MLB Player News

Sale (6-11) struck out 13 over eight scoreless innings in a win over the Angels on Thursday, allowing just two hits with no walks.

After allowing a double in the first inning, Sale retired 16 straight hitters to propel himself into the late innings. He needed just 99 pitches despite his baker's dozen of punchouts and perhaps could have continued, but he had already done more than enough to earn his sixth win. The lefty still owns a 4.41 ERA in addition to his poor record, but he's still one of the most dominant pitchers in the game on his day. Sale will next face the Indians at home.

Boyd allowed five runs on six hits and three walks over 2.2 innings but did not factor into the decision in Thursday's 10-8 win over the Royals. He struck out just one.

It's been a tale of two seasons for Boyd, who had a 2.85 ERA across his first 12 starts of the year. Since then, Boyd has a 5.56 ERA across his subsequent 12 starts. The 188 strikeouts in 140.2 innings are nice, but the lefty has generally looked more like a solid starter rather than a true ace. He'll look for better results in his next scheduled start Aug. 15 against the Mariners.

Luzardo (lat) is scheduled to throw three innings at High-A Stockton on Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Luzardo came out of his first rehab outing feeling strong, tossing two scoreless innings in the Arizona League on Monday. He's still working his way back from a Grade 2 lat strain suffered in early July, but the southpaw is nearing full strength.

Civale is listed as the Indians' probable starter for Sunday's game against the Twins.

Civale was called up from Triple-A Columbus on Monday to replace Danny Salazar (groin) in the rotation and spun a gem, permitting only one run over six innings while striking out seven in a 1-0 loss to the Rangers. The rookie right-hander will be rewarded with another start for his efforts but won't make for the most comfortable option in fantasy lineups as he heads to Minnesota to face a Twins offense that ranks third in the majors this season in team wRC+ (116). Civale may not have much longevity in the rotation beyond Sunday, as Corey Kluber (forearm) is set to make his second minor-league rehab start next week and could be ready to return from the 60-day injured list following that outing.

Kluber (forearm) tossed three innings Thursday in his first rehab start for Triple-A Columbus, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out two.

While making his first appearance at any level since May 1, Kluber unsurprisingly didn't have his best command or control in the outing, serving up two home runs while pumping in 24 of 41 pitches for strikes. According to Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Kluber's two-seam fastball sat around 89-to-90 mph, which was down a tick or two from what he sported over his seven starts with Cleveland before fracturing his right forearm. On a positive note, Kluber retired the final five batters he faced and completed a bullpen session afterward to push his pitch count for the day to around 55. The two-time Cy Young Award winner remains on track to return from the 60-day injured list in the second half of August. He's expected to throw around 65 pitches in his second rehab start, which will come Tuesday for Double-A Akron.

Urquidy allowed a season-high 11 runs on 14 hits and a walk over 4.2 innings Wednesday in Triple-A Round Rock's 20-12 loss to El Paso.

Making his return to the minors after ceding his spot in the Houston rotation to Aaron Sanchez last week, Urquidy didn't help his case for a quick return to the big club by surrendering six extra-base knocks in the ugly outing. The blowup resulted in his season ERA and WHIP at Triple-A climbing from 4.07 and 1.03 to 5.57 and 1.22, respectively.

Mejia was claimed off waivers by the Angels on Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Mejia will head back to the Angels after a two-game, three-inning sojourn with St. Louis in which he allowed three earned runs. The 26-year-old appeared in four games with the Angels earlier this season before being DFA'd on July 26. He's currently out of minor-league options, so he's likely to get an extended look as the Halos assess his potential role on the squad next season.

Rodriguez worked five frames and gave up two runs on seven hits and three walks Wednesday against the Royals before the contest was suspended in the top of the 10th inning with the score tied at 4-4.

The two sides will finish up the suspended game Aug. 22, with all statistics accrued by Rodriguez in the outing set to show up on his season line once the contest is officially completed. Rodriguez notched just one strikeout -- his fewest of the season -- in the 101-pitch outing.

Kikuchi gave up one run on four hits and three walks across five innings during Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Padres. He struck out eight but did not factor in the decision.

Kikuchi served up a leadoff homer to Fernando Tatis to start the game, but he didn't allow another extra-base hit in the outing. The 28-year-old exited in line for the victory, but the bullpen promptly allowed a solo homer in the sixth to tie the game. Kikuchi has a 5.34 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 92:41 K:BB over 123 innings and should pitch next week at Detroit.

Means (8-7) gave up four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five through 3.2 innings to take the loss against the Yankees on Wednesday.

Means threw three scoreless innings before a disastrous fourth frame in which he allowed five baserunners overall and a three-run home run. The left-hander's ERA continues to climb, now sitting at 3.36 for the season, including 7.11 in his last four starts. Means will make his next start Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.