MLB Player News

Smyly is not certain to start Friday against the Cardinals, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The 34-year-old lefty was used in bulk relief, with Michael Fulmer operating as the Cubs' opener, on what would have been Smyly's last turn through the rotation July 22 versus St. Louis. It sounds like manager David Ross is considering doing something similar for Friday's game at Busch Stadium. Smyly has posted a brutal 9.86 ERA over his last 21 innings (four starts, one relief appearance) dating back to June 28.

Lively (4-6) took the loss Wednesday, allowing two runs on eight hits over 6.2 innings against the Brewers. He struck out three without issuing a walk.

Lively held Milwaukee off the board for six innings until Tyrone Taylor snapped a scoreless tie in the seventh with a two-run homer, sticking the right-hander with the loss. The 31-year-old Lively has been solid of late, pitching to a 3.23 ERA over his last six outings (30.2 innings), although he's earned just one win in that span. His ERA is down to 3.76 with a 1.21 WHIP and 62:17 K:BB across 11 starts (67 innings) this season. Lively's next start is tentatively lined up for next week against the Cubs.

Peralta did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing four hits over six scoreless innings against the Reds. He struck out 13.

Peralta was dominant against the Reds, matching a career high with 13 strikeouts, but he was ultimately stuck with a no-decision as the Brewers were held off the scoreboard until the seventh inning. Still, it was certainly an encouraging performance from Peralta after he allowed six runs in his last start against Atlanta. The 27-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 4.46 with a 1.25 WHIP and 131:43 K:BB across 20 starts (109 innings) this season. Peralta will look to build on Wednesday's outing in his next start, currently lined up for next week in Washington.

Sandoval will start the second game of Thursday's doubleheader at Detroit, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Sandoval had been scheduled to pitch Wednesday, but the game was postponed due to inclement weather around Comerica Park. Shohei Ohtani is being moved up to pitch the opener of Thursday's twin bill and then Sandoval will handle the nightcap.

The Red Sox will meet Wednesday to discuss which role Houck (face) will fill upon his return, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Manager Alex Cora stated that his preference would be to get Houck back sooner in a relief role but also acknowledged the club is in need of rotation help. What role the Red Sox decide on for Houck will determine how he's used on a rehab assignment. Houck has been sidelined since undergoing a procedure in late June to repair facial fractures.

The Red Sox will discuss Wednesday which role Whitlock (elbow) fills upon his return, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Manager Alex Cora said he would prefer to have Whitlock back "as soon as possible," which would point to a relief role. However, the skipper also pointed out that the team is in need of rotation help. The decision could boil down to what, if any, kind of pitching help the Red Sox acquire at the trade deadline. Whitlock has been out since early July with a bone bruise in his right elbow.

Clevinger (biceps) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday's game against the Guardians, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Clevinger cleared the final hurdle in his rehab program with a four-inning simulated game Monday and has recovered without any issues. He'll skip a minor-league rehab assignment and rejoin the Chicago rotation right away despite missing more than six weeks of action with right biceps inflammation.

Sale (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday if he gets through Thursday's live batting practice session with no issues, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The live BP session will come after Sale completed another bullpen session over the weekend. The Red Sox have discussed the possibility of bringing the left-hander back early and have him build back up at the big-league level, so it's possible he could make just the one rehab start. Sale has been out since early June with a stress reaction in his left scapula.

Ryan (9-7) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks over 3.2 innings against Seattle. He struck out seven.

It was a rough day for Ryan, but it could've been even worse, as he managed to still rack up seven strikeouts in only 3.2 innings. Ryan's struggled to a 7.58 ERA in four starts (19 innings) since the All-Star break, though he's struck out 34 in that span. The 27-year-old Ryan's ERA is now up to 4.06 with a 1.09 WHIP and 148:24 K:BB across 21 starts (122 innings) this season. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, currently lined up for next week in St. Louis.

Miller (7-3) earned the win Wednesday, allowing six runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings against the Twins. He struck out seven.

It wasn't Miller's best outing on paper, but he got just enough run support in the 7-6 win while racking up his highest strikeout total since he punched out 10 in his major-league debut in May. The 24-year-old Miller had allowed just one run in his previous two starts (10.1 innings) out of the All-Star break. His ERA now sits at 3.96 with a 1.00 WHIP and 71:15 K:BB across 14 starts (75 innings) this season. He's lined up for a home start next week against the Red Sox.