MLB Player News

Oakland optioned Watkins to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Watkins was lit up for five earned runs over 4.1 innings in a spot start Tuesday versus the Cardinals as the Athletics fell 6-2. Kyle Muller has been called up in a corresponding roster move and could step into the rotation next week.

Oakland recalled Miller from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Muller will presumably be available in long relief Wednesday against the Cardinals as he returns to the Athletics' major-league roster, though the team will have an opening in the rotation for him beginning next week. The 25-year-old left-hander has posted a rough 7.79 ERA, 1.96 WHIP and 37:27 K:BB over 52 innings (11 starts) this season in the big leagues.

Houck (face) struck out four over four scoreless innings and allowed one hit and no walks in his third rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

Houck has been razor sharp over his most recent two outings for Worcester, covering seven scoreless frames while striking out seven and permitting just three baserunners. He was lifted after 59 pitches (36 strikes) Wednesday, and though he isn't yet stretched out enough to handle a typical starter's workload, the Red Sox are likely to bring Houck back from the 15-day injured list and have him make his next appearance in the big leagues. Houck tentatively lines up for a return Monday in Houston, and he could be part of a six-man rotation if the Red Sox elect to keep Nick Pivetta in a starting role.

Watkins (0-1) took the loss Tuesday, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.1 innings against the Cardinals. He struck out four.

The 30-year-old righty put Oakland in an early hole during his season debut, giving up a two-run homer to Nolan Arenado and a solo shot to Jordan Walker in a four-run first inning. Watkins started 30 games for Baltimore over the previous two seasons, posting a record of 7-13 with a 5.85 ERA and 1.51 WHIP across 160 innings during that span. If he sticks in the rotation, Watkins tentatively lines up to face the Royals at home early next week.

Toussaint allowed three earned runs on three hits and five walks while striking out four across four innings Tuesday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

Toussaint was plagued by both home runs -- he surrendered a pair -- and walks en route to his shortest start since July 2. In four starts since becoming a regular in the rotation, he's maintained a 5.12 ERA to go along with a 26:15 K:BB. Toussaint has a 14.3 percent career walk rate across 220.2 frames, so his chances to significantly improve his control in the final several weeks of the current campaign appear slim.

Keuchel's next start for the Twins will come Sunday against the Pirates, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Keuchel will get another start after being roughed up by the Phillies his last time out, but he'll be pitching on eight days' rest as the Twins take advantage of off days to push him back. Joe Ryan (groin) is slated for a rehab start this weekend, so it's possible this will be Keuchel's last chance to show he should stick around.

Marsh will serve as the Royals' bulk reliever behind opener James McArthur in Wednesday's game against the Mariners, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Marsh will enter the game behind an opener for his second straight turn through the rotation after he turned in quality results his last time out Thursday in Boston. Though he ultimately took the loss to drop to 0-6 on the season, Marsh limited the Red Sox to two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings.

Ober did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over five innings against the Tigers. He struck out six.

Ober scattered five hits but issued three walks, which tied a season high. The 28-year-old allowed two runs, both of which came on Miguel Cabrera's 509th career home run in the second inning. After a stellar first half, Ober has struggled in his six starts since the All-Star break, posting a 5.52 ERA and 1.55 WHIP despite an impressive 34:4 K:BB across 31 innings during that span. He is currently lined up to face the Brewers on the road early next week.

Severino (2-8) took the loss Tuesday, coughing up five runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks over four innings as the Yankees fell 5-0 to Atlanta. He struck out five.

There were signs of progress for the right-hander, who generated 27 called or swinging strikes among his 83 pitches, but Severino still lost his fourth straight start while getting tagged for at least five runs in his third straight outing. He's managed only one quality start in eight trips to the mound since the beginning of July with a ghastly 11.08 ERA, 2.31 WHIP and 29:15 K:BB through 31.2 innings, making the 29-year-old all but unrosterable in fantasy, but the Yankees' lack of healthy alternatives will likely keep him in the rotation. Severino's next start is likely to come at home early next week against the Nationals.

Kikuchi came away with a no-decision Tuesday in the Blue Jays' 2-1 win over the Phillies, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out seven without walking a batter.

The southpaw delivered his fourth straight quality start on an efficient 84 pitches (58 strikes), but Zack Wheeler was just as sharp for Philadelphia, leaving the bullpens to decide things. Since the All-Star break, Kikuchi has a stellar 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 36:8 K:BB through 35 innings. He's next set to take the mound on the road early next week against the Orioles.