MLB Player News

McCullers (6-2) allowed two earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out eight across seven innings to take the loss Thursday against the Athletics.

McCullers was sharp but took the loss as the Astros were shut down by Frankie Montas. Three of the seven hits McCullers surrendered did go for extra-bases, but he managed to work out of moderate trouble thanks to eight strikeouts. Most encouragingly, McCullers completed more than six innings for the first time in five starts since coming off the injured list and also threw 107 pitches. McCullers will head into the All-Star break with a 2.94 ERA and 89 punchouts across 79.2 frames.

Montas (8-7) allowed one earned run on five hits and one walk while striking out 10 across 6.2 innings to earn the win Thursday against the Astros.

Montas dominated the Astros and recorded double-digit strikeouts in a start for the second time this season. He backed that with 22 swinging strikes on 95 total pitches and has now surrendered two earned runs or less in each of his last three starts. Montas will enter the All-Star break with a 4.41 ERA with 105 strikeouts across 100 innings on the campaign.

Montgomery (3-4) was charged with the loss Thursday against the Mariners after allowing three runs on four hits and a pair of walks while striking out nine across 6.2 innings.

After giving up three runs through the first two innings, including a solo home run to Kyle Seager in the first followed by a two-run shot to Dylan Moore in the second, Montgomery settled down, blanking Seattle the rest of the way. Unfortunately, his teammates provided zero run support, strapping Montgomery with a tough loss. The 28-year-old has now gone six straight starts without a win. He'll conclude the first half of the season with a 4.16 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Gilbert (3-2) earned the win Thursday after holding the Yankees scoreless across seven innings. He allowed one hit and no walks while striking out eight.

After giving up a leadoff double to Giancarlo Stanton in the second inning and hitting Luke Voit on the hand, Gilbert was locked in, retiring 18 Yankees in a row while fanning a season-high eight batters in the process. It was just the second time this year that the right-hander blanked his opponent. He'll take a 3.51 ERA and 0.97 WHIP into the All-Star Break.

Manager Aaron Boone said Cortes will start Friday's series opener at Houston, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

The left-hander made his first start of the season in Sunday's doubleheader and allowed a run across 3.1 innings, and he'll remain in the rotation for at least one more turn with Michael King (finger) sidelined. Cortes has been fantastic in eight outings for the Yankees this season with a 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB in 21 frames, and he could receive a longer look as a starter after the All-Star break with another strong showing Friday.

Means (shoulder) is expected to pitch three or four innings during his second rehab start Friday at Double-A Bowie, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander fired two frames in his first rehab outing Sunday and will continue ramping up his workload in the minors. Means is then tentatively scheduled for another start at Triple-A Norfolk next week, potentially putting him on track to rejoin the big-league rotation after the All-Star break during a three-game set in Tampa Bay beginning July 19.

Manoah won't start Thursday against the Orioles after the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

Thursday's contest will be made up as part of a doubleheader in September, but Manoah will take the mound in Friday's series opener in Tampa Bay, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. The right-hander has allowed an unearned run on seven hits and three walks while striking out 16 in 13 innings across his last two starts.

McKenzie will be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Friday's game against the Royals, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

McKenzie was sent to the minors in mid-June, and he posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB in 16 innings across four Triple-A starts since the demotion. He last pitched Sunday, so he should be on normal rest when he returns to the major-league club Friday. The right-hander made 11 appearances (10 starts) for Cleveland earlier in the year and recorded a 6.38 ERA and 59:39 K:BB in 42.1 innings.

Severino (elbow/groin) threw another bullpen Wednesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Severino resumed mound work Saturday, and he was able to throw off the bullpen mound a second time Wednesday. If he feels good following Wednesday's throwing session, the right-hander could face hitters as early as this weekend. Severino's rehab from Tommy John surgery was delayed in mid-June due to a Grade 2 groin strain, but he could begin a rehab assignment in the near future if he remains on track in his recovery.

Singer allowed a run on five hits and a walk with six strikeouts in six-plus innings, taking a no-decision versus Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Wednesday's performance was the right-hander's sixth quality start in 18 outings this season. Singer got through six innings with little trouble, but he let the leadoff batter get on base in the seventh and Scott Barlow allowed the inherited runner to score. Through 85.2 innings this season, Singer has struggled to a 4.52 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 91:36 K:BB. He'll need to work on trimming down his 3.8 BB/9 in the second half of the season to put in more consistently strong outings.