MLB Player News

Marsh is scheduled to start the first game of Saturday's doubleheader with the Rays after Friday's series opener was postponed due to severe weather in Kansas City, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Though Marsh wasn't able to take the hill Friday with rain descending on Kauffman Stadium, he'll still end up starting the Royals' first game out of the All-Star break as originally planned. The rookie has turned in a 7.00 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB in nine innings through his first two big-league starts and may need to show improvement Saturday to earn additional turns through the Kansas City rotation.

Morton (10-6) allowed three hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings Friday, striking out four and earning a win over the White Sox.

Morton has given up one earned run or fewer in four of his last six outings, posting a terrific 1.77 ERA during that span. After going a month between wins earlier in the year, the veteran righty has been victorious in five consecutive starts. Morton will carry a 3.20 ERA into his next outing, which is currently scheduled to come at home against Arizona next week.

McClanahan (back) is slated to return from the 15-day injured list to start Monday's game against the Rangers at Globe Life Field, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

After landing on the IL on July 1 with mid-back tightness, McClanahan initially appeared poised to return when first eligible to start Sunday's series finale in Kansas City, but a rainout Friday nixed those plans. With a doubleheader Saturday creating a stretch of six games in five days, the Rays will call up Cooper Criswell from Triple-A Durham to take the hill for the second game of the twin bill and serve as a temporary sixth starter. As a result, McClanahan and all the other Rays' starting pitchers will be pushed back a day in the schedule. The southpaw will miss out on a more favorable matchup versus the 26-65 Royals and will instead make his return on the road against one of the majors' top offenses. On a positive note for fantasy managers, McClanahan will at least line up for two starts next week, with his second turn expected to come next weekend at home versus Baltimore.

Ashcraft (4-7) took the loss Friday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over six innings against the Brewers. He struck out two.

The right-hander was efficient and kept the ball on the ground, resulting in his third straight quality start, but he was outdueled by Corbin Burnes. Ashcraft has allowed a total of three earned runs over his last three starts spanning 18.2 innings after straying from his groundball ways and battling severe gopheritis in May and June. He should be considered a volatile option given the lack of whiffs. Up next is a home start against the Giants.

Burnes (8-5) earned the win Friday, allowing two hits and two walks over six scoreless innings against the Reds. He struck out 13.

At one point Burnes stepped off the mound and was evaluated by the medical staff, but he powered through whatever was ailing him and finished with his first double-digit strikeout performance of the season. The Milwaukee bullpen completed the shutout and brought the Brewers back into a tie for first in the NL Central. Burnes, who was told by GM Matt Arnold that he will not be traded at the deadline, now has a 3.73 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 115 strikeouts in 113.1 innings this season.

Kopech (3-8) allowed four runs on a hit and four walks in only two-thirds of an inning while taking a loss against Atlanta on Friday.

Kopech was activated from the injured list to make his first start since June 27 and immediately ran into trouble. He loaded the bases with no outs before serving up a grand slam to Matt Olson. Kopech has compiled a brutal 12:20 K:BB through 13 innings over his last four starts. He saw his season ERA climb to 4.47 with a league-leading 53 walks. Assuming his shoulder wasn't an issue Friday, Kopech is currently lined up for a road matchup with the Mets next week.

Turnbull (neck) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Saturday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

On the heels of another successful bullpen session Wednesday, Turnbull will advance to facing live hitters. He would appear to be closing in on a rehab assignment after needing a 60-day IL stint because of a neck issue, following a lost 2022 due to Tommy John surgery. Turnbull has struggled to a 7.26 ERA this season, but he's shown that he can be effective when healthy and the Tigers will presumably give him another chance to prove himself in the starting rotation.

Gilbert isn't projected to make a start this weekend against the Tigers, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Luis Castillo and George Kirby are confirmed for the first two games coming out of the All-Star break, and manager Scott Servais said the team will "likely" go with Bryce Miller (blister) on Sunday. In that case, Gilbert would be pushed back to make his first start of the second half Monday, at home against the Twins, followed by a second home start next weekend against the Blue Jays. Gilbert has posted a 3.05 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 33:8 K:BB over his last seven starts (44.1 innings).

Miller (finger) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday against the Tigers, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Miller hasn't pitched since June 30 after developing a blister on his right middle finger, but he'll end up returning from the IL in the minimum 15 days. Given the relative brevity of his absence, Miller shouldn't face any major workload restrictions in his return to the mound. The rookie has compiled a 5-3 record, 3.97 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 59 innings through his first 11 big-league starts.

Kluber (shoulder) is trending toward making his first rehab appearance July 21, Mike Monaco of ESPN reports.

He has been throwing bullpen sessions and has not pitched in a game since June 20. If he needs two rehab outings, Kluber could return by July 31. He had a 9.45 ERA and 1.95 WHIP in six June relief appearances.