MLB Player News

Gilbert (12-5) allowed five hits and hit one batter with a pitch while striking out nine over six shutout innings to earn the win Tuesday over the White Sox.

Gilbert has looked more like he did in April with 12 scoreless innings and 18 strikeouts across his first two starts of September. The right-hander threw 62 of 101 pitches for strikes Tuesday, including an impressive 18 whiffs. He's down to a 3.23 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 151:42 K:BB through 161.2 innings through 28 starts this year. Gilbert lines up for a home start versus the Padres next week.

Cueto (7-7) allowed one run on five hits, three walks and a hit batsman with three strikeouts in six innings, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Mariners.

Cueto was solid Tuesday, but the one run he allowed in the fourth inning sent him to the loss when the White Sox failed to score. This was the fourth time in five starts he's limited an opponent to one earned run or fewer. The righty now has a 2.87 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 85:30 K:BB through 135 innings across 21 appearances (20 starts). He's projected for a more favorable road start in Oakland this weekend.

Valdez (14-5) took the loss Tuesday, allowing four runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks over 6.2 innings against the Rangers. He struck out 11.

The Astros uncharacteristically committed three errors Tuesday, causing two unearned runs to score against Valdez on the night. The southpaw allowed four walks for the second time in three starts but was mostly effective, as he recorded double-digit strikeouts for the second time this season and likely would have completed seven innings if not for the errors. Valdez has remarkably thrown 23 straight quality starts. He will carry a 2.64 ERA into his next start.

Kopech (knee) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday against the Mariners, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The 26-year-old completed bullpen sessions Friday and Sunday with no issues and is poised to return from the knee strain after spending the 15-day minimum on the shelf. It was a brief absence for Kopech, but he could still face some workload limitations in his first start back with the White Sox.

Hill (6-6) took the loss Tuesday in Tampa Bay, allowing five runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out three in four innings.

Randy Arozarena deposited an 0-2 pitch into the seats for a three-run homer in the first inning against Hill to get the scoring started for the Rays. In the third, Harold Ramirez plated two runs with a single to put Tampa Bay up 5-2. Ten of the 20 batters Hill faced reached safely and the 42-year-old was removed after four innings with only 64 pitches thrown. He's allowed four runs or more in four of his last six starts and has a 6.33 ERA and 1.48 ERA in 27 innings in that span.

Manager Mark Kotsay said Tuesday that Kaprielian will return to the starting rotation during this weekend's series with the White Sox, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

After being moved to the bullpen over the weekend, Kaprielian will rejoin the rotation without having made a relief appearance due to starter Adam Oller (rib) being placed on the 15-day injured list. The 28-year old Kaprielian had turned in a 6.46 ERA and 1.90 WHIP across his last five starts and doesn't profile as a trustworthy fantasy option.

Taillon did not factor in the decision against Minnesota on Monday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three batters.

Taillon departed his previous start early as a result of taking a line drive to his right forearm, but he didn't need to miss a turn in the rotation. The right-hander threw 83 strikes Monday and allowed just one extra-base hit, but that was a two-run homer by Gary Sanchez in the fifth inning that tied the score. Taillon has given up at least one homer in each of his six starts since Aug. 8, but he hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of those outings. He's posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 22:5 K:BB over 32 innings during that stretch.

Gray (oblique) will throw live batting practice Wednesday and it's possible he won't need a rehab assignment before rejoining the big-league rotation, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

The Rangers will evaluate Gray after Wednesday's live batting practice session to determine the next step. It's encouraging to hear Gray is on track to return in time to make a few more starts this season if he can avoid setbacks.

Houck underwent a successful lumbar discectomy Tuesday and is expected to be ready for the start of 2023 spring training.

Back surgery is always a tricky procedure for athletes to come back from successfully and quickly, but the hope is that Houck's 2023 season won't be greatly affected. He had saves in back-to-back appearances in early August before landing on the injured list, and it's unclear how much Houck will factor into the saves mix in 2023. He could also eventually get stretched back out as a starter, although he was limited to 60 innings this season.

Ragans (calf) will start Wednesday's game in Houston, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

This was anticipated earlier in the week and now we have confirmation. Ragans logged a 4.42 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 9:10 K:BB in 18.1 innings across his first four MLB starts.