MLB Player News

Cease did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Phillies, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out 11 across six innings.

Cease was activated from the 15-day injured list prior to Tuesday's start after fully recovering from a strained hamstring. He got off to a slow start by yielding a run in the first, but that was the only blemish in what was a sensational return for Cease, who tied a career high with 29 whiffs. It was the fourth time this season that the right-hander struck out at least 10 batters, and he was still throwing his fastball at 98 mph in the sixth inning. Cease's return is a welcome one for a Blue Jays team that is knocking on the door for the last spot in the American League Wild Card race. He's lined up to face the Red Sox at Fenway Park next week.

Tolle (3-3) took the loss against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, allowing four runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out three across six innings.

Tolle allowed at least three baserunners in three of his six innings, with three of the runs he yielded coming on three straight hits in the fourth. He pitched into the sixth and was one out away from his sixth quality start of the season, but those hopes were dashed by an RBI single from Richie Palacios. The nine hits are the most Tolle has allowed in a major-league start, and the 23-year-old southpaw sits at a 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 54:14 K:BB across 53.1 innings this season. He's lined up to face the Blue Jays at Fenway Park next week.

Martinez (6-2) earned the win against the Red Sox on Tuesday, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out two across seven innings. He did not issue a walk.

Martinez was efficient through his first seven innings, yielding just one run while tossing only 67 pitches. He was brought back out for the eighth inning and proceeded to give up three straight hits, including a two-run double to Marcelo Mayer, before being pulled. Still, Martinez came away with his eighth quality start of the season, four of which have come over his last five starts. He'll take a 2.43 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 77.2 innings into his next start, which is slated for next week on the road against the Dodgers.

Skubal (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Skubal struck out six batters in five innings during his rehab start at High-A West Michigan on Sunday, and he said Tuesday that he hasn't had any problems recovering from his appearance. He added that he expects things to go well during his bullpen session Wednesday, and if the Tigers are satisfied with his performance, it could be the final hurdle in his recovery from left elbow surgery. Skubal typically throws a bullpen session three days before he's scheduled to start, so he would be lined up to make his return Saturday against the Guardians in Cleveland.

Mize (adductor) tossed five innings, allowing one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five during his rehab start with Single-A Lakeland on Tuesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Mize was making what could be his first and last start during his minor-league rehab assignment, notching 36 strikes over 55 total pitches. The right-hander appears to be on track toward being activated from the 15-day injured list when first eligible Sunday in Cleveland.

The Athletics recalled Estes from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Estes has accumulated a 5.95 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 59 innings (12 starts) at Triple-A this season, but he'll be welcomed back into the majors as the replacement on the active roster for Kade Morris, who was optioned to Las Vegas. Though the demotion of Morris creates a void in the big-league rotation, it's unclear if Estes will be the top choice to fill the open spot. Along with Estes, Mason Barnett is a candidate to join the rotation after striking out seven over four shutout innings of long relief in his most recent appearance Friday in Houston. With an off day on tap Thursday, the Athletics could get by without a fifth starter until next week, so Estes will likely be available out of the bullpen for at least the next couple of games.

The Athletics optioned Morris to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Morris gave up nine earned runs in just four innings during his MLB debut Saturday, and he'll now be sent back down to the minors in favor of Joey Estes. Morris owns a 4.45 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 60.2 innings at Las Vegas and could rejoin the A's at some point later this summer if he gets back on track with the Aviators.

Kochanowicz will undergo Tommy John surgery, Erica Weston of Bally Sports West reports.

Kochanowicz landed on the injured list Sunday due to right elbow inflammation, and an MRI revealed Tuesday that he suffered a torn UCL. The procedure will bring his season to an early end and force him to miss most, if not all, of the 2027 campaign as well.

The Royals activated Kolek from the family medical emergency list Tuesday.

Kolek was away from the club for a few days while tending to a personal matter, but he's back in time to start Tuesday's contest at home versus the Rangers. The right-hander has logged a 3.32 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB over 38 innings covering six starts for Kansas City this season.

Toronto activated Cease (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday's game against the Phillies, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

After landing on the IL with a strained hamstring May 25, Cease will rejoin the Blue Jays' rotation having made one rehab start at Triple-A. Before landing on the IL, the 30-year-old recorded a 3.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 92:26 K:BB in 62 innings. Toronto will send down Adam Macko to Triple-A Buffalo in order to make room for Cease on the active roster.