MLB Player News

McKenzie fired two scoreless innings, giving up a hit while striking out three during the Indians' 3-2 win versus the White Sox on Wednesday night.

McKenzie projects to be utilized as a weapon out of the bullpen for Cleveland throughout the playoffs. The 23-year-old displayed a healthy -- and reassuring -- rebound in velocity Wednesday, averaging 93.9 mph while touching 95 mph. Through 29.1 innings in 2020, McKenzie sports a 3.45 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP.

Teheran will not make another start this season but will be available out of the bullpen for the Angels' final few games, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The Angels' off day Thursday means they won't need all of their starters to make one final start. Teheran certainly makes sense as the man to skip, as he owns a very disappointing 9.49 ERA and a 1.68 WHIP in 30.1 innings this season. He was already a very unexciting fantasy option as a starter given his struggles, and he's considerably less interesting as a long reliever.

Snell (4-2) was the pitcher of record in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Mets after giving up three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out nine.

After keeping the ball in the yard in both of his past two starts, Snell couldn't keep the streak going Tuesday, as both Robinson Cano and Yonder Alonso took him deep for solo shots. That was enough offense to back Mets starter Seth Lugo, who outdueled Snell by allowing only two runs (one earned) over 6.1 innings. Snell was at least able to match his season high in strikeouts, with the southpaw racking up 22 swinging strikes among his 108 pitches. Manager Kevin Cash said after the game that Snell would make his next start in the first game of the Rays' playoff opener Tuesday. Charlie Morton and Tyler Glasnow will follow Snell in the pitching schedule.

Allard allowed one hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings in Tuesday's 7-0 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Allard had a rough go of it as a starter as he attempted to fill the rotation slot of Corey Kluber (shoulder). He eventually moved to the bullpen after pitching to an 8.80 ERA over eight starts. In two relief outings, the left-hander has thrown three scoreless innings with one hit, one walk and two strikeouts. With the Rangers seemingly looking to reshape the roster, Allard will be in the mix for a rotation spot in 2021.

Skubal didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's contest between the Tigers and the Twins. He allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while fanning six across 3.2 innings.

Skubal has failed to complete four innings in four of his seven starts this season, but he has fanned at least six in three of his last four starts. He can't be trusted to pitch deep into games, but Skubal has shown the ability to miss bats and will try to close out the season on a strong note in Detroit's season finale at Kansas City on Sunday.

Garcia (2-1) was tagged with a blown save and the loss Tuesday against the Twins after allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out two across two-thirds of an inning.

Garcia pitched the 10th inning with a one-run lead, but he quickly allowed the game-tying run on an RBI single from Eddie Rosario that scored Jake Cave. He bounced back and struck out both Miguel Sano and Mitch Garver, but Max Kepler notched the game-winning RBI with a single that scored Rosario. Garcia is now 3-for-4 in save opportunities this season and even though this performance didn't come out as expected, he should end the season as Detroit's closer.

Montas (3-5) took the loss against the Dodgers on Tuesday, pitching four innings and allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three.

Montas made his first start since Sept. 13 after going on paternity leave last Monday, but the right-hander was unable to use the extra rest to halt his recent struggles. He yielded a season-high three home runs in the loss and failed to reach the fifth inning for the fourth time in his last six starts. Montas lines up to start Oakland's final game of the season against Seattle on Sunday as he attempts to get back on track heading into the playoffs.

Canning (2-3) earned the win over San Diego on Tuesday, pitching six innings and allowing one run on two hits and five walks while striking out 10.

Canning was effectively wild in the contest, making up for his five walks by fanning a career-high 10 batters and allowing only two hits (both singles). He threw 64 of 108 pitches for strikes but kept the Padres on their heels, inducing 20 swings-and-misses. The right-hander picked up his third quality start of the campaign and continued a strong three-game stretch in which he has allowed five earned runs over 16.2 innings while racking up 22 strikeouts. He is unlikely to start again this season.

Valdez (5-3) earned the win Tuesday, allowing a run on five hits and striking out eight in seven innings versus the Mariners.

Valdez gave up an RBI double to Kyle Seager in the first inning before settling in to keep the Mariners' bats quiet. After allowing 16 runs in three starts to begin September, he's given up just one run in each of his last two outings. Valdez has a 3.57 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 70.2 innings this season. He's projected for one more regular-season start Sunday against the Rangers.

Lyles (1-6) allowed seven runs (four earned) on 10 hits over five innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. He struck out three.

Lyles had given up three unearned runs through five innings, but he was sent out again for the sixth and struggled mightily. Nick Ahmed tagged him for an RBI triple and Carson Kelly followed up with a three-run homer to end Lyles' outing. The right-hander now has a 7.08 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 32:21 K:BB in 54.2 innings this season. The 29-year-old lines up for one more start Sunday versus the Astros.