MLB Player News

Astros starter Collin McHugh did not have the greatest of outings on Tuesday night, but he was given ample run support and was able to survive for his 12th win of the season. McHugh went five innings, allowing five runs on seven hits in the 10-5 win over the Angels. The right-hander displayed poor control, walking four while striking out three on the night. He threw just 58 of his 93 pitches for strikes.

McHugh (12-5, 4.43 ERA) gave up two runs in the first and two runs in the second before allowing a solo home run to Chris Iannetta in the third inning. But the Astros' offense was able to rally each of those innings, and McHugh left the game with his club leading 6-5. 

It was a rough start for McHugh, but he won his third straight start, and owns a 4.16 ERA over his past five outings.

New Athletics right-hander Aaron Brooks will make his first start of the season on Saturday. Brooks was involved in the just-completed Ben Zobrist deal from the Royals. He'll toe the rubber on Saturday against the Indians.

Brooks made a pair of starts for the Royals in 2014. This year he has seen action out of the bullpen for Kansas City--two relief appearances to be exact. He has made 18 appearances (17 starts) at Triple-A Omaha. There he was 6-5 with a 3.71 ERA.

Having Brooks in the rotation will keep lefty Drew Pomeranz in the bullpen for now. It is not clear if this will be a permanent situation.

Mariners closer Carson Smith struggled for a second straight game Monday in a loss to Arizona.

Smith opened the 10th inning in a tie game with two walks and a hit-by-pitch sandwiched around a strikeout. He was removed, but a sacrifice fly scored the go-ahead run and tagged him with the loss.

He has allowed three runs and taken two defeats in his last two appearances.

White Sox closer David Robertson continued to be shaky in his role Monday night, but a three-run lead gave him some leeway.

Robertson retired the first two Red Sox at Fenway Park before trouble ensued. A walk, RBI single to Pablo Sandoval and another walk allowed the winning run to come to the plate. But Robertson induced Ryan Hanigan to ground out to secure his 22nd save.

The right-hander has given up two runs on three hits and three walks over his last three appearances.

Rays pitcher Brad Boxberger recorded the final three outs in the ninth inning to earn his 25th save of the season during Monday's 5-2 win over the Tigers.

Boxberger allowed one walk and struck out two batters during the outing. He has now converted 25 of his 27 save chances this season.

Mariners coaches believe deposed closer Fernando Rodney has been tipping his pitches before his delivery, per the Seattle Times, which is further reporting that he has been working to solve the problem.

Rodney has allowed at least one earned run in six of his last eight appearances and has lifted his ERA on the season to 5.90.

The Rangers recalled pitcher Phil Klein from Triple-A on Monday, the team announced. Klein produced a 8.25 ERA over 12 innings in two stints earlier this season.

To make room for Klein, the team optioned pitcher Anthony Bass to Triple-A. He has a 4.35 ERA over 51 2/3 innings this season.

Athletics starting pitcher Kendall Graveman lasted just 1 1/3 innings in an ugly loss to the Giants on Sunday.

Graveman allowed four runs on seven hits while picking up his seventh loss of the season. His command was spotty as he gave up two walks and struck out just two batters.

Graveman dropped to 6-7 with the loss. He has a 4.13 ERA with 57 strikeouts and 32 walks in 89 1/3 innings this season.

Bob Melvin has declared that the scheduled start Wednesday for Athletics left-hander Drew Pomeranz has been scratched. Jesse Chavez will likely toe the rubber instead against the host Dodgers, per MLB.com, since he will be on his regular rest.

Pomeranz tossed two shutout innings Sunday, throwing 33 pitches. That appearance cost him the start.

A poor performance by Mariners closer Carson Smith on Saturday has Lloyd McLendon a bit concerned about workload. The manager has vowed not to overwork the rookie.

The appearance was his third in three days and fourth in five. He pitched hitless ball in the other three, but allowed two runs without retiring a batter Saturday.

"My belief is you try to protect young relievers," McLendon told MLB.com. "You try not to pitch them more than three days in a row, and you see how the ball's coming out. Obviously we don't want him to go out and throw 80 innings. That's not going to happen."

Smith has saved nine games in 10 opportunities and owns a 2.21 ERA.