MLB Player News

Martinez allowed three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out six batters over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Monday.

Martinez was hurt by a three-run homer off the bat of Kyle Tucker in the second inning, but those were the only runs the Dodgers managed to score while the righty starter was in the game. It was still a bit of a slog for Martinez, as he needed 96 pitches to get through 5.1 frames, but he also tied a season high with six punchouts and limited Los Angeles to five hits. Martinez held a 1.62 ERA over 11 starts through the end of May, but he's faded a bit in giving up 12 runs across 16.1 frames over his first three outings in June. Still, he's a steadfast part of Tampa Bay's rotation, with his 2.60 season ERA good for ninth-best among qualified hurlers in the majors.

Urena (4-5) took the loss against Arizona on Monday, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out three batters over seven innings.

It was a bit of a mixed bag for Urena; he totaled just six whiffs and three punchouts while taking the loss, but he also completed seven frames for the first time as a big-leaguer and logged his sixth quality start. The right-hander got through those seven innings on an efficient 88 pitches, allowing his team's bullpen a breather one day after the Angels used five different relievers against Tampa Bay. Urena continues to dig his heels into a rotation role, as he's given up three or fewer earned runs in nine straight outings. Overall, the rookie has put together a strong 2.60 ERA along with a 1.35 WHIP and 58:35 K:BB over 62.1 innings spanning 13 appearances (11 starts).

Gore (4-6) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks over seven innings against Minnesota. He struck out 10.

Gore struggled out of the gate, surrendering a three-run homer to Josh Bell in the first inning, but he was able to settle in and allow just one more run across the next six frames. The southpaw's 10 strikeouts marked a season high after he had previously topped out at nine punchouts on two occasions. Gore will carry a 4.27 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 86:35 K:BB across 78 innings (15 starts) into his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Sunday against San Diego.

Paredes did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing two runs on four hits, no walks and a hit batsman over 4.2 innings against the Rangers. He struck out two.

Paredes left with the Twins leading but fell one out shy of qualifying for the win. The right-hander generally did a solid job of keeping the Rangers' offense in check, though Joc Pederson got the better of him with a two-run shot in the third inning. Paredes has now made two starts and two relief appearances, with Monday's start representing his longest outing to date, though each of the four appearances has lasted at least three innings. Across 15 frames, the 25-year-old owns a 4.20 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB with the big-league club this season. If Minnesota opts to keep Paredes in the rotation and continue building up his workload, his next start lines up for Sunday against Arizona.

Melton is optimistic about avoiding a stint on the 15-day injured list after being scratched from Monday's scheduled start against Houston due to lower-back tightness, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Melton mentioned that he's not quite sure what caused his back to tighten up, but he's hopeful that the issue will clear up shortly. The club will presumably monitor him closely over the next few days to determine when he can make his next start.

Zobac (knee) was activated from the 7-day injured list Friday.

Zobac began the season on the minor-league IL due to a knee injury. He looked sharp in the Arizona Complex League while ramping back up, cruising to a 3.18 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with a 14:3 K:BB across 11.1 frames. Zobac was activated over the weekend and made his first appearance at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Saturday, allowing one run on one hit and three walks while striking out two over 2.1 innings.

Hampton (elbow) was activated from the 7-day injured list Friday.

Hampton made six rehab appearances in the lower levels of the minors while working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and while the results weren't sparkling, he's been activated from the IL. The right-hander received mixed results in his first action this year at Double-A Somerset, as he surrendered three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three over three frames.

Verlander (hip) threw 66 pitches during a four-inning simulated game Monday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Verlander went up against the likes of Hao-Yu Lee, Jake Rogers and Wenceel Perez during Monday's sim game, per Petzold. Petzold also notes that it seems as though the Tigers aren't confident the veteran right-hander is ready to face major-league competition, despite being given a clean bill of health. It's not yet clear as to when Verlander will be activated from the 60-day injured list, though Saturday against the White Sox appears to be the next possibility.

The Athletics recalled Morales from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Morales began the season in the Athletics' rotation, but he was demoted after two poor starts and lately has been pitching in a relief role with Las Vegas. He will provide the bullpen with some length after the A's relievers were overworked this past weekend.

Melton has been scratched from Monday's start versus the Astros due to lower-back tightness, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Tigers will start Drew Anderson instead in what will be a bullpen game. It's unclear at this point when Melton might be ready to make his next start, so he should be considered day-to-day until further notice.