MLB Player News

Pivetta didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's 11-6 win over the Yankees, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

Pivetta struggled early -- surrendering two runs in each of the first three innings -- and departed after putting two runners on in the fourth. Boston rallied to score the game's final nine runs and erase the 29-year-old from the ledger; however, Pivetta's now permitted 13 runs combined in his last two starts across nine innings, causing his ERA to inflate nearly a full run from 3.23 to 4.08. He's slated for a rematch against New York next weekend.

Leiter (2-4) allowed an unearned run on two hits while retiring one batter via strikeout to take the loss Sunday against the Dodgers.

The Cubs probably didn't plan on using Leiter, who tossed five innings as the starting pitcher Thursday against the Dodgers, but Sunday starter Drew Smyly lasted only two frames in the 11-9 loss, so the team had to scramble. Leiter became the first Chicago pitcher to start a game and appear in relief during the same series since Daniel Norris accomplished that last season, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. Leiter has made four starts and nine relief appearances so far this year, and he hasn't been particularly effective in either role, registering a 5.14 ERA across 35 innings. He's likely to stick in the bullpen moving forward now that the Cubs have returned both Smyly and Marcus Stroman from the injured list.

Howard is scheduled to start Monday's home game against the Athletics, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Texas previously listed Howard as its starter for Tuesday, but rather than being moved back a day in the pitching schedule, he'll take the hill on five days' rest for the Rangers' first game of the week. He earned his second turn through the rotation after he covered four frames while allowing four earned runs on six hits and two walks in an extra-inning loss to the Orioles on July 5. He likely won't have a long leash for a starting role, however, so Howard may need to turn in a pair of decent showings during the upcoming week to ensure he sticks in the rotation after the All-Star break. Following Monday's outing, Howard lines up to start the Rangers' penultimate game of the first half Saturday versus the Mariners.

Voth (1-1) allowed two runs on four hits and no walks while striking out six in five innings to earn the win over the Angels on Sunday.

Voth made his fifth start of the season Sunday and was rewarded with his first win as the Orioles put up eight runs between the fourth and fifth innings. Since joining the rotation, he's posted a 3.50 ERA in 18 innings, and his workload has increased over his last five outings. Baltimore has two days off next week, so Voth doesn't project to make another start until after the All-Star break.

Hendriks earned a save with a perfect inning against Detroit on Sunday.

Hendriks needed just nine pitches to quickly retired the Tigers in order and preserve the 4-2 lead. He's now thrown three perfect frames since returning from the injured list and Sunday was his first save since June 5. The 33-year-old righty lowered his season ERA to 2.51 with a 42:8 K:BB and 17 saves through 28.2 frames. Hendriks is riding a 13.1-inning scoreless streak dating back to May 16.

Scott walked one batter over a scoreless inning Sunday, striking out two and earning a save over the Mets.

Scott bounced back quickly after he blew a save and was tagged with a loss against the Mets on Saturday. He threw 11 of 19 pitches for strikes, and the lone blemish on his final line came in the form of a two-out walk to Mark Canha. Scott has now converted 12 of 15 save chances on the year, though two of those blown opportunities have come in his last five outings. He's sporting a 4.04 ERA with a 54:22 K:BB through 35.2 frames.

Graterol struck out one across two perfect innings to earn the save in Sunday's 11-9 win over the Cubs.

Julio Urias' two-inning start essentially made this a bullpen game for the Dodgers. Graterol was able to finish it off and successfully protect a two-run lead after David Price allowed a solo home run to Nelson Velazquez with no outs in the eighth inning. This was Graterol's first appearance since he exited his appearance Thursday with cramps in his side. The right-hander has a 3.35 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 35:10 K:BB while logging three saves, nine holds and a 2-3 record in 40.1 innings as the Dodgers' primary setup man to Craig Kimbrel. Graterol's scoreless streak is up to 7.2 innings.

Herget (shoulder) is slated to throw off a mound during the coming week, the Associated Press reports.

Herget was placed on the 15-day IL on June 22 with a right shoulder impingement. He wasn't expected to be out long, but the right-hander suffered a setback in the final days of June and was subsequently shut down. He now appears just about ready to resume mound work, which should put him on track to return to the big-league club shortly after the All-Star break.

Castillo allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Sunday.

Castillo performed well despite pitching on two days' rest after his relief outing July 7. He allowed a solo home run to Carlos Santana in the second inning, and the Mariners were able to scrape together two more runs in the fifth after an error by Vladimir Guerrero. This was Castillo's longest outing in the majors this year, and he may be a candidate to stretch out as a starter with Yusei Kikuchi (neck) out. Castillo owns a 2.30 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB across 15.2 major-league innings. The Blue Jays' fifth-starter spot comes up in the rotation next weekend in a home series against the Royals.

Wilson (hamstring) completed a bullpen session Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Wilson has been on the injured list since June 26 due to soreness in his hamstring and hip. The rookie reliever's absence isn't expected to be long term, and the fact that he was able to throw from a mound Friday suggests that he should be able to return shortly after the All-Star break. Wilson posted a 3.62 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB over 27.1 innings before going down with the injury.