MLB Player News

Fleming is expected to pitch behind opener Collin McHugh in Monday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming was hit hard in Wednesday's start, as he allowed 10 runs on 11 hits and six walks while striking out three in 3.1 innings against Boston. The southpaw has still earned wins in two of his last three outings, and he'll attempt to bounce back while serving as the primary pitcher Monday.

McHugh will serve as the opener in Monday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

McHugh has earned wins in two of his last three relief appearances, and he's allowed just one unearned run with a 43:4 K:BB and 0.70 WHIP in 30 innings across his last 15 appearances. The right-hander will be able to handle multiple innings if needed, but Josh Fleming is expected to serve as the primary pitcher.

Ottavino was removed from Sunday's win over the Orioles with a bruised left shoulder, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Ottavino entered for the seventh inning and hit a batter, induced an infield pop-out and issued a walk before being struck in the left shoulder by a comebacker. A run scored as the ball ricocheted into right field, and he was subsequently removed from the contest. It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, and the veteran right-hander will have Monday's scheduled off day to recover before potentially missing additional game action.

Taylor (undisclosed) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

It's unclear whether Taylor tested positive for the virus or if he's a close contact, but he'll be away from the team until he clears the health and safety protocols. Connor Wong was recalled from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.

Harvey (lat) began throwing to hitters in Sarasota on Saturday, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Harvey has been rehabbing with the Orioles' Florida Complex League team since mid-July. He still hasn't appeared in a game at a lower level, although it's unclear if he'll need much game action before rejoining the big-league roster. It appears the right-hander's most recent timeline of returning by Monday will end up being pushed back a bit longer.

Zimmermann (biceps) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Sunday with a sprained right ankle.

The left-hander has been sidelined the past two months by biceps tendinitis but was poised to rejoin Baltimore's rotation Sunday, but the ankle sprain will extend his absence. Zimmermann has already been out 60-plus days and can be activated from the IL at any point, though it's unclear how much longer he's expected to be sidelined after suffering the sprained ankle.

Fulmer (5-4) earned the win in relief Saturday against Cleveland after tossing a scoreless inning, allowing one walk and fanning two.

Fulmer needed just 14 pitches (eight strikes) to get the job done Saturday and now has tossed eight straight scoreless outings, a span in which he's also posted a strong 11:2 K:BB through 8.2 innings. The veteran has made just four starts this season but has worked almost exclusively out of the bullpen with strong results. He owns a 3.33 ERA with 53 strikeouts across 48.2 innings.

Hentges didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Tigers after allowing three runs on four hits while fanning three across two innings.

Hentges once again struggled to pitch deep into the game but that shouldn't be much of a surprise, as he has pitched at least five complete frames just twice across his 19 outings this season. He also ended a streak of three straight appearances allowing one or fewer runs. The southpaw now owns a 6.00 ERA with a 2.00 WHIP across four appearances this month.

Shaw (5-6) was tagged with the loss in relief Saturday against the Tigers after allowing two runs on three hits and a walk across one-third of an inning, fanning one.

Shaw pitched the eighth but wasn't effective, as he loaded the bases and gave up two runs before recording an out. This woeful performance ended a streak of seven straight scoreless outings for the right-hander.

Akin is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Red Sox, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Akin initially worked out of the bullpen when he was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Aug. 1, but he was moved into the rotation last week when Alexander Wells was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk. While picking up his ninth start of the season Tuesday versus the Tigers, Akin lasted only three innings while giving up six runs, inflating his season ERA to 8.23. Barring a dramatic turnaround Sunday versus a tough Boston offense, Akin likely won't be long for the Baltimore rotation, especially with Bruce Zimmermann (biceps/ankle) expected to return from the injured list in the near future.