MLB Player News

McCullers (illness) is targeting a return Monday against the Phillies, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

McCullers missed his start Tuesday against the Diamondbacks due to an illness, but it looks as though he might only need to miss one turn in the rotation. He threw Friday and is in line for one more start before the end of the regular season, assuming he's cleared to pitch.

Flexen (8-9) got the win in extra innings over the Rangers on Thursday, allowing an unearned run over one inning without any hits, walks or strikeouts.

Flexen gave up a sacrifice fly to Marcus Semien that plated phantom runner Leody Taveras with the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th, but the Mariners walked it off in the home half of the frame with singles from Luis Torrens and J.P. Crawford. The veteran right-hander's last win had come July 25 against this same Rangers squad when he was still working as a starter, yet Flexen has adapted well to a relief role by not allowing an earned run across the 9.2 innings covering his last eight appearances.

Quantrill did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing one run on three hits over six innings against the Rays. He struck out four.

Quantrill allowed an RBI single from David Peralta to open the scoring in the first inning but was without blemishes after that. The righty has put together a good stretch in his last eight games, recording a 2.38 ERA over 45.1 innings. In addition, the 27-year-old has turned in seven quality starts in his last 11 outings.

Springs did not factor into the decision Thursday and did not allow a run on three hits over six innings against Cleveland. He struck out five.

Springs did not allow an extra-base hit in his outstanding start against Cleveland. The lefty has been phenomenal during his last six starts, recording a 1.44 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over 31.1 innings. In addition, the 30-year-old has not allowed a home run in five of those six outings.

Giolito allowed two earned runs on for hits and three walks while striking out six across five innings Thursday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

Giolito allowed four of the first six batters he faced to reach base, which accounted for both of the earned runs against him. However, he settled in from there -- with the exception of his control problems -- and he racked up 12 swinging strikes on 93 total pitches. Giolito has failed to meet expectations this season, though he has maintained a 3.71 ERA with a 31:11 K:BB across 26.2 innings and five starts in September.

Varland allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out three across five innings Thursday against the White Sox. He did not factor into the decision.

Varland ran into trouble in the third inning, as he allowed all three of his hits and both of his earned runs. In three starts since entering the Twins' rotation Sept. 17, Varland has a 5.17 ERA with a 9:5 K:BB across 15.2 frames. He showed more strikeout upside in the upper levels of the minors, though his six swinging strikes across 72 total pitches suggest that may not translate immediately to the majors.

Eovaldi allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and no walks while striking out three across 4.2 innings Thursday against Baltimore. He did not factor into the decision.

Eovaldi was activated from the injured list Thursday to make his first start since Aug. 12. He was limited to 72 pitches as a result and was largely effective, though he had only six swinging strikes. Eovaldi is projected to draw one more start this season. He's maintained a 4.05 ERA with a 99:18 K:BB across 104.1 frames on the campaign.

Gray allowed six runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out five over five innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Thursday.

Gray was back to struggling Thursday after throwing five innings of one-hit ball in his previous start. The 30-year-old gave up two home runs to Mitch Haniger and another long ball to Jarred Kelenic, all of which plated two runs. Gray's ERA spiked to 3.93 with a 1.15 WHIP and 131:39 K:BB through 121.1 innings across 23 starts this year. The right-hander is expected to end his season with a home start versus the Yankees next week.

Gonzales allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision versus the Rangers on Thursday.

Gonzales gave up loud contact in the third inning, as Sam Huff, Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia all tagged him for home runs. This was the third time in five September starts Gonzales has yielded multiple homers. He didn't pick up a win this month and saw his ERA rise from 3.99 to 4.14 for the year. He's added a 98:48 K:BB and 1.33 WHIP through 176 innings spanning 31 starts. Gonzales is projected for one more regular-season start, a favorable matchup versus the Tigers, but it's unclear if he'll work as a starter in the playoffs.

Irvin (9-13) took the loss in Thursday's matchup against the Angels. He completed four innings and allowed three runs on nine hits and one walk with six strikeouts.

Irvin was hit hard Thursday, surrendering at least nine hits for the fourth time in his last six starts. In that stretch, he has allowed 30 earned runs over 32.2 innings but has received enough run support to record three wins. He would not be so lucky Thursday, as Shohei Ohtani flirted with a no-hitter, and the Angels' bullpen shut the door in the ninth. Irvin tentatively lines up to face the Angels at home next week for his final start of 2022.