MLB Player News

Cease will start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Astros on Sunday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Cease dealt with a bruised right triceps late in the year but closed out the regular season on a high note, recording a 0.63 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 14.1 innings across his last three starts. The right-hander will attempt to force a Game 4 during Sunday's home start.

Rasmussen will start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Red Sox on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Heading into the postseason, the Rays were undecided whether Rasmussen would be used as a starter or as a reliever, but he'll take the mound to begin Game 3 after he didn't appear out of the bullpen in either of the first two contests. The right-hander lasted five innings in each of his final four regular-season appearances, and he posted a 1.35 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 20 innings during that time.

Baz allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.1 innings in Friday's loss to the Red Sox in Game 2 of the ALDS. He didn't factor into the decision.

Baz remained in Friday's contest after he gave up two runs in the top of the first inning, but he allowed another run to come across in the third inning prior to his removal. The right-hander threw just 47 pitches in Game 2, so he'll likely be available later in the ALDS if needed.

Houck (1-0) allowed one run on two hits and no walks while striking out five in five innings to earn the win against the Rays on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS.

Houck entered Friday's contest after the Rays scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning, and the right-hander held Tampa Bay in check while helping to preserve the rest of Boston's bullpen. The right-hander has lasted at least five innings in two of his last three appearances, and he was rewarded with the first postseason win of his career in Game 2 on Friday.

Sale allowed five runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two in one inning during Friday's win over the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS. He didn't factor into the decision.

The Red Sox gave Sale two runs of support in the top of the first inning, but the team's lead was erased when the Rays totaled five runs in the bottom half of the frame. The left-hander has allowed at least two runs in each of his last four appearances but could make an appearance later in the ALDS given the brevity of Friday's start.

Valdez allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out six in 4.1 innings during Friday's win over the White Sox in Game 2 of the ALDS. He didn't factor into the decision.

Valdez loaded the bases with one out in the first inning before allowing the first run of the game to come across, and he gave up three more runs in the fifth frame prior to his removal. The lefty threw just 69 pitches (43 strikes) in the outing but avoided the loss since the Astros put together a late comeback. The Astros now have a 2-0 lead in the ALDS, and Valdez's next start will likely come in the ALCS if the team advances.

Giolito allowed four runs on three hits and five walks while striking out four in 4.1 innings during Friday's loss to the Astros in Game 2 of the ALDS. He didn't factor into the decision.

Giolito finished the regular season on a high note with a 1.10 ERA and 0.98 WHIP in 16.1 innings across his final three regular-season starts. However, he was unable to replicate that success Friday, as he threw just 52 of his 90 pitches for strikes. The right-hander's five walks matched his highest total of the season, and his next appearance depends on whether the White Sox can win three consecutive games to advance to the ALCS.

Farrell was outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports.

Farrell finished the campaign as a member of the big-league bullpen, but he's been removed from the 40-man roster heading into the offseason. The 30-year-old made 20 appearances for Minnesota this year and had a 4.74 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 25:13 K:BB over 24.2 innings.

Rodriguez (0-1) took the loss in Game 1 of the ALDS at Tampa Bay on Thursday after giving up two runs on two hits with two walks and one strikeout over 1.2 innings.

Rodriguez surrendered two runs in the opening frame and walked the leadoff man in the second, and he was removed after retiring the next two batters to avoid a second trip through the Rays' lineup. The left-hander threw only 24 of 41 pitches in the strike zone, though he still generated five swinging strikes in the short outing. Rodriguez lines up to pitch Game 5 on Wednesday should the series reach that point, though manager Alex Cora could also opt to go in a different direction after the five-out showing.

McClanahan (1-0) earned the win in Game 1 of the ALDS against Boston on Thursday after allowing five hits with three strikeouts and zero walks over five scoreless innings.

The 24-year-old was in control throughout the contest, as he scattered five singles and didn't allow a baserunner to reach third base. McClanahan was pulled at 82 pitches, and the Tampa Bay bullpen locked it down the rest of the way. The left-hander lines up to start Game 5 of the series on Wednesday, should it be necessary.