MLB Player News

The Astros recalled Gordon from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday.

The 26-year-old will presumably step into the rotation spot vacated by Ronel Blanco (elbow), who was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday. The Astros don't currently have a starter listed for Sunday's home game versus the Mariners, so Gordon likely slot in to make a start that day, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The rookie lefty previously made two starts for the big club this season, giving up six earned runs while turning in a 10:2 K:BB across 9.2 innings.

The Astros placed Blanco on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to right elbow inflammation, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Blanco's first examination Wednesday revealed inflammation in his elbow, which was all the Astros needed to hear to put him on the shelf for at least the next 15 days. It's still unknown exactly how much time the 31-year-old will miss, but his upcoming meeting with a second doctor should help the team determine the next steps in Blanco's recovery.

Rodon (6-3) notched another win after throwing six shutout innings Thursday against the Rangers. He allowed just two hits and walked two batters while striking out eight.

In a game where the only offense of the day came via a Jorbit Vivas solo homer, Rodon turned in perhaps his best performance of the season. After Thursday's gem, he's now surrendered one or fewer runs in three of his last four starts, including two scoreless outings. The 32-year-old has struck out 28 batters over that four-game stretch and 80 for the season, which is tied for sixth in MLB.

Eovaldi (4-3) took the loss Thursday against the Yankees, throwing six innings and surrendering a walk, five hits and just one run while striking out six.

Eovaldi continues to defy Father Time and furthered a monster start to the season that's seen him give up just three earned runs across his past six starts. He may have come out on the wrong end of a pitcher's duel with Carlos Rodon on Thursday afternoon, but Eovaldi's season-long stats continue to sparkle as one of the bright spots for the up-and-down Rangers. After this outing, the 35-year-old ranks fifth in MLB with a 1.60 ERA and first with a 0.79 WHIP, among qualified starters.

Olson (finger) threw on flat ground Thursday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Thursday marks the first time Olson has done any sort of throwing since he landed on the injured list Monday due to inflammation in his right ring finger. The right-hander is confident he won't need to spend much more than the 15-day minimum on the IL, though he'll need to start throwing off a mound soon for that to be a realistic possibility.

Giolito will not pitch Thursday after Boston's game against Baltimore was postponed due to inclement weather.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Friday. Giolito will start the second of those games, while Brayan Bello will take the ball in the afternoon contest.

Povich and the Orioles won't play the Red Sox as scheduled Thursday, as the game was postponed due to rain.

The two clubs will make up Thursday's contest during a doubleheader Friday, and Povich will start the earlier of the two games, per Jake Rill of MLB.com. The 25-year-old lefty has already faced the Red Sox once this season, giving up three earned runs and punching out eight batters in 4.1 innings during his season debut March 31.

Rocker (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Friday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Rocker has been sidelined since late April with a right shoulder impingement but has been cleared for rehab games after getting through a live batting practice session earlier this week. He will need multiple rehab starts, assuming the Rangers intend to bring him back as a starting pitcher, but Grant raises the possibility that the club could accelerate Rocker's return by having him pitch in relief.

The Athletics recalled Duran from Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday.

Duran was with the big club briefly earlier this season but didn't make an appearance. He's collected a 7.71 ERA and 21:15 K:BB over 21 frames with Las Vegas and will be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.

The Guardians optioned Nikhazy to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

Nikhazy was available as the 27th man for Wednesday's doubleheader against the Twins but did not make an appearance. He will return to the rotation at Columbus, where he's posted a 4.99 ERA and 31:15 K:BB over 30.2 innings covering seven starts.