MLB Player News

Heaney struck out 10 and gave up three runs on five hits over six innings in a 6-3 win over the Mariners. He did not walk a batter or factor in the decision.

Heaney dominated Seattle's lineup with the exception of one hitter, as Edwin Encarnacion accounted for all three runs with a pair of homers. It was still a productive outing for the left-hander, who exhibited good control by delivering first-pitch strikes to 17 of the 23 batters he faced. Heaney has allowed five runs and has a 18:1 K:BB over his first two starts, and he lines up to face the Mariners again next weekend.

Cortes was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following Saturday's win over the Red Sox.

Cortes rejoined the Yankees last week and fired five scoreless frames over two appearances but will nonetheless return to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with CC Sabathia (knee) set to come off the injured list. The 24-year-old has a 4.91 ERA and 1.64 WHIP this season, but he looked much improved during his second stint in the majors.

Lynn struck out seven and got the win over the Royals on Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and zero walks over 6.1 innings.

The veteran ran out of gas starting in the fifth. During the first four innings, no Royals baserunner reached scoring position, but then Kansas City had runners touch at least second base in the fifth, sixth and seventh against the right-hander. Still, Lynn only allowed runs in the fifth and continued to keep the ball in the park. Over his last four starts, Lynn has yielded zero home runs and struck out 33 over 26.1 innings. He is 7-4 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 74 innings this season. Lynn is expected to face the Athletics in his next start Friday.

Luzardo (shoulder) completed a 30-pitch simulated game Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Luzardo has been sidelined since mid-March with a left shoulder strain, but his progression to simulated games indicates he's nearing the end of his recovery. The Athletics have yet to announce the next step for the 21-year-old's rehab, but he could make his return to minor-league games within the next few weeks.

Lynch left Saturday's start for High-A Wilmington with a trainer after suffering an apparent arm injury, Clint Scoles of RoyalsAcademy.com reports.

He was apparently shaking his throwing arm after he released a pitch in the second inning. Lynch, a 6-foot-6 lefty, might be the Royals' best pitching prospect. He had a 3.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB in 54 innings prior to Saturday's start.

Kikuchi will have his next start skipped, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The Mariners' plan heading into the season was to limit some of Kikuchi's starts to one inning in order to keep his workload light. They'll change plans slightly this time around, skipping him entirely. It certainly seems like a good time to give him a break, as he's given up 11 runs on 20 hits in just 6.2 innings over his last two starts. The Mariners have not announced his replacement in the rotation.

Gibson (6-2) struck out three and picked up the win in Saturday's 6-2 victory over the Rays, allowing one unearned run on six hits and a walk over five innings.

The Rays nicked Gibson in the second inning on three singles and an error by second baseman Jonathan Schoop. However, the 31-year-old was able to dance around trouble in the third inning, when he left the bases loaded, and the fifth, when he stranded two more runners. Gibson will take a 3.75 ERA and 63:15 K:BB over 62.1 innings into his next start Friday, on the road against Detroit.

Chirinos (6-2) took the loss against the Twins on Saturday, giving up four runs on nine hits and one walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out seven as the Rays fell 6-2.

Chirinos gave up two runs on third-inning back-to-back doubles by Jorge Polanco and Marwin Gonzalez and was nicked for single runs in the fourth and fifth frames, the latter on a Marwin Gonzalez solo homer. The right-hander still has a fine 3.25 ERA and 0.95 WHIP to go along with a 49:11 K:BB. He lines up for a tough matchup against the Red Sox in in Fenway Park on Friday.

Sale (1-7) allowed four runs on seven hits with 10 strikeouts and a walk across six innings while taking a loss against the Yankees on Friday.

It was another huge night for Sale in the strikeout category, but his ERA also rose to 4.35, which is a career-worst mark. Sale has posted a 1.4 HR/9 and 2.5 BB/9 this season, which aren't necessarily terrible numbers but also aren't what owners are accustomed to seeing from him. Combine that with some very poor run support, and Sale is 1-7 despite a 1.08 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 68.1 innings this season. Sale will pitch next at the Royals on Thursday.

Mejia (calf) threw lightly off the mound Friday and is scheduled for a full bullpen session Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It doesn't sound like the Twins are in any rush to have him return from the IL since he may not have a spot in the bullpen when he returns. Mejia struggled to an 8.74 ERA with nine walks and 11 strikeouts in 11.1 innings before going on the IL. He'd need to clear waivers to be sent to the minors, however.