MLB Player News

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.

McClanahan (shoulder) felt good after throwing 15-to-20 pitches off a mound Tuesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

After receiving a cortisone injection to help his shoulder recover, McClanahan has progressed rather quickly during his rehab process and began throwing Sunday. It looks increasingly likely that he will spend the minimum amount of time on the 15-day injured list.

Lyles (illness) is beginning to feel better, though there is no plan in place for when he will return, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

Lyles was a late scratch from the second game of Monday's doubleheader against Toronto after he woke up not feeling 100 percent. Once Lyles gets closer to fully recovering from his illness, the Orioles will determine when he can make his next start. According to Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun, the veteran right-hander isn't listed among the probable starters for this weekend, so his next chance to pitch could come next Tuesday in Washington.