MLB Player News

Astros manager Dusty Baker said Sunday that Valdez (finger) could be available to return from the injured list in June, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports. "Hopefully he'll be ready sometime to come back, which is a miracle, sometime in June. Hopefully," Baker said.

Houston initially feared Valdez might have to miss most of the 2021 season after he fractured the ring finger on his (left) pitching hand in early March, but the southpaw was able to avoid surgery and seems to be progressing faster than expected. After completing a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday, Valdez should gradually ramp up over the next few weeks before eventually heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Valdez's return -- whenever it may come -- will be a huge boon to the Houston rotation after he broke out in the abbreviated 2020 campaign with a 3.57 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 9.7 K/9 over his 11 outings (10 starts).

Boyd and the Tigers won't face the Twins on Sunday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Detroit, Megan Ryan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The two teams will make up the game as part of a split doubleheader July 16. The Tigers will be off until Tuesday, when they continue their homestand with a three-game set against the Royals. Expect manager A.J. Hinch to bump each of his rotation members back due to the postponement, which would allow Boyd to start the series opener versus Kansas City.

Maeda and the Twins won't face the Tigers on Sunday after the game was postponed due to rainy weather in Detroit, Megan Ryan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The two teams plan to make up the game as part of a split doubleheader July 16. Minnesota has yet to announce how the postponement may affect its pitching schedule, but Maeda will presumably just have his start bumped to the Twins' next game Tuesday in Chicago versus the White Sox. Maeda would line up for a second start later that weekend at home against the Athletics.

As expected, Boyd (knee) will start Sunday's series finale against the Twins.

Boyd's bout with left knee tendinitis forced him to miss his previous turn through the rotation earlier in the week, but the Tigers' decision not to place him on the injured list was an indication that the club wasn't expecting him to miss any further starts. The lefty apparently came out of his pre-start bullpen session without issue, so he shouldn't face any limitations Sunday as he picks up his first start of May.

The Red Sox announced Sunday that Houck has been temporarily shut down with a sore flexor muscle, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Houck picked up the injury in his first outing for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, when he worked three innings in a loss to Buffalo. The Red Sox believe the injury is only a short-term concern for Houck, who would be the next man up for a spot in the big-league rotation if Boston loses one of its five starters.

Berrios didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Tigers after allowing two runs on six hits and five walks while walking one across six innings.

Berrios had to deal with 11 baserunners, but he limited the damage to just two runs and posted his first quality start since Opening Day. The five walks represent a season-high mark for the right-hander, but generally, he remains effective in terms of run prevention as evidenced by a 3.49 ERA across 38.2 innings. He's expected to take the ball next week at home against the Athletics.

Urena didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Twins after giving up two runs on nine hits and two walks while fanning three across 4.1 innings.

Urena dealt with 11 baserunners but limited the damage to just two runs -- and both came on a two-run shot from Josh Donaldson in the top of the fifth. The 29-year-old right-hander has been remarkably consistent this season since he's allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last six outings, and his 1-4 record can be explained by the lack of run support he's received. Urena's next start is scheduled for next week at home against the Cubs.

Bundy (0-4) took the 14-11 loss Saturday against the Dodgers, allowing six runs on five hits and one walk with three strikeouts.

Bundy faced the minimum through three innings but allowed six of seven batters to reach base in the fourth before being removed. Reliever Steve Cishek proceeded to allow two inherited runners to score along with two other Dodgers for a disastrous fourth inning. Bundy hasn't been able to maintain his 2020 form, evidenced by his winless record and 5.03 ERA.

Glasnow (4-2) was tagged with the loss Saturday against the Athletics after allowing three runs on two hits and four walks while fanning 11 across 5.2 innings.

Glasnow couldn't complete the sixth inning and while the 11 strikeouts were nice, he still issued at least four walks for the third time over his last five starts. Glasnow has slowed down a bit after an excellent start to the campaign and has given up three or more runs in three of his last four starts, but he's still posted a strong 39:12 K:BB during that four-game stretch. He's tabbed to take the ball next week at home against the Mets.

Montas (4-2) earned the win Saturday against the Rays after posting 5.1 innings of two-run ball, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out six.

Montas barely qualified for the win in this one, and he ended just two outs away from what would've been his fifth quality start over his last six appearances. He's been prone to having an occasional down game here and there, but Montas has been getting the job done as one of the most important hurlers in the A's pitching staff. He owns a 5.50 ERA and a 35:8 K:BB through 36 innings in 2021.