MLB Player News

Montas reported feeling only "normal soreness" in his previously inflamed shoulder following his three-inning start Thursday against the Tigers, the Associated Press reports.

Manager Mark Kotsay added that "Frankie should be ready to go" when asked about Montas making his next scheduled start. The right-hander was limited to 53 pitches against the Tigers, but if he continues to be free of any unusual residual effects in coming days, Montas could be ready to handle close to a normal workload when he next takes the mound against the Astros on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bello is likely to start Sunday's series finale against the Blue Jays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. "There's a good chance he'll start Sunday," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said before Friday's game.

Bello was recalled Friday, and Cora avoided using his length in an embarrassing 28-5 loss to Toronto. The right-hander has pitched well in the minors this season, posting a 2.35 ERA over 16 outings (15 starts) at Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, but struggled in two MLB starts with a 10.13 ERA and six walks in eight innings.

The Mariners plan to call up Kirby from Triple-A Tacoma to start Tuesday's home game against the Rangers.

As was anticipated following the Mariners' decision to option him to Tacoma on July 9, Kirby will be rejoining the big club when it first requires a No. 5 starter following the All-Star break. Before the demotion, Kirby had proven his worth as an MLB-caliber starter by supplying a 3.78 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 62:9 K:BB across 64.1 frames, but the Mariners will continue to be mindful of the rookie's workload during his age-24 campaign. Between the Mariners, Tacoma and Double-A Arkansas, Kirby is up to 91 innings this season, and the organization may not be keen on having him push past the 130-to-140 range in 2022.

Martin was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to serve as the 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Martin served as the 27th man for a doubleheader last week in which he took on a starting role, but he'll be available as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen during Saturday's twin bill. The right-hander has posted a 4.67 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 27 innings over six appearances (three starts) in the majors this year.

McCullers (forearm) allowed three hits and one earned run while striking out three across two innings in a rehab outing with Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McCullers appeared in his first game action since the 2021 postseason and managed to throw 40 pitches. He'll likely need a few more rehab appearances prior to being activated from the injured list, though he could be ready to return by mid-August.

Irvin (5-7) gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out eight over seven-plus innings to earn the win in a 5-4 victory over the Rangers on Friday.

Irvin was excellent in his 17th start of the season. He got nine outs against the first nine batters faced and then strung together another three perfect innings from the fifth to the seventh. The eight strikeouts are a nice plus from a pitcher who entered Friday with a 6.1 K/9, although it appeared that Irvin was given the benefit of the doubt on a number of inside strike calls. Irvin now boasts a solid 3.08 ERA and 1.07 WHIP on the season. With a BABIP of .258 and an xERA of 4.50, it will be worth watching if his ratios regress. Irvin is tentatively expected to make his next start against the Astros next week.

Giolito (6-6) took the loss Friday as the White Sox fell 8-2 to the Guardians, surrendering six runs on nine hits over three innings. He struck out two without walking a batter.

The right-hander filled up the strike zone, tossing 48 of 64 pitches for strikes before exiting, but he wasn't fooling anyone as he managed only five swinging strikes. Giolito has been tagged for at least five runs in four of his last seven starts, stumbling to a 6.87 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB through 38 innings over that stretch. His inconsistency even in seemingly plus matchups makes him a difficult pitcher to deploy right now in most fantasy formats.

Keller (5-10) gave up five runs (four earned) on four hits and five walks while striking out one over four innings to take the loss in 7-3 defeat to the Rays on Friday.

It was a bizarre night for Keller, who was bothered by liquid draining from his nose. Beginning in the fourth inning, he pitched with a thick roll of gauze hanging from his left nostril and struggled with his control. Keller issued two free passes in the frame before Yandy Diaz made Keller pay for his lack of control by hitting a bases-clearing three-RBI double. The 26-year-old right-hander carries an undesirable 68:37 K:BB into his next expected start against the Angels next week.

Rasmussen (6-3) gave up one earned run on seven hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings to earn the win in a 7-3 victory over the Royals on Friday.

Rasmussen looked good in his first start back after the All-Star break, holding the Royals to only one run over five innings of work on 94 pitches. He has been solid since coming back from a hamstring injury at the beginning of July and boasts a 2.29 ERA in four starts this month. The 26-year-old right-hander has excellent spin on his fastball and opponents are hitting .245 on the four-seamer so far this season. Rasmussen tentatively lines up for another favorable matchup at Baltimore next week.

Quantrill (7-5) picked up the win Friday, giving up two runs on six hits and a walk over five innings in an 8-2 victory over the White Sox. He struck out four.

The Guardians jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Quantrill even set foot on the mound, and the right-hander never let Chicago get close. He was wilder than his final line indicated, as he hit two batters with pitches and uncorked a wild pitch, but the White Sox couldn't take advantage. Quantrill exited after 97 pitches (58 strikes), and he'll carry a 3.75 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 67:31 K:BB through 105.2 innings into his next outing.