MLB Player News

Skubal (1-3) allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and no walks while striking out eight across six innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Royals.

Skubal was a tough-luck loser, as he was outdueled by Brady Singer. He surrendered a two-run home run to the third batter he faced, but settled in to strike out a career-best eight hitters. That was backed by an impressive 17 swinging strikes, a positive step in the right direction for Skubal. It's been an up and down rookie season for him, as he has a 6.17 ERA but a promising 25:8 K:BB across 23.1 frames. He'll line up to take his next start Tuesday at Minnesota.

Cole (6-3) allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out eight across seven innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Cole dominated the Blue Jays, with the only blemish coming in the sixth inning when he allowed a leadoff double to Jonathan Villar, who ultimately came around to score. He generated 14 swinging strikes on 95 pitches and has now struck out at least eight batters in seven of his last eight starts. Overall, Cole has maintained a 3.00 ERA with a stellar 87:17 K:BB across 66 frames. He's lined up to take his next turn through the rotation Monday at Toronto.

Carrasco experienced calf tightness during Tuesday's start against the Cubs, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

The 33-year-old allowed three runs over six innings Tuesday and was expected to also pitch the seventh inning, but he then informed the coaching staff of the calf tightness. It appears to be a minor issue as pitching coach Carl Willis said the team expects Carrasco to make his next turn through the rotation Sunday in Detroit, though it's worth keeping an eye on his status over the next couple days.

Singer (3-4) allowed two hits and one walk while striking out eight across six scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday against Detroit.

Singer turned in his second consecutive dominant outing and has now allowed no earned runs across his last 14 innings. He racked up an impressive 21 called strikes and 13 swinging strikes across 81 total pitches, working efficiently while retiring 18 batters. After an inconsistent start to his rookie campaign, Singer has settled in to maintain a 4.14 ERA with a 52:18 K:BB across 54.1 frames. He'll take his next turn through the rotation Tuesday against St. Louis.

Odorizzi (abdomen) left Wednesday's start against the White Sox in the fourth inning due to an issue with his finger, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Odorizzi appeared to be dealing with a blister or fingernail issue before he was forced to leave in the middle of an at-bat. He was pitching well prior to his departure, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out three in 3.2 innings. He was making his first start since Aug. 21 after he was activated from the 10-day injured list earlier in the day.

Sandoval was recalled from the alternate training site Wednesday.

The 23-year-old will rejoin the Halos for additional bullpen depth after spending the past couple weeks at the alternate site. Sandoval started in his first five outings of the season and had a 6.75 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB over 22.2 innings.

McCullers (neck) was activated from the 10-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Rangers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old underwent a procedure Sept. 8 which alleviated most of his neck pain, and he'll rejoin the rotation after spending the 10-day minimum on the shelf. McCullers has a 5.79 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 32:16 K:BB across 37.1 innings this season.

Paxton (forearm) was transferred to the 45-day injured list Wednesday.

Paxton recently faced a setback in his recovery process and has yet to resume throwing. He'll miss the remainder of the regular season after landing on the 45-day injured list, although it remains to be seen whether he could be available if the Yankees make a deep playoff run. The southpaw posted a 6.64 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over 20.1 innings during five starts in 2020.

Odorizzi (abdomen) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the White Sox, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Odorizzi took a line drive off his chest Aug. 21 that has kept him sidelined since, but he'll make his return to the mound Wednesday. The right-hander reached 81 pitches during his most recent simulated game, so it's unlikely that he'll face significant limitations during his return.

Verlander (forearm) threw 75 pitches in his workout Wednesday at Minute Maid Field, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander didn't toss a full simulated game, as McTaggart notes that only 24 of his pitches came against hitters. That said, it marks another step forward in the recovery process for Verlander, who previously built up to 55-to-60 pitches in a bullpen session. The Astros will presumably reassess Verlander in the next day or two before deciding if he's ready to return from the 10-day injured list, or if he'll need one more simulated outing before being activated. If Verlander is cleared to make his 2020 debut during the final week of the regular season, he likely wouldn't be asked to handle a normal starter's workload in the outing.