MLB Player News

Varland (3-1) was credited with the win Tuesday against the Phillies after giving up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter in the ninth inning.

Varland was brought out for the ninth with the game tied at 1-1, but he gave up just his second run of the season on a two-out RBI double to Bryson Stott. Luckily for Varland, that was the only run he gave up in the inning, and he came away with the win after the Blue Jays scored two runs in the bottom of the frame, capped up off by a walk-off single from Brandon Valenzuela. Varland now sits at a 0.50 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 46:10 K:BB across 35.2 innings this season and has converted all 11 of his save opportunities.

Rutschman has been battling left hamstring tightness over the past few days, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Rutschman has been held out of the Orioles' last two games, and manager Craig Albernaz said after Tuesday's contest that the 28-year-old backstop has been dealing with a hamstring issue. The team is considering him day-to-day for now, so a trip to the injured list doesn't appear imminent, though Sam Huff could receive another start or two behind the plate while Rutschman and Samuel Basallo (wrist) recover from their respective injuries.

Isbel was removed from Tuesday's game against the Rangers due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

Isbel had gone 1-for-2 with a walk before his foot forced him out of the game in the seventh inning. His injury could require him to spend time on the injured list, though the club hasn't confirmed anything just yet. Lane Thomas and Tyler Tolbert would be next in line to pick up starts in center field during any games Isbel has to miss.

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.

Mayer went 1-for-3 with a two-run double during Boston's 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

Mayer brought the Red Sox to within one run after his groundball in the eighth inning ricocheted off first base, resulting in a double that brought home both Caleb Durbin and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Mayer has had an up-and-down season at the plate but has gone 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI through the first two games of the series against the Rays.

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.

Vilade went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored during the Rays' 4-3 win over the Red Sox on Tuesday.

Vilade crossed home in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Cedric Mullins, the first run for the Rays in Tuesday's win. It was the seventh multi-hit game of the season for Vilade, two of which have come over his last four games. He's in the midst of a six-game hitting streak, and over that span he has gone 9-for-21 (.429) with a steal, five RBI and three extra-base hits.

Baker earned the save in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Red Sox after tossing a perfect ninth inning.

Baker was brought in to close things out for a second straight night, and he needed just 13 pitches (seven strikes) to do so Tuesday. He's converted seven straight save opportunities, and his 18 saves are tied with Mason Miller for second most in the majors behind Cade Smith (21). Given that he's come out of the bullpen in two consecutive games, it's unlikely that Baker will be deployed for Wednesday's series finale against Boston.

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.