MLB Player News

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday that Montero will be called up from Triple-A Toledo to pitch Wednesday against the Phillies, though it hasn't been decided whether the right-hander will start or work out of the bullpen as a primary pitcher, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old joined the Tigers ahead of Tuesday's contest and is set to make his second MLB appearance in Wednesday's series finale. Montero made his big-league debut in late May and surrendered four runs on five hits with five strikeouts across 4.1 innings.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Monday that McClanahan (elbow) has increased his throwing distance to 135 feet, MLB.com reports.

Cash noted that McClanahan is "doing well" in his recovery from his Aug. 21, 2023 Tommy John surgery, the second such procedure of his career. The southpaw remains unlikely to return from the 60-day injured list in 2024.

Bloss (shoulder) will play light catch Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Bloss was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with right shoulder inflammation following his major-league debut, but he has a shot to return shortly after those 15 days are up. Whether he returns in the majors or minors could hinge on whether Bloss beats Justin Verlander (neck) back from the IL.

Montero is expected to start Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

While the Tigers haven't announced anything yet, they are listing Wednesday's starter as TBD and Montero was spotted in the clubhouse at Comerica Park on Tuesday. Mason Englert is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move. Montero, 23, allowed four runs in 4.1 innings in his major-league debut versus the Pirates last month. It would appear Wednesday's appearance will be another spot start for the righty and he'll head back to Toledo after the game.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Tuesday that Verlander (neck) has yet to resume throwing, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Verlander has been shut down for more than a week with neck discomfort and continues to progress more slowly than expected. The veteran right-hander is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list Monday, but it's too early at this point to know whether he will be ready to go on that day. Houston currently has just four members in its rotation, but it will need to add a fifth if Verlander's injury continues to linger.

Clevinger (elbow) covered 4.2 innings in his rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Charlotte, striking out two while giving up five earned runs on seven hits and one walk.

Making his second rehab start with Charlotte, Clevinger spotted 48 of his 71 pitches for strikes and faced off against 22 hitters. While Clevinger was knocked around a bit by Gwinnett and allowed three extra-base hits, at least from a workload standpoint, he looks ready to return from the 15-day injured list. He could be activated later this week to rejoin the White Sox rotation during their three-game home series versus the Rockies.

The Twins placed Paddack on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right forearm fatigue.

The right-hander labored in his past two outings with eight runs allowed across six innings, and he's given up at least four runs in five of his past six starts. Paddack will be sidelined for at least the next couple weeks but is without a clear timeline for return. Ronny Henriquez was recalled in a corresponding move to provide some bullpen depth for Minnesota.

Rodriguez is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Red Sox in Boston.

Rodriguez built up to four innings and 79 pitches over six rehab appearances with Triple-A Buffalo prior to coming off the 15-day injured list this past Friday, but he wasn't able to improve upon that workload in his return to the big club. He needed 52 pitches to record just four outs and took a loss to the Guardians while giving up five runs (four earned) on two hits and three walks in his first start for Toronto since April 29. Rodriguez's abbreviated outing appears to be performance-related rather than the result of him incurring a setback with his spine, but the Blue Jays could still look to keep his workloads in check compared to their other starters in an effort to increase his effectiveness. Bowden Francis ended up piggybacking Rodriguez for 3.2 innings Friday and could be deployed in tandem with him again Wednesday, if Francis isn't needed in relief before then.

Lorenzen allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five batters over five-plus innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on Monday.

Lorenzen fared relatively well in the outing, though he was pulled after allowing a leadoff double in the sixth inning having racked up 91 pitches. It was a relatively rare occurrence for the right-hander to get the hook that early -- coming into Monday, he had completed at least six frames in 10 of his 12 starts. Beyond eating up innings, Lorenzen has pitched quite effectively throughout the campaign, accumulating a 3.04 ERA and 1.16 WHIP despite a mediocre 55:31 K:BB through 77 frames.

Ragans (5-5) earned the win over Miami on Monday, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out 11 batters over six innings.

Ragans racked up 27 swings-and-misses -- the most by any pitcher in baseball this season -- en route to his first win since May 22. Despite the five-game stretch of starts without a victory, the southpaw has been pitching well, as he posted a 2.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 33:9 K:BB during the drought. Ragans' 11 punchouts Monday were his second-most this season, and he ranks third in MLB with 120 strikeouts on the campaign. He is also tied for third in the majors with 12 quality starts.