MLB Player News

Bieber (elbow) struck out seven and gave up no hits and three walks over 3.2 scoreless frames in a rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Bieber issued three free passes but was otherwise sharp in the outing and averaged 91 miles per hour with his fastball, just a tick down from his 91.8 mph average for this season. The right-hander upped his pitch count to 64 in the second start of his rehab assignment and looks as though he'll be ready to return from the 60-day injured list later this week. With Tanner Bibee (hip) potentially done for the season, Bieber could take his spot in the rotation during the Guardians' series with the Orioles that begins Thursday.

Waldichuk dropped to 3-8 on the season while working in bulk relief in Sunday's 10-1 loss to the Padres, striking out two while allowing six runs on nine hits.

Waldichuk entered Sunday's action having allowed just one run over his last 16 innings, but he undid most of that good work in the series finale with the Padres. While entering the game after opener Joe Boyle tossed three scoreless frames, Waldichuk was lit up by the Padres. The nine hits Waldichuk allowed tied for the most he's given up in any outing this season. It's been a rough campaign for Waldichuk, who now sits at a 5.40 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 122:68 K:BB in 130 innings. He could work in tandem with Boyle again when his next turn in the rotation comes up in the Athletics' series with the Tigers next weekend.

Littell did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing one run on four hits over 4.2 innings against the Orioles. He struck out three.

After pitching eight and seven innings, respectively, in his previous two starts, Littell only made it through 4.2 frames Sunday, departing after throwing just 55 pitches. The 27-year-old right-hander has looked good of late, working to a 2.29 ERA while issuing just one walk in his last three outings (19.2 innings) despite an 0-2 record in that span. Overall, Littell is 3-6 with a 4.12 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 67:9 K:BB through 83 innings this season. He's currently slated for a home matchup with the Blue Jays this weekend in his next outing.

Boyle opened Sunday's 10-1 loss to the Padres with three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out four.

Boyle impressed in his MLB debut, allowing just a first-inning single to Juan Soto and two free passes while spotting 35 of his 58 pitches for strikes. The right-hander sported a four-pitch arsenal Sunday and notably maxed out at 99.7 miles per hour with his fastball. The Athletics haven't outlined their plans for Boyle moving forward, but he'll most likely work as an opener or a traditional starter the next time his turn in the rotation comes up this weekend versus the Tigers.

Bibee (hip) will not travel with the Guardians to Kansas City, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Withers adds that Bibee's season may be over, which is not surprising if he's forced to miss any amount of time this late in the season. The rookie has been excellent with a 2.98 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 141:45 K:BB through 142 innings this year while posting a 10-4 record. Bibee's spot in the rotation could be filled by Shane Bieber (elbow) or Triston McKenzie (elbow) if the Guardians want to bring them back before the end of the season, which may be up in the air as Cleveland is seven games behind Minnesota for the AL Central lead. The Guardians have yet to officially announce any details regarding Bibee's status going forward.

The Athletics plan to call up Estes from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Estes was dealt from Atlanta to Oakland in March 2022 as part of the trade that sent Matt Olson to Atlanta. Estes has spent the 2023 campaign with Double-A Midland and Las Vegas, posting a 3.74 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 137 innings over 27 appearances (23 starts) in the minors. The 21-year-old will have an opportunity to make a late-season impression for the rebuilding Athletics. Since he made his final start with Las Vegas on Friday, he could slot into the big-league rotation as soon as Wednesday against the Mariners in Oakland.

Lyles (4-17) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over six innings against Houston. He struck out six.

Lyles also hit two batters to go along with giving up four extra-base hits, two singles and a walk. Lyles, who is now three losses clear of his next closest competitors, continues to eat innings for the Royals while opponents continue to feast when he does. His ERA in September now stands at 5.98, an improvement over his season ERA of 6.43. Despite those consistent struggles, Lyles has now tossed five innings or more in 26 of his 29 starts. He is currently scheduled to get another chance to face the Astros next weekend in Houston.

Valdez (12-10) earned the win Sunday, allowing an unearned run on five hits and one walk over seven innings in a 7-1 win over the Royals. He struck out five.

A throwing error led to an unearned run that gave Kansas City an early lead, but Valdez was aided by a couple of double plays and an out at the plate to otherwise keep the Royals off the board. It was the fifth consecutive quality start for Valdez, who has gone at least seven innings in seven of his last nine starts. Among all qualified American League starters, Valdez ranks second in innings (188.2), fifth in ERA (3.20), sixth in WHIP (1.09), seventh in strikeouts (183) and second in quality starts (20). He's currently penciled in to face the Royals again next weekend in Houston.

Cease (7-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over six innings against the Twins. He struck out five.

The positive is that Cease contributed his first quality start in over a month. Cease cruised through four, but a lack of run support combined with a 34-pitch fifth inning that was culminated by an Edouard Julien three-run homer sealed Cease's fate and paved the way for his eighth loss. Cease has now allowed 38 hits and 16 walks over his last six starts with an ERA of 7.71 in 31.2 innings. He's currently penciled in to take the mound next weekend in Boston.

Williams (3-5) allowed one run on four hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win over the Rangers.

Williams gave up a run in the second inning and didn't face any issues the rest of the way as he cruised to a win. He walked four batters in each of his previous two outings but was much more efficient Sunday, tossing 62 of 97 pitches for strikes. Williams owns a 2.50 ERA over his last four appearances, lowering his season ERA to 3.29 through 82 frames. The rookie's next start is currently lined up to be at home against the Orioles.