MLB Player News

The Rays are expected to recall Alexander from Triple-A Durham prior to Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays and have him serve as a bulk reliever, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Shawn Armstrong is slated to open the game for Tampa Bay, but he's likely to be limited to one or two innings before handing the ball over to Alexander. The 30-year-old southpaw is back with the big club for the first time since late May, as he was demoted to Durham after turning in a 6.19 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 48:13 K:BB in 56.2 innings with the Rays. With Jeffrey Springs (elbow) closing in on a return from the 60-day injured list, Alexander likely won't be in line for an extended stay in the Tampa Bay rotation.

Boyd (elbow) struck out five over four innings while giving up one earned run on four hits and no walks in his rehab start Sunday with Double-A Akron.

After covering three innings in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League in his first rehab start during the All-Star break, Boyd bypassed a couple of levels to make his second start in the Eastern League. The veteran southpaw once again impressed Sunday, needing 52 pitches (41 strikes) to get through four frames while inducing eight swinging strikes. Boyd will likely need at least two or three more rehab outings to get fully stretched out for starting duty, but he thus far seems to have had a smooth recovery from his June 2023 Tommy John surgery. Once he completes his rehab assignment and gets activated from the 15-day injured list, Boyd could fill the No. 5 spot in the Cleveland rotation, which has been a bit of a revolving door of late.

Curry is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Tigers in Cleveland.

Curry will enter the rotation as a replacement for Spencer Howard, who took the hill the last time the Guardians required a fifth starter July 11. Howard has since been designated for assignment, but Curry may prove to be just a stopgap in the rotation until Matthew Boyd (elbow) returns from the injured list, or until the Guardians see enough improvement at Triple-A Columbus from struggling starters Triston McKenzie or Logan Allen to bring either back to the big leagues. Curry has previously made three starts for Cleveland this season, turning in a 5.68 ERA and 8:3 K:BB in 12.2 innings over those outings.

Gomber allowed four runs on six hits and a walk over 5.2 innings in a no-decision Monday. He struck out five during the extra-innings win over the Red Sox.

Gomber worked through four scoreless frames before unraveling in the fifth inning. The Red Sox piled on four runs that inning, highlighted by Jamie Westbrook's three-run shot. Gomber has allowed at least four runs in seven of his last eight starts, resulting in an ugly 7.01 ERA during that span. In 11 outings before that stretch, he owned a 3.06 ERA, but the recent struggles have pushed that up to 4.70 for the year. Gomber's next outing is lined up to be in San Francisco.

Houck allowed four runs on 10 hits and three walks over six innings in a no-decision Monday. He struck out two during the extra-innings loss against the Rockies.

Colorado scored all four runs against Houck during the third inning, starting with a two-run shot by Charlie Blackmon. It was the second time Houck gave up double-digit hits this season and first since April 12. Despite the poor outing, he still owns an impressive 2.71 ERA with a 114:29 K:BB through 123 innings this season. Houck's been less efficient as of late, posting a 4.50 ERA with a lackluster 25:14 K:BB over his last six outings. His next start is lined up to be at home against the Yankees.

Atlanta sent Waldrep (elbow) to the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment.

Waldrep is ready for game action after missing more than a month with right elbow inflammation. The young right-hander will eventually move his assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett, and he seems likely to stay there once he's activated from the 15-day injured list, unless Atlanta has an opening in its rotation. Waldrep surrendered 13 runs with a 3:8 K:BB over seven innings in his first two big-league starts before landing on the IL.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo confirmed Monday that Montgomery (knee) will return from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday against Kansas City, MLB.com reports.

Montgomery has been working his way back since experiencing right knee soreness June 29 and landing on the IL a few day slater. The left-hander threw a string of bullpen sessions and simulated game in preparation for Tuesday's start.

Snell allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings in a no-decision versus the Dodgers on Monday.

Snell's scoreless streak ended when Teoscar Hernandez hit a solo home run in the fourth inning, and the Dodgers' outfielder added a second run off the lefty with an RBI single in the sixth. It was still Snell's second quality start in a row, and it's all the more impressive he was able to put in a good effort against a tough opponent. While his ERA is at 5.83 with a 1.37 WHIP and 46:19 K:BB over 41.2 innings, he's trending in the right direction now that he appears to be fully healthy. His next start is expected to come at home versus the Rockies.

Miller allowed three hits and struck out five without walking a batter over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Monday.

Miller hadn't pitched since July 10 due to the All-Star break, but he was sharp, throwing 62 of 94 pitches for strikes. This was his fifth scoreless outing of the year, as well as his third such effort of at least seven innings, but the Mariners' bullpen couldn't hold the lead he gave it. Miller is putting together a solid sophomore campaign with a 3.41 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 103:29 K:BB through 116 innings over 20 starts, though he's a bit unlucky to have just a 7-7 record. The 25-year-old's next start is projected to be another favorable matchup on the road versus the White Sox.

Anderson allowed a run on three hits and a walk while striking out eight over 5.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Monday.

Anderson pitched well but received no run support while he was in the game, though the Angels pulled ahead over the last two innings. The southpaw didn't exceed seven strikeouts in any of his first 17 outings this year, but he's done so twice in three July starts. For the season, he's at a 2.91 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 89:48 K:BB through 123.2 innings. Anderson's next start is projected to come at home versus the Athletics.