MLB Player News

Castillo (13-7) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over six innings in a 3-2 victory over the Angels. He struck out eight.

Castillo's now picked up wins in seven of his last nine starts, with his most recent loss coming on July 14. He's up to 199 strikeouts on the campaign, leaving him poised to top the 200 mark for the second time in his seven-year career. Castillo sports a 3.08 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP through 30 starts (181.1 innings) this season. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, currently scheduled for early next week in Oakland.

Scherzer was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday after being diagnosed with a low-grade strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder, and he will miss the rest of the regular season and likely the playoffs as well, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

The veteran right-hander exited Tuesday's start versus the Blue Jays after 73 pitches due to the injury, and it appears that will be his final appearance of 2023. Scherzer won't require surgery and will begin a rest and rehab program, with a re-evaluation scheduled in two weeks. He finishes the campaign with a 3.77 ERA across 152.2 innings between the Rangers and Mets, and he remains under contract with Texas for 2024 since he exercised his $43.33 million player option after being acquired by the organization at the trade deadline.

Ober could be recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to start Friday versus the White Sox, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Pablo Lopez would be available Friday on regular rest, but the Twins look set to use the game as an opportunity to give their regular rotation members some extra recovery time down the stretch. Ober last pitched for St. Paul on Sept. 9, so he would be available on five days' rest Friday.

Irvin was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday.

Irvin didn't give up an earned run in three appearances after being shifted to the bullpen. He was needed for two innings in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals, so he's being replaced by a fresh arm.

Bieber (elbow) struck out four and was charged with two runs (one earned) over 3.2 frames on no hits and one walk in his first rehab start with Double-A Akron on Tuesday.

Bieber was responsible for three runners reaching base, as he walked one and hit another two batters with pitches. Despite not reaching four innings, Bieber still managed to get his pitch count up to 50 on Tuesday. Bieber -- who has been sidelined since mid-July with right elbow inflammation -- appears to be in line for one more rehab start before returning from the 60-day injured list.

McKenzie (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Akron on Wednesday.

McKenzie will be making his first appearance at any level since he was diagnosed with a sprained right UCL in mid-June. The right-hander also dealt with a teres major muscle strain this season, as he's been limited to just two starts for the Guardians and three rehab starts. Cleveland is still hoping to get McKenzie back before the end of the season, though if that happens, he could be subject to a more regulated workload than the Guardians' other starting pitchers.

Marsh will serve as the Royals' bulk reliever behind opener Steven Cruz in Wednesday's game against the White Sox, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Marsh remains part of Kansas City's rotation, but he's started in just two of his last six outings. The Royals seem content to continue deploying him as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen, given that he's been far more effective in that capacity than as a traditional starter. In 20.2 innings coming out of the bullpen, Marsh owns a 3.05 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 15.1 K-BB%.

Kluber (shoulder) allowed two hits and struck out two over 2.2 scoreless innings for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.

Kluber threw 23 strikes among his 35 pitches. This was his second rehab outing, and the right-hander has not allowed a run or walk. He's expected to pitch out of the bullpen after being activated off the injured list.

Crawford came away with a no-decision in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Yankees, allowing one run on three hits and three walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out seven.

While it wasn't the most efficient performance, as Crawford needed 93 pitches (57 strikes) to record 14 outs, he wasn't the reason the Red Sox went on to get swept in the twin bill. The right-hander has failed to last longer than five innings in any of his last four starts, stumbling to a 7.88 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB through 16 innings over that stretch, but Boston doesn't have any better rotation options to close out the campaign.

Means (0-1) took the loss Tuesday, allowing three runs on five hits over five innings against St. Louis. He struck out one without issuing any walks.

Following a 517-day absence due to elbow and back injuries, Means threw 75 pitches (55 strikes), surrendering two solo home runs and a sacrifice fly. Unfortunately, the Orioles' offense wasn't up for the occasion, and the 30-year-old was charged with the loss in his season debut. It was an encouraging outing, given the circumstances, but Means was only able to generate eight swinging strikes and record one strikeout Tuesday. An All-Star who finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting to Yordan Alvarez in 2019, Means was chosen as Baltimore's Opening Day starter in 2021 and 2022 before multiple injuries caused a lengthy sabbatical for the southpaw. If he's able to regain some of his past form, Means could prove to be a valuable fantasy asset down the stretch. Baltimore's current six-man rotation means his next start is likely to come early next week in Houston.