MLB Player News

Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander, who was scheduled to start Wednesday, was pushed back a day in the rotation following Tuesday's rainout. Instead, he'll start Thursday against Kansas City.

Verlander went 2-0 with a 4.11 ERA in four starts against the Royals last season.

Indians pitcher Corey Kluber, who was to start Wednesday, was bumped from his turn in the rotation due to Tuesday's postponed game. Instead, Zach McAllister will start Wednesday against the White Sox, and Kluber could go Monday at Kansas City.

The right-hander, who has yet to make a start, has allowed a run and five hits in five innings in two appearances.

With Rick Porcello struggling for the Tigers, it might be time to consider adding Drew Smyly.

Porcello's strong spring gives credence to the notion that spring stats should not be trusted. While Porcello is not as bad as he's pitched thus far, his 6.25 FIP indicates he's still been pretty awful. Smyly, on the other hand, had a pretty strong rookie season in 2012. He struck out nearly a batter per inning and limited walks effectively.

It's tough to chase wins in Fantasy, but given how the Tigers are expected to perform, Smyly might pick up his fair share of wins in the rotation. If he gets a slot in the rotation, he might be worth a shot in mixed leagues.

White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana is looking to continue his hot start this season.

Quintana will face off against the Indians, a team he has already pitched well against this season. In Quintana's second start of the year, he threw seven scoreless innings against Cleveland, allowing only one hit. The White Sox could not score for Quintana, and he was saddled with the no-decision. Quintana is one of the most added players in Fantasy leagues, and should see his ownerships levels rise with another good start.

Cleveland starter Justin Masterson got back to winning on Monday night in Chicago. After taking his first loss in his last turn, Masterson held the White Sox in check. 

The ace of the Indians' staff went seven innings and allowed two runs to improve to 4-1. He gave up four hits and walked four batters with five strikeouts. Masterson threw 100 pitches. 

After allowing just one earned run over his first three starts, spanning 22 innings, Masterson surrendered four in his last outing against Boston to suffer the loss. He rebounded Monday and his ERA is outstanding at 1.85. 

Masterson will search for his fifth victory when he next takes the ball Sunday in Kansas City. 

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels gave some positive news regarding injured pitcher Martin Perez (wrist) Monday, ESPN reports. 

Perez will throw Tuesday and could get to extended spring training this week if all goes well. 

"Based on how he feels there, he can go on a rehab assignment after that," Daniels said. 

The series opener between the visiting Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins was postponed Monday because of poor weather and will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Tuesday. Since April 14, the Twins have had four of their scheduled eight games postponed because of weather conditions.

The two teams are expected to keep their rotation intact for the doubleheader with Miami's Ricky Nolasco (0-2) and Minnesota's Kevin Correia (1-1) -- Monday's probables -- scheduled to pitch Tuesday.

The million-dollar question in Detroit is how much longer can Tigers manager Jim Leyland continue to keep Rick Porcello in the rotation and Drew Smyly in the bullpen? I feel, which I'm sure many Fantasy owners and pundits do as well, it can't be much longer. 

While Porcello had a stellar spring, edging out Smyly for the final spot in the rotation, he's been pretty awful since the regular season began, while Smyly has continued to carry over his hot spring.

I certainly urge Fantasy owners to consider adding Smyly if you are in need of a starting pitcher and have a spot on your bench. He has the potential to be an impact Fantasy arm if given the chance to start.

Corey Kluber will make Wednesday's start for the Indians in place of the injured Brett Myers, the club announced Sunday.

Myers hit the disabled list Sunday with a forearm injury. Kluber was called up as bullpen reinforcements when Michael Bourn hit the disabled list with a hand injury. He'll move into the rotation until Myers returns.

Kluber started 12 games for Cleveland in 2012 with a 5.14 ERA and 3.0 K/BB.

Houston recalled left-handed pitcher Brett Oberholtzer from Triple-A Oklahoma City Sunday, MLB.com reports. In the corresponding roster move the Astros sent pitcher Dallas Keuchel back to Triple-A. 

Oberholtzer, who will pitch in relief like Keuchel did during his time in Houston, has made three starts for Oklahoma City. He's gone 0-2 with a 9.49 ERA. 

Keuchel appeared in four games for Houston and had a 3.38 ERA over 10 2/3 innings.