MLB Player News

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

Rodriguez nailed his second quality start of the campaign Tuesday but was unable to pick up the win after Kyle Tucker launched a go-ahead grand slam in the top of the ninth. During his last four starts, Rodriguez has a 2.66 ERA and a 20:8 K:BB in 23.2 innings. He's tentatively scheduled to take on the Mariners this weekend in his next start.

Gray (5-5) took the loss Tuesday, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits over six innings against the Tigers. He struck out 10.

Gray was excellent Tuesday, recording double-digit strikeouts for the first time since April 7 while surrendering just a pair of earned runs in the fourth inning. However, in what's become a theme for Gray this year, the Twins failed to generate any run support, sticking the veteran right-hander with the loss. Gray's now delivered four straight quality starts, lowering his ERA to 3.18 with a 1.24 WHIP and 133:44 K:BB across 23 starts (130.1 innings) this season. He's currently slated for a road matchup with the Phillies this weekend in his next outing.

Valdez did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks over seven innings against the Orioles. He struck out three.

Coming off a complete-game no-hitter in his last start, Valdez came back to Earth in Baltimore, tying his season highs in runs and hits allowed. Outside of the no-no, Valdez has allowed four or more runs in four consecutive starts and has struck out fewer than five batters three times in that stretch. All in all, Valdez owns a 3.30 ERA with a 144:35 K:BB through 142 innings and is tentatively scheduled to make his next appearance against the slumping Angels this weekend.

Rodriguez (8-5) earned the win Tuesday, allowing four hits and three walks over seven scoreless innings against the Twins. He struck out five.

Rodriguez's now delivered quality starts in three of his last four outings, going 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA in that span, though Tuesday's start was his best since returning from the IL in early July. Overall, Rodriguez sports a 2.75 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and 101:25 K:BB across 15 starts (91.1 innings) this season. He's currently slated for a road matchup with the Red Sox this weekend in his next outing.

Kikuchi (9-4) took the loss Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over seven innings against Cleveland. He struck out six.

Kikuchi was magnificent Tuesday, earning his third consecutive quality start. The 32-year-old's sole blemish came in the second inning, when Oscar Gonzalez reached on an infield single and scored on a Ramon Laureano double. Kikuchi then retired 16 of the final 18 batters he faced; however, he didn't receive any run support and was tagged with an unfortunate loss. The southpaw has been lights-out in five outings since the All-Star break, boasting a 1.24 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB across 29 innings during that stretch. Kikuchi will look to get back in the win column in his next start, which is projected to take place at home versus the Cubs over the weekend.

Urena signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.

Urena was released by the Nationals on Thursday after putting up a 6.31 ERA and 1.58 WHIP through 67 innings with their Triple-A affiliate. He'll now get another chance in the minors with the White Sox, but he doesn't project to make it back to the big leagues based on his recent body of work.

Eflin did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits over seven innings in a 4-2 win over St. Louis. He struck out eight.

Nolan Arenado's solo homer in the second inning accounted for the lone run against Eflin, who had to settle for a no-decision as the Rays couldn't pull ahead until the eighth. Eflin's held opponents to a run or fewer in four of his last five starts, pitching to a 2.25 ERA while issuing just two walks in that span (24 innings). The 29-year-old right-hander is 12-6 with a 3.34 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a stellar 129:17 K:BB through 22 starts (129.1 innings) this season. Eflin's currently lined up for a home matchup with the Guardians this weekend in his next outing.

Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said Tuesday that there are "no real concerns" with Woo's right forearm, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Woo was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday afternoon due to right forearm inflammation, but Hollander called that a precautionary move and expressed optimism that the 23-year-old will only have to miss a couple of weeks. Emerson Hancock is getting the call Wednesday to fill the rotation vacancy in Seattle.

Means (elbow/back) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Bowie, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Means is nearly 16 months removed from Tommy John surgery and about two-and-a-half months removed from the upper-back strain that derailed him in late May. Now with a fully clean bill of health, the 30-year-old left-hander should become an option for the current AL East leaders around the end of August or beginning of September.

Greinke was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 7, with right posterior elbow soreness.

Greinke struggled in Sunday's series finale against the Phillies, yielding five earned runs over just four innings while falling to 1-12 on the season. It's not yet clear how the Royals plan to cover his rotation spot, which next comes up Friday versus St. Louis.