MLB Player News

Chirinos (finger) is scheduled to throw another simulated game Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Chirinos fired 20 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday, and he fared "really well" according to skipper Kevin Cash. The right-hander is on track for at least one more sim game before coming off the injured list.

Luzardo, who logged three innings and recorded a hold in his major-league debut Wednesday against the Astros, will ideally be stretched out further over what remains of the season, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The left-handed phenom acquitted himself well in long relief against a potent Astros lineup his first time out, and manager Bob Melvin emphasized he'd like to see Luzardo log even more extensive workloads as the final two-plus weeks of the regular season unfold. Luzardo is a starter by trade, although Wednesday's piggybacking role wasn't unfamiliar since the 21-year-old had also been deployed in that fashion during his time in the minors. Melvin's comments certainly imply there's at least a possibility for one conventional start for Luzardo before the campaign concludes, and Slusser separately reports the southpaw even has a chance at a spot on a potential postseason roster if Stephen Piscotty (ankle) remains on the injured list into the playoffs. According to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, Luzardo's next outing won't come until at least Sunday.

Montgomery (shoulder) could be activated to start Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Montgomery could follow an opener in that contest, but he at least seems ready to see his first game action since May 1, 2018. He has thrown three innings in each of his last two rehab appearances, so he would probably only have a chance to get the win if he came in out of the bullpen.

Severino (lat) is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Angels, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

He is set to rejoin the rotation next week, as expected. Severino has built up to 64 pitches during rehab starts and hit 98 mph with his fastball, so he could go deep enough to qualify for the win. He isn't likely to be his dominant pre-injury self right out of the gate, but he still makes for a decent option in most formats given team context and his upside as a frontline starter.

Luzardo made his big-league debut Wednesday, allowing a run on one hit over three innings of relief while striking out two to record his first career hold in a 5-3 win over the Astros.

Oakland's top pitching prospect served up a solo shot to Martin Maldonado in his first inning of work, but Luzardo settled down nicely after that and provided a strong bridge to closer Liam Hendriks, popping 97 mph with his fastball and mixing in a slider and changeup. Luzardo will continue to pitch in relief down the stretch, likely in high-leverage spots as the A's try to secure a wild-card berth, but his future lies in the rotation -- the young lefty could be the club's ace as soon as next summer.

Urquidy allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out 10 over five innings in a no-decision against the Athletics on Wednesday.

Urquidy was spectacular in a spot start, dazzling the A's and leaving with his team ahead, 2-1, but manager AJ Hinch was reticent to leave him in the game, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. Prior to Wednesday's start, Urquidy had already accumulated a career-high 130 innings, so Hinch went to the bullpen, which gave up the lead and Urquidy's chance for a win in the sixth inning. The Astros are currently running a four-man starting staff and do not need a fifth starter until the penultimate game of the regular season (Sept. 28).

Carrasco (5-7) walked two and struck out two in 1.2 scoreless innings of relief Wednesday to get credit for the win in a 4-3 victory over the Angels.

He took over for Adam Plutko with one out in the fifth inning and a 4-2 lead, and while Carrasco wasn't exactly sharp, he kept the Halos off the board to pick up his first win since coming off the injured list. With Brad Hand (arm) not 100 percent, there's a chance Carrasco could see some save opportunities, but his usage in this one suggests manager Terry Francona would prefer to deploy him for multi-inning stints earlier in games.

Gonzales (15-11) gave up two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven through seven innings to earn the win over the Reds on Wednesday.

Gonzales posted 15 swinging strikes as he delivered seven quality innings in the win. The 27-year-old now has nine starts with at least seven innings and allowing two runs or fewer. Gonzales has a 3-2 record with a 4.25 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP in his last seven starts. Gonzales is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against the Pirates at PNC Park.

Perez (10-7) took the loss Wednesday against the Nationals after allowing five runs on six hits over five innings. He struck out four and walked three.

Perez was lucky to get through five innings after allowing two runs in the first and three more in the third. The left-hander has a 4.89 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 125:64 K:BB through 152.2 innings and has a matchup with the White Sox on tap for Monday.

Severino (lat) indicated that he expects to join the Yankees as a starter in four to five days, Matt Kardos of MLB.com reports.

Severino made his final minor-league rehab start with Double-A Trenton on Wednesday, tossing 3.2 innings and allowing four runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out four. He threw 64 pitches -- surpassing his previous rehab high by 14 -- and hit 98 mph with his fastball. Severino is certain to be on a strict pitch count upon his return, though he could have three starts to build up his stamina before the beginning of the playoffs. His first appearance for the Yankees is likely to come at home against the Angels on Tuesday.