MLB Player News

McCullers (forearm) threw approximately 20 pitches against live hitters Saturday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

McCullers faced live hitters for the first time Saturday, and he incorporated sinkers, cutters, changeups and a slider during the throwing session while his velocity reached 93 mph. He wasn't initially expected to throw a slider, and he's said that tossing his slider will be one of the biggest hurdles to clear in his recovery, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. The right-hander has been throwing off a mound for nearly a month and will continue to face live hitters in the near future.

Watkins was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk prior to Saturday's start against the White Sox.

Watkins missed a few weeks between late May and early June due to a forearm injury, but he posted a 5.87 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 7.2 innings over three starts at Norfolk after returning to action. Over his last three major-league starts, the right-hander gave up 12 runs in 7.2 innings.

Springs didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Pirates, allowing three runs on three solo home runs among seven hits over six innings. He struck out a season-high nine without walking a batter.

The Rays handed Springs a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but the southpaw's inability to keep the ball in the park ended up costing him a win despite his otherwise impressive performance. He's served up multiple homers in three of his last six starts, but he's otherwise been sharp with a 3.03 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 38:6 K:BB through 32.2 innings over that stretch.

Houck allowed one run on three hits while striking out two over the ninth inning of Friday's 6-3 win over the Guardians.

With the Red Sox leading 5-2 to start the ninth inning, Houck was warming up for a potential save but didn't get the opportunity after Boston plated a run in the top half of the frame. Houck is set to miss the three-game series in Toronto that begins Monday, so the Red Sox may get him work this weekend regardless of the situation to keep him fresh.

Seabold was removed from Friday's start for Triple-A Worcester after one inning for non-injury or performance reasons, suggesting he could be an option to start in Toronto next week, Katie Morrison of The Springfield Republican reports.

Seabold threw 21 pitches, giving up a run on two hits while striking out two, which preserves him to appear at some point during the series against the Blue Jays that begins Monday. The Red Sox could use Michael Wacha on normal rest Monday or give him an extra day of rest and have Seabold open the series in Toronto. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA over 11 starts for Worcester. Seabold throws a fastball, slider, changeup and occasional curveball.

Severino (4-2) was charged with the loss Friday against the Astros after giving up three runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks across six innings.

The right-hander kept Houston in check through five innings, but he returned for the sixth and served up a three-run homer to Kyle Tucker. It was still a solid start for Severino, though he continues to be hurt by the long ball, as he's surrendered 11 through 13 starts. He has a 3.38 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 87:21 K:BB across 72 frames this season and tentatively lines up to pitch versus the A's on Wednesday.

Lorenzen (6-5) allowed two runs on four hits, four walks and a hit batter with five strikeouts in three innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Mariners.

Lorenzen was not injured in the short start -- he threw 50 of 85 pitches for strikes in another inefficient outing against the Mariners. He's given up nine runs in his last eight innings across two starts versus Seattle, so he'll likely be glad to get away from them for a while. The poor pitching of late has seen the right-hander's season ERA move up to 4.24 with a 1.26 WHIP and 52:28 K:BB through 68 innings overall.

Flexen (3-8) earned the win Friday versus the Angels. He allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three in five-plus innings.

Flexen allowed a solo shot and an RBI triple to Mike Trout, and Ryan Borucki allowed an inherited runner to score in the sixth inning. This was Flexen's first win in five starts in June despite him not allowing more than three runs in any of those games. He's still not pitching deep into games, as he's completed six innings only five times in 14 starts. The right-hander has a 4.31 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 55:27 K:BB across 77.1 innings. He's lined up for a favorable home start versus the Orioles next week.

Verlander (9-3) earned the win Friday after holding the Yankees to one run on four hits over seven innings. He had three strikeouts and one walk.

The veteran right-hander tied his season low with only three strikeouts, but he kept New York off the board besides a solo home run from Giancarlo Stanton in the sixth. Verlander now has only 11 strikeouts across his past three starts, though he still has two wins and a 2.55 ERA in those outings. He tentatively lines up for a rematch with the Yankees at home on Thursday.

Manoah (9-2) allowed two runs on five hits and three walks with six strikeouts in 6.2 innings, earning the win Friday over the Brewers.

Manoah allowed a run on a fielder's choice in the fifth inning and gave up a solo home run to Tyrone Taylor in the seventh. The Blue Jays' offense was more than capable of covering that damage, allowing Manoah to earn his fourth win in his last five starts. It was also his 12th quality start in 14 outings this season, as the 24-year-old right-hander continues to pitch like an ace. He has a 2.05 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 79:18 K:BB while allowing just six homers in 87.2 innings this year. He's projected for a home start versus the Red Sox next week, though it's unclear if the Blue Jays will stay on rotation with an eight-game week ahead or if they'll call upon a spot starter early in the week. If Manoah gets pushed back a day, he'd face the Rays.