MLB Player News

Bibee (9-4) got the win Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits over six innings in a 8-4 victory over the Tigers. He struck out two without walking a batter.

Bibee got through the first six innings unscathed before getting into trouble and giving up two in the seventh. It was another quality start for the 25-year-old, and he has now allowed just three runs in three outings since the All-Star break. Bibee has paced the Guardians rotation this season with a 3.48 ERA over 121.2 innings. He's scheduled to face the Orioles next in a weekend series at Progressive Field.

The Blue Jays acquired Bloss, outfielder Joey Loperfido and infielder Will Wagner from the Astros on Monday in exchange for left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Bloss was scheduled to start for the Astros on Monday against the Pirates, but he was a late scratch due to his inclusion in the trade. He last pitched Tuesday, so he could slot into the Toronto rotation for its series this week in Baltimore. One of the Astros' top pitching prospects, Bloss had a 1.48 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 48.2 innings across his last nine minor-league starts, primarily at Double-A. He doesn't have dominant stuff, but Bloss has a deep pitch mix and throws strikes (5.5 percent walk rate in the majors).

The Astros acquired Kikuchi from the Blue Jays on Monday in exchange for outfielder Joey Loperfido, right-hander Jake Bloss and infielder Will Wagner, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Kikuchi will head to Houston after producing a disappointing 4.75 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 130 strikeouts over 115.2 innings in 22 starts with Toronto this season. The left-hander has struggled to a 6.87 ERA over his last 12 starts, but he'll look to get back on track with the Astros. Kikuchi will return to the AL West after spending the first three years of his major-league career with the Mariners from 2019 through 2021.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Monday that Gray (groin) could miss up to a month of action, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray tweaked his groin during warmups and had to be scratched from Sunday's scheduled start versus the Blue Jays before officially landing on the 15-day injured list Monday. It's not clear what grade the strain is, but it's evidently bad enough that the Rangers aren't expecting him back for several weeks. Dane Dunning, Jose Urena and Cody Bradford are options to fill Gray's rotation spot for now, but the Rangers are expected to get Tyler Mahle (elbow) back soon and Jacob deGrom (elbow) hopefully not long after that.

Bloss was scratched from his scheduled start Monday against the Pirates, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Bloss has made two starts for the Astros since being activated from the injured list July 11, covering eight innings while allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits and two walks. The Astros haven't provided an explanation for why Bloss was scratched from the start, and he may still be available out of the bullpen if Houston elects to have a reliever serve as its opening pitcher for the game.

The Blue Jays optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Rodriguez had seemingly earned some leash in the Blue Jays rotation with how well he had pitched lately, having come into Monday's start against the Orioles with a 2.01 ERA and 25:8 K:BB over 22.1 innings in his first four starts this month. However, he lasted only two-thirds of an inning against Baltimore, yielding four runs (three earned) on one hit, four walks and a hit-by-pitch. While that poor outing has cost Rodriguez his roster spot for now, he should be back with the big club in August.

Martin will move into the White Sox's starting rotation after Erick Fedde was traded to the Cardinals on Tuesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Martin made a 2.2-inning relief appearance Saturday versus the Mariners in what was his first outing at the big-league level since he had Tommy John surgery in May 2023. He was a starter prior to the elbow operation, and he made seven starts at Triple-A Charlotte before being called up Saturday, maxing out at four innings and 64 pitches. The White Sox will be careful with Martin's workload down the stretch, but he will be auditioning for a spot in the 2025 rotation.

The Rangers activated Bradford (rib/back) from the 60-day injured list Monday.

It's been a long recovery for Bradford, who landed on the injured list in April due to a lower-back strain and a stress fracture in his rib. He was finally able to begin a minor-league rehab assignment July 19, and he'll now rejoin Texas after striking out six batters across 5.2 scoreless innings over his three appearances in the minors. Bradford was included in the Rangers' season-opening rotation and went 3-0 with a 1.40 ERA in 19.1 innings over three starts before landing on the IL, but he's expected to work as a multi-inning relief option as he rejoins Texas. The Rangers will have an opening in the rotation this weekend versus the Red Sox after Jon Gray (groin) was placed on the IL, but Texas may be likelier to turn to Dane Dunning or Jose Urena to make a spot start.

The White Sox selected Toussaint's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Monday.

Toussaint was removed from the 40-man roster just before Opening Day but is back in the big leagues after delivering a 5.15 ERA and 49:39 K:BB over 50.2 innings in 17 appearances (eight starts) with Charlotte. He could make some starts and/or fill a long-relief role with Chicago.

The Rangers placed Gray on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right groin strain.

Gray was diagnosed with the groin strain upon being sent in for further imaging after he was scratched before the first inning of his scheduled start in Sunday's 7-3 loss to the Blue Jays when he experienced discomfort during pregame warmups. The right-hander had been in line to make his next turn through the rotation this upcoming weekend versus Boston, but the Rangers could have long relievers Dane Dunning or Jose Urena step in for a spot start. Cody Bradford (rib/back) was activated from the 60-day injured list and could also be an option to replace Gray in the rotation, if he isn't needed in the bullpen during the three-game series in St. Louis that begins Monday.