MLB Player News

Wells (1-3) allowed three runs on eight hits and no walks while striking out two in four innings to take the loss Sunday against the Tigers.

Wells had lasted at least five innings in each of his last three starts, and he posted a 2.25 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 16 innings during that time. However, he was unable to replicate his success Sunday, and he was charged with his first loss since April 21. The 27-year-old has exhibited plenty of command recently and has now put together five straight starts without issuing a walk. Wells tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Rays on Friday.

Montas (2-4) was handed the loss during Sunday's 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Angels, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk with 12 strikeouts in six innings.

Montas was dealt what proved to be the crushing blow when Shohei Ohtani tagged him for a two-run home run in the first inning. The 29-year-old rebounded to hold Los Angeles scoreless through the remaining five innings, striking out a season-best 12 batters with an impressive 22 swinging strikes in the process. Montas has now received a total of nine runs of support during his past five starts, all Oakland losses, and will look to return to the win column with a rematch against Los Angeles scheduled for next weekend.

Sandoval (2-1) earned the win during Sunday's 4-1 victory over Oakland, allowing one run on four hits and four walks with four strikeouts in 6.1 innings.

Sandoval was spotted a two-run lead before he took the mound and cruised for the most part after escaping a bases-loaded jam in the first inning. The 25-year-old got back on track following two decent outings, though he's now walked at least three batters in three straight outings. A 3.76 xFIP compared to a 1.91 ERA indicates Sandoval has overperformed -- the main culprit being a high 10.7 percent walk rate -- though he's proven to be one of Los Angeles' best full-time starters and should continue to produce, especially with a rematch against Oakland on tap for next weekend.

Verlander (5-1) allowed two hits and three walks while striking out five in five scoreless innings to earn the win over the Nationals on Sunday.

Verlander fell short of posting a quality start Sunday after accomplishing the feat in his last five outings, but he threw 107 pitches over five innings Sunday, marking his highest pitch count since Sept. 1, 2019. The right-hander's velocity has also been improving following his Tommy John surgery, and his fastball topped out at 98.3 mph in the first inning Sunday. Verlander is tied for the league lead with five wins to begin the season, and he'll attempt to continue his success when he tentatively lines up to start at home against the Rangers on Saturday.

Manoah (4-1) yielded three runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against the Rays.

Manoah rolled through five shutout innings before the Rays finally broke through in the sixth. They scored all three runs in the inning, including an RBI single from Ji-Man Choi. It was the first time this season that Manoah gave up more than two runs in an outing but his ERA dropped slightly to 1.71 through 42 frames. He's projected to face the Reds at home next weekend.

Springs allowed four hits over 4.2 shutout frames in Sunday's win over Toronto. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision.

The closest Springs came to allowing a run was in the third inning when he faced a first-and-third threat with two outs before forcing Vladimir Guerrero to fly out. The 6-foot-3 southpaw lowered his season ERA to 1.66 with an impressive 20:3 K:BB through 21.2 innings. He's currently lined up to take the mound in Baltimore next weekend.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently indicated that German (shoulder) could stretch out to work as a starter when he begins his minor-league rehab assignment, Joey Pollizze of MLB.com reports.

German is still on the 60-day injured list, but he's close to being eligible to return. The right-hander is slated to throw live batting practice at some point this week and could progress to a minor-league rehab assignment soon thereafter. Though the Yankees haven't yet indicated what role German will have upon his return, Boone's comments suggest that he is at least being considered for a starting role. That may be dependent on an injury or require the team to go to a six-man rotation, however, as all five starters are currently healthy and pitching well.

Wacha (intercostal irritation) will throw a simulated game Monday and is expected to return late next week, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

This would line him up to return either Saturday or Sunday at home against the Mariners. Wacha logged a 1.38 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 19:11 K:BB in 26 innings through five outings earlier this season.

With the Red Sox to open with Austin Davis on Sunday, Houck is expected to follow as the bulk-inning pitcher, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Houck hasn't pitched since last Sunday, so he has plenty of bullets to expend. The reasoning behind starting Davis over Houck was not made clear by manager Alex Cora, who would only confirm that Houck is healthy.

Gray (knee) threw a bullpen session without issues Saturday and is projected to start Monday against the Angels, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Gray, who left his last start against the Yankees when he felt "something" in his left knee, will wear a brace but is under no restrictions, per Texas manager Chris Woodward.