MLB Player News

Verlander surrendered four runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out 11 over five innings Sunday against the Orioles. He didn't factor into the decision.

Verlander gave up a run in the first inning, followed by one in the second and two in the fifth prior to being lifted with a one-run deficit. Heading into Sunday's outing, the 36-year-old hadn't allowed more than two runs in a start since July 5, so this was an uncharacteristic performance from the former MVP. Verlander owns a 2.82 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with a 217:34 K:BB over 162.2 innings this season.

Sandoval yielded four runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings Sunday against the Red Sox. He didn't factor into the decision.

Sandoval was spotted a three-run lead heading into the bottom of the second inning, but he'd surrender one in the second, two in the fourth and another in the fifth before exiting with a one-run deficit. Sunday marked just the second big-league start of Sandoval's career, and his status in the rotation remains uncertain moving forward.

Ramirez will serve as the Blue Jays' opener Monday against the Rangers, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Ramirez signed with the Blue Jays earlier this week after being released by the Indians and had his contract selected from Triple-A on Sunday. Either Brock Stewart or Zack Godley will be the bulk pitcher to follow.

Whitley (shoulder) could still contribute in some capacity in the majors this season, but he faces an uphill battle to do so, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. "He would have to prove to us in August that he could help us, which is a high bar (because) he's not currently on the (40-man) roster," general manager Jeff Luhnow said Saturday. "But I'm not going to rule it out, that's for sure."

He walked five and only threw 42 of 82 pitches for strikes in 3.2 innings Saturday for Double-A Corpus Christi, interrupting what had been a nice three-game run for him. In his three previous starts -- two at High-A and one at Double-A -- Whitley struck out 16 and walked only three in 12.1 innings of three-run ball. Whitley is certainly talented enough to make a case for joining the big-league roster in September, but he would really have to be lights-out going forward to force the Astros to clear a 40-man roster spot for him. In all likelihood, he will make his big-league debut in 2020.

Snell (elbow) is set to play catch Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This will be the first time he throws since July 29 surgery to remove six bone chips from his elbow. His status is fluid, and he doesn't have a definitive timetable for his return, but he could return in September if he avoids setbacks.

Ramirez's contract was selected from Triple-A Buffalo prior to Sunday's game against the Yankees.

He allowed five runs in an inning back on July 26, which hurt his ratios, but he has not allowed a run in eight of his last 10 appearances for the Bisons. Look for him to work in low-leverage situations.

Luzardo (lat) fired three perfect innings in High-A Stockton's win over Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, recording seven strikeouts.

Luzardo finished the dominant outing by striking out the side and worked up to 45 pitches overall. The southpaw has now collected 12 strikeouts across five innings over two starts since resuming his rehab assignment, and given his dominance Saturday, he could be headed up to a higher-level affiliate for his next start.

Heaney (shoulder) allowed one run on three hits with one walk and four strikeouts across 3.2 innings in a no-decision against the Red Sox on Saturday.

The 28-year-old pitched well in his return from the injured list Saturday, but he didn't have the stamina -- throwing just 74 pitches -- to last five innings, which meant he didn't get the win. Heaney is still searching for his second victory of the year, as he is 1-3 with a 4.89 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 58 strikeouts in 49.2 innings this season. He will pitch again Thursday against the White Sox at home.

Milone (1-7) allowed five runs on six hits over four innings, taking the loss against the Rays on Saturday.

Milone was fine through his first two innings, but a three-run homer from former Mariner Mike Zunino blew it up for the southpaw. He would allow solo shots to Kevin Kiermaier and Avisail Garcia before exiting the contest. Milone has taken the loss in six of his last nine appearances, inflating his ERA from 3.03 to 4.70 in that span. The 32-year-old is expected to work behind an opener again in Detroit on Thursday. Milone allowed two runs on six hits and a walk over five innings versus Detroit on July 28.

Turnbull (3-10) allowed just two runs on three hits and a walk across six innings but was saddled with the loss in Saturday's game against the Royals. He struck out three.

Turnbull pitched well enough to win, but the Detroit offense was lackluster in a 7-0 loss. The righty has a solid 3.68 ERA, though the lack of consistent run support has led to the disappointing 3-10 record. Nonetheless, Turnbull has had a good season and should remain in the rebuilding team's plans moving forward. The Tigers did announce recently that they plan to limit Turnbull's innings the rest of the way, so his fantasy value could take a hit. As of now, he's scheduled to take the hill again Friday against the Rays.