MLB Player News

Houck (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings of work against Detroit. He struck out four.

Houck gave up both runs in the fourth on a double by Phil Maton and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Spencer Torkelson. Outside of that, the right-hander was effective against the not-so-good Detroit lineup, and the outing helped lower his ERA to 4.50 to go with the two wins over his first two starts in 10 innings of work. Assuming no changes to the rotation order, Houck is lined up to face off against the Angels during next weekend's series.

Singer did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing five runs on eight hits and zero walks over six innings against San Francisco. He struck out four.

Singer was bailed out by the Kansas City offense as they were able to come from behind and prevent a loss for the right-hander. Most of the damage was done in the fourth as the Giants scored four times in that frame, including a homer by LaMonte Wade. The 26-year-old pitched well over five frames against the Blue Jays on Monday, but this was a mediocre effort for Singer, at best. A chance to rebound is scheduled for next week against Atlanta.

Springs (2-0) earned the win Saturday, allowing no runs on three hits and three walks over seven innings against the Athletics. He struck out seven.

Another very impressive outing for Springs. The southpaw didn't allow an extra-base hit in the contest, and while he did issue the three free passes, he threw 61 of 89 pitches for strikes while picking up his second win. Over his first two starts, Springs has yet to allow a run, and he's registered an impressive 19:4 K:BB over 12 innings.

Blackburn (finger) will make his next minor-league rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Las Vegas, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander threw 40 pitches over 1.2 innings during his first rehab start Friday, and he's scheduled to progress to about 45 pitches or three innings Tuesday. Blackburn will likely require another minor-league start or two beyond that outing before being built up enough to join the A's.

Paxton (hamstring) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Paxton covered three frames during an intrasquad game this week after his rehab outing was scratched due to weather concerns, and he's scheduled to pitch four innings Sunday with Worcester. The veteran left-hander will likely require an additional rehab outing or two before potentially being cleared to join Boston's rotation.

Bello (forearm) is scheduled to make a rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Worcester, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

The right-hander threw 72 pitches across five innings during an extended spring training appearance earlier this week, and he's scheduled to progress to six innings Tuesday. Bello could be cleared to return from the injured list if all goes well with Worcester.

Whitlock (hip) was in the Red Sox's clubhouse Saturday and said he's scheduled to pitch Tuesday against the Rays, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

The 26-year-old made his second minor-league rehab start Thursday and allowed just one run on one hit with eight strikeouts and one walk over six innings. Whitlock began the season on the shelf while finishing up his rehab from last September's hip surgery, but he's poised to make his season debut Tuesday in Tampa Bay.

Blackburn (finger) allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk over 1.2 innings in Single-A Stockton's loss to Modesto on Friday.

Making his first rehab start, Blackburn labored through 40 pitches, with only 22 finding the strike zone. The right-hander did exceed his 35-pitch target, but it was a rough landing all the way around to begin his rehab assignment. Given his struggles, it remains to be seen whether Blackburn will move to a higher-level affiliate for his next minor-league start.

Brito was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ahead of his start against the Orioles on Saturday.

Brito delivered five scoreless innings during his MLB debut last Sunday and will make another turn through the rotation Saturday. The 25-year-old spent most of last season at Triple-A and had a 3.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 53:24 K:BB across 70.2 innings. Josh Donaldson (hamstring) and Jonathan Loaisiga (elbow) were placed on the injured list.

Ragans allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings in Friday's 2-0 loss to the Cubs.

Ragans held the Cubs in check over the sixth and the seventh innings, but Texas bats (three hits) could never get on track. The hard-throwing left-hander has walked four batters over 3.1 innings but managed to prevent damage while striking out five. With the news that Jake Odorizzi will have season-ending shoulder surgery, Ragans should continue to serve as a reliever capable of multiple innings.