MLB Player News

Melton did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Giants, allowing one unearned run on four hits and one walk while striking out five over six innings.

Melton threw 60 of his 92 pitches for strikes and generated 14 whiffs while never facing more than four batters in an inning. He held San Francisco scoreless through six frames before returning for the seventh and issuing a leadoff walk to Rafael Devers, prompting his exit. Melton watched from the dugout as a run eventually scored on an error. The right-hander hasn't allowed an earned run across his last three starts (20 innings) and owns a 3-0 record with a 0.64 ERA since the beginning of July. Through 80 innings this season, Melton boasts a stellar 1.46 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 69:24 K:BB. He's tentatively scheduled to face the White Sox on Saturday.

Varsho went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Padres.

Varsho's first homer as an Astro put them ahead 2-0 in the top of the second inning. His blast was the last baserunner Houston would have in the game, as San Diego's pitching staff retired the next 22 batters in order. Varsho has gone 3-for-21 with a 4:5 BB:K across his first six contests with his new team after he was dealt from Toronto at the trade deadline. On the year, the outfielder is batting .237 with a .675 OPS, eight homers, 28 RBI, 41 runs scored, 19 doubles, two triples and 10 stolen bases through 105 games.

Javier (1-3) allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out two over five innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Padres.

Javier threw 62 of 86 pitches for strikes, but he was a little too hittable on some occasions. Fernando Tatis' three-run blast in the fourth inning was the difference, and Jackson Merrill had a solo shot in the second. Javier has allowed seven runs over 11 innings in his last two starts after pitching five scoreless innings in relief against the Angels on July 27. Javier has a 6.68 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 25:16 K:BB through 10 outings (six starts) this season. Assuming he stays in the rotation, he's tentatively projected to make his next appearance at home versus the Mariners.

Rocker (4-9) took the loss Sunday against the Orioles, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over three innings.

Rocker was in trouble from the outset, surrendering four hits and two runs in the first inning before Colton Cowser and Pete Alonso homered in the second. In the fourth, Rocker walked the leadoff batter, prompting his exit. Sunday was his shortest start since lasting two innings against Detroit on May 2. It marked the right-hander's third outing this season allowing at least six earned runs. Rocker now owns a 4.46 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 103:42 K:BB across 111 innings and will look to rebound in his next scheduled start Friday against the Athletics.

Vargas went 1-for-3 with a double, a run scored and two walks Sunday against the Guardians.

Vargas earned a one-out walk in the third inning and was able to come around to score, accounting for his key production in Sunday's win. He has hit just .195 since the All-Star break but has still found ways to be productive by hitting three home runs and scoring 14 runs across 22 games.

Povich did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Rangers, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over three innings.

Povich opened with two scoreless frames while Baltimore's offense spotted him a five-run lead, but he couldn't maintain the momentum. After allowing a hit and a walk in the third, he surrendered a three-run homer to Brandon Nimmo that accounted for all of the damage against him. The outing was a stark contrast to his first start since returning to the rotation, when he delivered six scoreless innings. Through 28.1 major-league innings this season, Povich owns a 4.45 ERA with a 21:10 K:BB. He's currently slated to start Saturday against the Rays, though Chris Bassitt's (back) impending return from the injured list could alter those plans.

Doyle went 2-for-5 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base Sunday against the Guardians.

Doyle started his fourth game since joining the White Sox at the trade deadline, all of which have come against lefties. He had a strong showing Sunday, performing well out of the leadoff spot. Doyle led off the home half of the first inning with a single and stolen base before coming around to score. He looks to be locked into a small-side platoon for the time being, but Doyle's recent change of scenery could prove to be beneficial.

Taillon is listed as the Blue Jays' probable starting pitcher for Monday's game against the Red Sox at Rogers Centre.

After being acquired from the Cubs on Aug. 2, Taillon made his Blue Jays debut three days later and took a no-decision against the Astros, allowing three earned runs on six hits and two walks over four innings. The 34-year-old should be able to stick around in the rotation until one of Trey Yesavage (knee) or Spencer Arrighetti (foot) are activated from the injured list, but Taillon has offered little reason to get inspired about his fantasy prospects. Over 16 starts this season, he's surrendered a whopping 26 home runs in 80 innings and has supplied a 5.96 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 72:29 K:BB.

Montgomery went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run Sunday against the Guardians.

Montgomery delivered the key blow in the game with his home run, breaking a 2-2 tie in the third inning. That marked his third long ball since the All-Star break and 26th of the season. While he has struggled to find his groove at the plate since mid-July, Montgomery now has three multi-RBI showings in his last nine starts.

Helsley (elbow) said Sunday that he's about a week into his throwing program but is likely a couple of weeks away from getting back on a mound, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reports.

On the shelf for the second time this season due to a right elbow injury, Helsley looks like he'll be eased along slowly during his rehab program. He's expected to gradually increase his throwing distance off flat ground for the next two weeks before he begins throwing bullpen sessions. After that, Helsey will then need to resume facing hitters and complete a rehab assignment before potentially making his return to the Baltimore bullpen. Given the multiple hurdles Helsley still needs to clear, he doesn't appear likely to make it back from the 60-day injured list until at least early September.