MLB Player News

Boyd (1-0) picked up the victory in an extra-innings win over the Guardians on Sunday, firing a scoreless 10th inning during which he issued three walks (two intentional).

It was quite the eventful frame for Boyd, who intentionally put Jose Ramirez on to start the inning and then got Josh Naylor to hit into a double play that moved phantom runner Amed Rosario over to third base. After another intentional free pass to Oscar Gonzalez, Boyd then loaded the bases by legitimately walking Andres Gimenez before finally retiring Mike Freeman on a flyout with the bases juiced. The appearance was the southpaw's second since being activated from the injured list Thursday, with the first also a scoreless one-inning effort that unfolded that same day.

Quantrill allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk with three strikeouts over three-plus innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Sunday.

Quantrill was charged with individual runs in the first, third and fourth innings, the last of those coming after he was out of the game following a lengthy rain delay. He left in line for his first loss in 11 outings, but the Guardians rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning to get him off the hook. He's allowed multiple runs just twice in his last six starts, and he now has a 3.55 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 101:42 K:BB through 152 innings across 26 outings. The 27-year-old righty is projected for a road start in Minnesota next weekend.

Watkins (4-6) allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk while failing to strike out a batter in six innings to take the loss during Sunday's game against the Athletics.

Watkins has had his fair share of struggles over the last month, and he matched his highest total of the season by allowing 10 baserunners during Sunday's start. He was unable to strike out any batters and was charged with his fifth loss in his last six outings. Across that span, he's posted a 5.58 ERA in 30.2 innings. The right-hander tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Red Sox next weekend.

Flexen struck out one in a perfect 11th inning to earn the save in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Guardians.

Flexen was the last reliever available after the Mariners drained the 'pen following a rain delay in the fourth inning. He slammed the door with ease, needing just six pitches to retire Luke Maile, Myles Straw and Steven Kwan in order. This was Flexen's second straight appearance with a save, though his effort Aug. 30 versus the Tigers was a four-inning assignment in a lopsided game. He's allowed four runs (three earned) through eight innings across four appearances since moving to the bullpen. For the season, the right-hander has a 3.89 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 87:47 K:BB through 125 innings.

Kirby allowed a run on three hits and struck out two without issuing a walk over three innings in a no-decision versus the Guardians on Sunday.

Kirby was cruising through three innings, but a massive rain delay ended his outing early. He ended up throwing 27 of 39 pitches for strikes in the abbreviated start, and he's still yet to walk multiple batters in any of his 20 outings this season. The rookie right-hander has a 3.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 109:16 K:BB through 105.2 innings, with the short start Sunday potentially helping his cause as some unplanned workload management. He's projected for a tough home start versus Atlanta next weekend.

Cortes (groin) appears in line to return from the 15-day injured list to start Thursday's series finale with the Twins in New York, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cortes looks like he'll be ready to rejoin the rotation without requiring a rehab start, as the Yankees seem to be comfortable with activating him after he completed a 45-pitch live batting practice session over the weekend. Before the Yankees confirm his return from the IL, the southpaw will likely throw a bullpen session Monday or Tuesday as one final test to prove that he's moved past the left groin strain. Cortes could be on a restricted pitch count if he ends up starting Thursday as anticipated, with Clarke Schmidt potentially piggybacking him.

Taillon (forearm) is scheduled to start Monday's game against the Twins at Yankee Stadium, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Taillon came out of his bullpen session over the weekend without issue and will make his 27th start of the season after exiting his previous outing against the Angels on Aug. 30, when he was struck in the forearm by a line drive. Through his eight starts since the All-Star break, Taillon has submitted a 4.24 ERA and 1.12 WHIP while striking out 35 over 40.1 innings.

Stripling (7-4) allowed three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out eight in six innings to earn the win over the Pirates on Sunday.

Stripling has bounced back since returning from the injured list in mid-August, posting quality starts in each of his last four outings. He's picked up two wins across that span, and his eight strikeouts Sunday marked his highest total of the season. Since returning to action, the right-hander has posted a 2.59 ERA in 24.1 innings over four outings. He projects to make his next start on the road against Texas next weekend.

Waldichuk is slated to start Wednesday's home game versus Atlanta, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Oakland is expected to scale down to a five-man rotation during the upcoming week, but Waldichuk will maintain his spot over James Kaprielian, who was moved to the bullpen ahead of Sunday's 5-0 win over the Orioles. In his first big-league start last week following his call-up from Triple-A Las Vegas, Waldichuk took a no-decision in Washington while striking out six and allowing one earned run on five hits and four walks across 4.2 innings.

Kaprielian was available out of the bullpen for Sunday's 5-0 win over the Orioles and appears to have lost his spot in the rotation, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Oakland looks set to reduce its rotation to five men during its upcoming six-game week, with Kaprielian being moved to the bullpen while rookie Ken Waldichuk draws a second turn Wednesday against Atlanta. Kaprielian's demotion to the relief role comes even though he's shown improved form since the All-Star break following a rough start to the campaign. Over his eight second-half starts covering 40 innings, Kaprielian has turned in a 4.28 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 31:20 K:BB.