MLB Player News

Royals manager Mike Matheny said Bubic will start Friday's game against the Tigers, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Bubic opened the second half in a bullpen role for Kansas City, but he'll reclaim a spot in the rotation after the Royals placed Danny Duffy (forearm) and Brady Singer (shoulder) on the injured list Tuesday. After Singer lasted only two innings in his most recent start Saturday, Bubic impressed in long relief, giving up one run on two hits and three walks while striking out five in six frames. Bubic is thus sufficiently stretched out to handle a starter's workload as he slots back into the rotation.

German didn't factor into the decision Tuesday against the Phillies after allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while fanning five across four innings.

German was never expected to pitch deep into this game considering he was on three days of rest, but he still tossed 41 of his 70 pitches for strikes while limiting the damage across the board. The right-hander has gone eight straight outings without completing the five-inning threshold, though. His next start is scheduled for the upcoming weekend series against the Red Sox on the road.

Houck will start Thursday's game against the Yankees, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck was initially slated to start Wednesday's series finale against the Blue Jays, but Garrett Richards will now take the mound after Tuesday's contest was postponed. However, the young right-hander will make his third big-league start of the year Thursday. Across four appearances (two starts) this season, he's posted a 3.38 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 13.1 innings.

Ober allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings against the White Sox on Tuesday. He did not factor into the decision.

Ober picked up his first major-league victory after tossing five shutout innings against the White Sox earlier this month but was not as sharp this time out. The White Sox got to him for two quick runs in the first inning and then Yoan Moncada delivered a big blow with a two-run homer in the third to make it a 4-1 ballgame. Ober has yet to go more than five innings in any of his nine starts and is averaging just over 70 pitches per outing, usually making it difficult for him to qualify for a win. The 25-year-old currently owns a 5.45 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 41:12 K:BB over 38 innings. He's currently lined up for a meeting with the Angels over the weekend.

Garcia (7-5) allowed three hits and struck out eight over six scoreless innings to earn the win over Cleveland on Tuesday.

Garcia was brilliant in earning his seventh win over the last 11 starts. Cleveland threatened in his final inning by putting the leadoff runner on, but Garcia wiped out the next three batters and ended his night after 79 pitches (58 strikes). He lines up to pitch next Monday on the road in Seattle.

Keuchel allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out six over five innings in a no-decision against Minnesota on Tuesday.

Keuchel left with a lead, but the Twins scratched out three runs off two relievers before the White Sox made their own comeback in the eighth inning. The left-hander has just one win over his last five outings and a 5.70 ERA during that run. Keuchel's next rotation turn comes Monday on the road in Kansas City.

McKenzie (1-4) was handed the loss Tuesday after allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out three over four innings against the Astros.

McKenzie was brilliant his last time out in a spot start against the Royals but couldn't replicate the same success against a much more dangerous Astros lineup. Altuve took him deep twice over the first three innings, and the eights hits he gave up were easily a season high. McKenzie did only walk one batter for a second straight game, a category he's struggled with for most of the season. The 23-year-old right-hander is having a rough sophomore season. He owns a 5.91 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 71:41 K:BB over 53.1 innings. He tentatively lines up to face the Rays over the weekend, but he'll be difficult for fantasy managers to trust.

McClanahan (4-3) picked up the win in Tuesday's 9-3 victory over the Orioles, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out seven.

The rookie was sharp, tossing 65 of 93 pitches for strikes, and a double by Anthony Santander in the second inning provided the only loud contact off McClanahan on the night. While he hasn't completed six innings in any of his last three starts, the lefty also hasn't given up more than three earned runs in an outing since June 2. McClanahan will carry a 3.88 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 78:22 K:BB through 65 innings into his next appearance.

Means (4-3) took the loss Tuesday, giving up five runs on seven hits over five innings as the Orioles fell 9-3 to the Rays. He struck out two without walking a batter.

It was a rude welcome back for the southpaw, who was making his first start since June 5 after recovering from a shoulder strain. Means tossed 78 pitches (51 strikes) before exiting and over half the hits off him went for extra bases, including homers by Randy Arozarena and Francisco Mejia. Means hasn't won a game since his no-hitter against Seattle on May 5, and he'll take a 2.72 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 71:13 K:BB through 76 innings into his next outing.

Flexen is expected to follow opener Keynan Middleton against the Rockies on Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Flexen lined up to start Wednesday's contest, but the Mariners will instead go with an opener. Flexen has pitched well over his past seven starts, lasting at least five frames and allowing no more than three earned runs with a 1.77 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 32:9 K:BB across 45.2 innings.