MLB Player News

Gibson pitched six innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out four in Monday's loss to the Giants. He did not factor into the decision.

Gibson cruised through five scoreless innings before Wilmer Flores took him deep for a two-run shot in the top of the sixth frame, tying the game at 2-2. The three hits given up were his lowest in five starts and he has now rattled off three strong starts since surrendering six runs over 3.2 innings against the Dodgers on May 13. Over his last three outings, Gibson has posted a 3.24 ERA, lowering his season-long figure to 3.83 over 54 frames in 10 starts.

Kershaw (pelvis) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Per Ardaya, this marks the first time throwing off a mound for Kershaw since landing on the injured list with SI joint inflammation in mid-May. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Kershaw will likely toss one more bullpen session before progressing to a rehab assignment, assuming he avoids any setbacks over the next few days.

Valdez (5-2) earned the win Monday after he tossed a complete game, giving up one run on two hits and three walks while striking out seven against the Athletics.

Valdez was very effective Monday, notching 75 strikes on 115 pitches while tossing a season-high nine innings. The only blemish against him came in the bottom of the sixth frame when Ramon Laureano ripped an RBI single. Valdez has now compiled seven consecutive quality starts, producing a 2.02 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 38 strikeouts over that stretch. He'll look to keep the streak going when he toes the rubber next, tentatively lining up to face the Royals on Sunday.

Blackburn (5-1) was charged with the loss Monday after he pitched 6.2 innings, giving up four runs on five hits while striking out five versus the Astros.

Blackburn surrendered a solo home run to Yordan Alvarez in the top of the fourth and then three more runs in the fifth including a two-run homer by Jose Altuve. The four runs given up were a season high for the right-hander and the home runs were the first he's allowed since May 3, raising his total surrendered to three on the year. He had better strike zone command Monday, not walking a batter for the first time in four starts. The difficult outing raised Blackburn's season numbers to a still impressive 2.15 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with 41 strikeouts over 54.1 innings. He tentatively lines up to pitch again Saturday against the Red Sox.

Keuchel was placed on unconditional release waivers Monday.

Keuchel was designated for assignment Saturday, and it looks as though the White Sox won't attempt to keep him around as organizational depth, something the veteran lefty would have the right to refuse. He'll look for work on the open market, but there's unlikely to be much interest in a 34-year-old with a 7.88 ERA and an 88.2 mph fastball.

Cease was placed on the restricted list Monday ahead of the White Sox's three-game trip to Toronto.

The move indicates that Cease has declined get vaccinated against COVID-19 and has therefore made himself ineligible to cross the border into Canada. He wasn't going to pitch in this series anyway, as he'd just started Sunday against the Cubs, so he'll be able to rejoin his teammates prior to his next turn in the rotation.

Small was optioned to Triple-A Nashville following the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

Small made his major-league debut as the starter in Monday's matinee, and he allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four in 2.2 innings. While it wouldn't be surprising to see the southpaw claim a more permanent rotation spot at some point this year, he'll head back to Nashville, where he's posted a 1.88 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 38.1 innings over eight starts this year.

Civale (glute) underwent an MRI on Monday, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Civale threw a 35-pitch side session recently in hopes that he'll be able to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday. It's not yet clear whether the right-hander experienced a setback prior to Monday's MRI, but the next steps in his recovery process aren't likely to be revealed until the results of his examination are known.

Gray (pectoral) woke up sore Monday and may need a trip to the injured list, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Gray made it into the seventh inning of a strong start Sunday against the Royals before exiting with right pectoral soreness. The results of his MRI are not yet known, but Twins manager Rocco Baldelli appeared to be pessimistic about the righty's availability given that he remains sore. Whether or not he'd have to miss more than just two turns in the rotation if a trip to the injured list does wind up being required is not yet clear.

Greinke was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right flexor strain Monday.

Greinke was evaluated for a flexor injury following Sunday's start against Minnesota, and he'll land on the injured list after being diagnosed with a strain. The right-hander will be forced to miss at least a couple of turns through the rotation, but a timetable for his return isn't yet clear. The Royals haven't yet indicated who will step in as a starter during Greinke's absence.