MLB Player News

Houck will be recalled from the alternate training site to start Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader against the White Sox, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

The 24-year-old was originally a candidate to start Saturday's contest, but Friday's postponement resulted in a shift in the pitching schedule. It figures to be a spot start for Houck, but a strong showing Sunday could go a long way toward him earning more starting chances later this season.

Quintana won't start Saturday against the Twins as scheduled as the game has been postponed due to a potential COVID-19 outbreak for the Twins, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The Twins have had at least one player test positive for coronavirus Saturday, so the league elected to postpone the contest until contact tracing can be completed. It's possible Quintana could start Sunday, as that game hasn't been canceled yet, but these situations have tended to lead to more than one postponement, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the next game wiped out as well.

Manager Dusty Baker indicated McCullers (illness) could be pushed back from his next turn through the rotation Tuesday against the Rockies, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 27-year-old labored through his last start Wednesday with side effects from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and he's not fully recovered despite showing improvement over the past couple days. Baker said, "Colorado is not the place to try and catch your breath" for someone having difficulties breathing, as McCullers did in his previous outing. The Astros return home to face the Angels on Thursday, so the team could simply push the right-hander's start back two days to help avoid any further issues.

Quantrill allowed two runs on two hits and three walks with one strikeout in two innings in Friday's 10-3 loss to the Reds.

After starter Logan Allen lasted just two innings, Quantrill was one of four relievers to pick up the slack. The two runs were the first against him this season. Quantrill has a 2.57 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and four strikeouts across seven innings. Expect the right-hander to continue in a long-relief role with the potential to draw a spot start if necessary.

Allard struck out five over three scoreless innings in Friday's 5-2 loss to Baltimore.

Allard did good work, keeping the Rangers in the game with three perfect innings from the sixth to the eighth, but the offense couldn't muster much beyond two solo home runs. It was just his third appearance out of a bullpen that currently carries 14 members. His roster spot survived the activation of Joely Rodriguez on Friday, but the seldom-used left-hander could be optioned with Willie Calhoun (groin) expected to be activated Saturday.

Kikuchi hurled seven innings against Houston on Friday, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three. He did not factor in the decision.

Kikuchi breezed through his first four frames, allowing only one walk and facing the minimum 12 batters. However, things began to unravel for the left-hander in the fifth, as he yielded three runs on three hits and a walk. Kikuchi then gave up two more runs in the seventh before departing. Overall, the 29-year-old threw 91 pitches and gave up only one extra-base hit. He's now gone at least six innings in each of his first three starts, though he has yet to be part of a decision. Kikuchi's next outing will take place at Boston on Friday.

Urquidy pitched 5.2 innings against Seattle on Friday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. He did not factor in the decision.

Urquidy began the contest with five scoreless innings before allowing a two-run double to Kyle Seager in the sixth. That was the final pitch of the game for the right-hander, and he consequently just missed out on his first quality start of the campaign. Urquidy struck out seven for the second straight contest and now has an impressive 19:4 K:BB over 16 innings this season. His next start will be at Colorado on Wednesday.

Heaney allowed two runs on two hits and three walks over 5.1 innings in Friday's win over Minnesota. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Heaney was mostly untouched through five innings of work but got into a bit of trouble to start the sixth. He allowed the first two batters to reach base before striking out Jake Cave. He was then relieved by Aaron Slegers who allowed three runs to score, including two charged to Heaney. The 6-foot-2 lefty will carry a 5.65 ERA into next Thursday's start in Houston.

Wacha (1-1) allowed one hit and two walks while striking out nine in six scoreless innings to earn the win against the Yankees on Friday.

Wacha didn't allow a runner to get past first base in the first six innings Friday, and his nine strikeouts matched the highest total of his career. The right-hander got plenty of late run support from Tampa Bay's offense to cruise to his first win of the year. He's now posted a 4.20 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 20 strikeouts in 15 innings across three appearances (two starts) to begin the season. Wacha lines up to make his next start on the road against Kansas City on Wednesday.

Urena (0-3) allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks over seven innings in Friday's loss to Oakland. He struck out eight and took the loss.

The 29-year-old cruised through three scoreless innings to start the game before coughing up two runs in the fourth. His offense couldn't get much going against Frankie Montas so Urena was tagged with a loss despite producing his best outing of the season. He now owns a 17:11 K:BB and 5.52 ERA through 14.2 frames. Urena will face the Pirates at home next Thursday.