MLB Player News

Indians reliever John Axford slammed the door shut on the Royals Monday night for his seventh save of the season.

Axford needed just seven pitches as he retired the side in order to secure a 4-3 victory. He owns a 3.12 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP along with a 9:7 K:BB ratio over 8 2/3 innings pitched.

The Astros announced that pitcher Collin McHugh will make the start Tuesday night against the Mariners in Seattle. McHugh is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to the game. He owns a 4.50 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in four outings (two starts) for Oklahoma City.

Royals pitchers Tim Collins and Francisley Bueno are scheduled to throw in a simulated game on Tuesday, the Kansas City Star.

Collins is on the disabled list after experiencing inflammation around his flexor tendon. Bueno is on the disabled list due to a bone bruise on his sprained finger.

The Astros will recall pitcher Collin McHugh from Triple-A Oklahoma City Tuesday to replace Scott Feldman, who is headed to the disabled list with biceps tendinitis. McHugh has a 4.50 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in four outings (two starts) for Oklahoma City.

Athletics pitcher Jesse Chavez continued his strong start to the season with another dominant outing on Sunday, earning his first win of the season in his team's 4-1 victory over the Astros. The right-hander permitted one run on four hits and three walks while striking out six over six innings of work.

Chavez has allowed just one earned run in each of his first four starts. He owns a 1.38 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP with 28:5 K:BB ratio over 26 innings pitched. He will start again against the Astros, this time in Houston on Friday.

Angels pitcher Hector Santiago showed off his highs and lows Sunday against the Tigers. 

Santiago gave up just two hits, and managed to strike out seven batters during the appearance. The Angels made four errors during Santiago's start, which led to Santiago being charged with two unearned runs.

While Santiago was strong when he was in the strike zone, his usual control issues reared their head. He allowed five walks, and burned through 119 pitches in just 5 2/3 innings. Santiago didn't get much support from his offense, and saw his record drop to 0-3 with the loss. 

Santiago's next start will come at Yankees Stadium.

Indians reliever John Axford made things interesting before picking up his sixth save.

Axford entered the game with a two-run lead in the ninth, and struck out the first batter he faced on four pitches. After a single from Dioner Navarro, Axford managed to record the second out of the game. That's when things got interesting. Axford allowed another single to Melky Cabrera, and then walked Jose Bautista to load the bases.

With the bases loaded, Axford managed to get Edwin Encarnacion to ground out for the final out. Axford's ERA dropped to 3.52 after the appearance.

Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer lasted just 4 1/3 innings in his season debut Sunday against the Marlins, but he pitched well despite throwing just 63 pitches (36 strikes). The right-handed hurler allowed just one run on two hits and two walks, while striking out four.

Maurer began his afternoon with a strikeout of Christian Yelich in the first inning. He had 1-2-3 innings in the second, third and fourth innings.

Maurer ran into a bit of trouble in the fifth inning, however, and was lifted after Donovan Solano's RBI single with one out. Solano was the third straight runner to reach base. However, reliever Dominic Leone was able to strand both inherited runners after replacing Maurer.

The Mariners have an off-day Thursday, which means the team could skip Maurer in the rotation. If he is not skipped, then his next start will be Saturday against the Rangers.

Mariners pitcher Brandon Maurer has been called up for his start Sunday.

The move was expected, as Maurer's start had been known about for some time. James Jones was optioned to the minors in order to make room for Maurer. Maurer is making his season debut against the Marlins.

A pair of Royals relievers tossed side sessions Friday, as they continue their recoveries from injury. Tim Collins (elbow) and Francisley Bueno (hand) both threw their full complements of pitches, and manager Ned Yost told MLB.com he came away impressed with their progress.

"Collins felt great; Bueno still felt his finger on occasion on changeups, not fastballs or sliders," Yost said. "They're both making good progress."

 Both players are eligible to return from the disabled list Friday, though it is not clear if they will do so immediately.