed 104 pitches and couldn't finish the fifth inning as he ended up suffering the loss to fall to 0-3 on the season. Carrasco gave up three earned runs on six hits and four walks over his 4 2/3 innings. He struck out three and his ERA is now at 7.78.

The 26-year-old, who has made four starts this season, has given up four runs over his last two starts spanning 12 innings with seven strikeouts. He's been pitching better of late, but still doesn't have any wins to show for it. His next start comes Friday during a doubleheader at Chicago.

Tigers starter Justin Verlander isn't sure he'll even make the All-Star Game, MLive.com reports Sunday. That said, Verlander is likely not going to be available to pitch in the classic, even if he does make the squad. 

Manager Jim Leyland confirmed Sunday that Verlander is tentatively scheduled to make his final start before the break July 14, just two days before the game in New York. By rule, pitchers who start on Sunday before the All-Star Game are not eligible to pitch in the Midsummer Classic, according to Leyland. 

"(Sunday starters) can't pitch," Leyland said. "The guy Saturday can pitch an inning -- probably an inning -- but the guy Sunday couldn't pitch."

Verlander has gone 8-5 this season with a 3.72 ERA and 106 strikeouts over 92 innings. Coming off a loss, he's gone 2-1 in June with a 3.81 ERA over 26 innings. 

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber earned his third consecutive win Saturday against the Twins, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out four in 5 2/3 innings.

Kluber (6-4) will bring a 3.68 ERA into Thursday's start against the Orioles.