MLB Player News

Kikuchi (5-9) picked up the win Wednesday against the Rangers, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight in 5.1 innings.

Kikuchi was sharp Wednesday, tallying eight strikeouts while allowing just one extra-base hit -- a solo home run by Marcus Semien in the sixth inning. The southpaw has been excellent in his first two starts in an Astros uniform, pitching to a 3.27 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with an impressive 19 strikeouts in 11 innings. Kikuchi remains somewhat volatile due to his high walk rate -- the 33-year-old has issued multiple free passes in each of his past five starts, failing to pitch six innings in any of those appearances -- but overall he's one of the more underrated arms in the league. He is currently scheduled for a road start in Tampa Bay early next week.

Urena (3-7) took the loss Wednesday against the Astros, allowing two earned runs on six hits and three walks in four innings. He did not record a strikeout.

Urena was fortunate to escape with only two earned runs allowed as he put multiple baserunners on in each of the first three frames. He stranded seven runners with the help of two double plays. The 32-year-old failed to record a strikeout Wednesday and has now registered a paltry four punchouts over his last three appearances (12.1 innings). During that span, the right-hander owns an ugly 7.30 ERA, 2.64 WHIP and 4:3 K:BB. With Max Scherzer (fatigue) out until at least Aug. 15, Urena could make another start for the short-handed Rangers. If he does stick around in the rotation, Urena will likely face off against the Red Sox early next week.

The Mariners optioned Marlowe to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

Marlowe has appeared in eight games since making his MLB debut July 23, going 2-for-8 with a walk and a run scored. He'll now be sent back to the minors, as the Mariners will opt to boost their infield depth by recalling Ryan Bliss from Tacoma.

The Mariners recalled Bliss from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday.

Bliss has been on a hot streak since he returned to Triple-A in late July, slashing .308/.373/.538 with three homers and 12 RBI across 12 games. He'll now rejoin the MLB squad to give Seattle additional infield depth, replacing Cade Marlowe, who was optioned to Tacoma in a corresponding move.

Rice isn't in the Yankees' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Angels.

Rice went 0-for-2 with two walks and a run scored during the Yankees' victory in Game 1, and he'll now sit down for the second half of Wednesday's twin bill. DJ LeMahieu will get the starting nod at first base instead and bat eighth.

Wells isn't in the Yankees' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Angels.

Wells will take a seat to begin Wednesday's nightcap after going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a walk during a victory in Game 1. Carlos Narvaez will start behind the plate instead and bat ninth.

Calhoun isn't in the Angels' lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Yankees.

After going 1-for-2 and drawing two walks during a loss in Game 1, Calhoun will take a seat for the second half of Wednesday's twin bill. His absence will move Logan O'Hoppe into the DH spot while Matt Thaiss starts behind the plate.

Rendon isn't in the Angels' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Rendon went 2-for-3 with a walk during Game 1, and he'll now take a seat on the bench to conclude Wednesday's activities. Charles Leblanc will take over at the hot corner and bat eighth while Rendon rests.

Drury isn't in the Angels' lineup for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Drury went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk during a loss in Game 1, and he'll now take a seat to begin the nightcap. Michael Stefanic will draw the start at the keystone and bat ninth.

The Yankees recalled Warren from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ahead of his start in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Angels.

Warren will work as the Yankees' 27th man Wednesday, and he'll most likely be sent back to Triple-A after making his start in the nightcap. The 25-year-old righty surrendered four earned runs in 5.1 innings during his only other start in the majors this season, and he owns a 6.11 ERA across 20 starts in the minors.