MLB Player News

Cease (1-1) allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits with seven strikeouts and one walk across six innings while taking a loss against the Royals on Tuesday.

The Royals scored two unearned runs in the first, and that's all they would need to hand Cease the loss. He displayed better control in this outing than in his first major-league start, but working more in the zone resulted in eight hits allowed. In two major-league starts, Cease owns a 5.73 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 11 innings. Assuming he stays in the rotation, Cease will take face the Rays on Sunday.

Skubal has a combined 2.39 ERA and 118:22 K:BB in 17 starts (90.1 innings) this season between High-A Lakeland and Double-A Erie.

Skubal's first 15 starts of 2019 came for Lakeland, and he posted a solid 2.58 ERA there, but he's been even better in two starts for Erie, allowing just one earned run while striking out 21 across his first 10 innings with the SeaWolves. The 22-year-old is making a name for himself as a pitching prospect, though he's still overshadowed by the likes of Casey Mize and Matt Manning in the Tigers' system.

Luzardo (lat) has been playing catch from 90 feet, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Luzardo suffered the Grade 2 left lat strain in early July and is still working his way back to throwing off a mound. The 21-year-old has a chance to see game action sometime this season but is unlikely to have a firm recovery timetable until he resumes mound work.

Valdez was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Valdez got knocked around Monday night as Houston's bulk reliever, surrendering seven runs while striking out four over four innings of work. Rogelio Armenteros will take his place on the 25-man roster.

Kluber (forearm) is scheduled to throw a 20-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Kluber will take a big step forward Wednesday by firing his first side session (all fastballs) since fracturing his right forearm. Skipper Terry Francona stated that the Indians will give the right-hander extra time between bullpen sessions for the first 7-to-10 days, per Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Bundy (knee) played catch and ran Tuesday, and he's scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Bundy received a cortisone injection in his right knee Saturday, and the right-hander felt great following Tuesday's activities. If all goes according to plan, he'll toss a side session Wednesday, and the Orioles are optimistic that he'll be able to return from the injured list when first eligible July 23.

Bundy (knee) received a cortisone shot in his right knee Saturday and is confident that he will return to the rotation when first eligible July 23, Rich Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Bundy recently received a cortisone shot intended to provide some relief and remove the fluid that had built up in his knee. He is tentatively expected to return to the rotation next Tuesday after the 10-day minimum. After just recently trading Andrew Cashner to the Red Sox, the Orioles will need Bundy to stay healthy, as John Means, Gabriel Ynoa and Bundy are the only pitchers who are consistently getting starts in their rotation. Bundy is 4-11 on the year with a 5.28 ERA and 97:32 K:BB ratio across 92 innings of work.

Valdez (3-6) took the loss working as the primary pitcher against the Angels on Monday, giving up seven earned runs on six hits over four innings, striking out four and walking four in the Astros' 9-6 defeat.

Valdez continues to struggle, as he entered the game behind opener Josh James and was shelled for seven earned runs in his four innings, marking his fourth straight appearance where he's given up at least four earned. Pretty much nothing went right for him in this contest, as the Angels tagged him for six hits while also drawing four free passes and forcing him to throw 85 pitches. The 25-year-old now carries a 5.58 ERA, a 1.58 WHIP and a 45:26 K:BB in 50 big-league innings this season, so he might not be long for Houston's rotation.

Canning lasted just 1.1 innings in a no-decision against the Astros on Monday, giving up three earned runs on two hits, striking out two and walking six as the Angels eventually came back to win 9-6.

The 23-year-old couldn't find the strike zone in this contest, as he issued a season-high six free passes before getting chased from the game after tossing 50 pitches. It was the second straight start in which he's been roughed up, as Canning was tagged for six earned by the Rangers in the last start. He's seen his ERA jump from 3.79 to 4.75 over that stretch, although his 1.19 WHIP and 71:23 K:BB remain respectable. He'll look to right the ship in his next start, which is scheduled for a Saturday road matchup against the Mariners.

Giolito (11-4) gave up three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five through six innings to take the loss against the Royals on Monday.

Giolito gathered 10 swinging strikes as he delivered a quality start in the hard-luck loss. The 25-year-old had dominated the Royals in his career, posting a 6-0 record with a 2.13 ERA coming into this contest. Even with the loss, this was a nice bounce-back outing for Giolito after giving up six runs in his previous start against the Cubs. Giolito has an 11-4 record with a 3.23 ERA, a 10.6 K/9 and a 3.3 BB/9 through 18 starts this season. Giolito will make his next start Saturday against the Rays at Tropicana Field.