MLB Player News

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.

Astros general manager James Click said Verlander (calf) likely won't return from the 15-day injured list Sept. 13 when first eligible, but the right-hander isn't expected to be sidelined far beyond that date, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Verlander seems to be progressing quickly from the right calf injury that prompted the Astros to deactivate him Tuesday. He threw off flat ground Sunday for the second straight day and looks like he could be ready to step back on the mound at some point during the upcoming week. Once that happens, Verlander will begin the process of ramping up through live batting practice sessions and simulated games. While Verlander is out, the Astros are expected to maintain a six-man rotation, as rookie Hunter Brown is on track to make his first big-league appearance as a starter Monday against the Rangers.

Gray (hamstring) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday in New York, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

If his sore right hamstring responds well to the throwing workout, Gray should get the green light to make his next turn through the rotation Wednesday against the Yankees. He was lifted after four innings during his last outing Friday versus the White Sox when his hamstring began to act up.