MLB Player News

Verland (7-1) allowed a run on two hits and two walks, striking out nine batters over seven innings to earn the win in Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Tigers.

Verlander gave his former team very little to work with in this outing. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.38 in 64.1 innings this year. He also has a 0.79 WHIP and 77 strikeouts. Verlander has allowed one run or fewer in seven of his 10 starts, and he will look to continue his early-season success against the White Sox on Tuesday.

German (8-1) allowed one earned run on six hits and a walk while striking out eight across seven innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Orioles.

German took advantage of a matchup against the Orioles, allowing only one run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. He worked efficiently, needing only 85 pitches to record 21 outs (64 of his offerings found the zone). German appears to be in the midst of a breakout campaign, posting a 2.50 ERA and 0.95 WHIP across 50.1 innings. He'll look to maintain the strong results in his next start, currently scheduled for Monday at Baltimore.

Smyly (ankle) could have his next scheduled start pushed back a day or two, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Smyly is tentatively scheduled to start Friday against the Cardinals, though that could change due to a minor ankle sprain he's currently nursing. It doesn't sound like the issue is serious enough to force him onto the injured list, but the Rangers could play it safe and give the left-hander some extra rest before his next outing to ensure the injury doesn't linger. Should Smyly have his start pushed back, Ariel Jurado is a candidate to get the ball Friday.

Heaney (elbow) threw four innings in an extended spring training game Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Heaney fired 58 pitches in Wednesday's outing and said he felt fine afterward. Assuming the southpaw checks out OK in the coming days, he'll likely be cleared to join a minor-league affiliate for his next outing. Heaney is expected to make two rehab starts before rejoining the Angels.

Springs was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Springs will take the roster spot of Wei-Chieh Huang, who was optioned to Nashville on Wednesday. The 26-year-old southpaw opened the season with the big club but was sent back to the minors after compiling a 5.25 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 12:10 K:BB in 12 innings of relief. He'll likely fill a middle-relief role during his time with the Rangers.

Luzardo tossed his first bullpen session Tuesday since being shut down in March with a strained left shoulder, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Rehabbing teammate Jharel Cotton labeled Luzardo's throwing session as "sharp," with minor-league pitching coordinator Gil Patterson echoing that sentiment. Luzardo has experienced no notable setbacks in his recovery from the shoulder issue, but the Athletics seem inclined to take things slowly with the prized lefty's rehab program nonetheless. For what it's worth, Slusser speculates that Luzardo likely won't be a rotation option for the Athletics until August or September, which would limit his appeal as a stash candidate in most fantasy leagues.

Paxton (knee) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Friday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Paxton said he felt fine after Tuesday's bullpen session, so he'll likely ramp things up Friday. If the southpaw continues to progress without any setbacks, he could be cleared to rejoin the big-league rotation without a rehab assignment.

Miley (4-2) allowed four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and two walks across six innings to earn a victory against the Tigers on Tuesday.

The veteran was a few outs away from a third straight quality start, but Miley tossed up a two-run homer in the sixth. It didn't cost him the victory, but it did mean his ERA jumped from 3.18 to 3.51 on the season. He is also 4-2 with a 1.15 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in 51.1 innings over nine starts in 2019. His next outing is scheduled for Monday at home against the White Sox.

Gibson (4-1) picked up the win Tuesday, giving up three runs on six hits and two walks over 5.2 innings while striking out five as the Twins downed the Angels 4-3.

The right-hander cruised through five innings but ran into serious trouble the third time through the order, finishing the night throwing 50 of 88 pitches for strikes. He'll take a 4.26 ERA and 45:13 K:BB through 44.1 innings into his next start Sunday in Seattle.

Sale allowed two earned runs on three hits and no walks while striking out 17 across seven innings Tuesday against the Rockies. He did not factor into the decision.

Sale quieted any lingering concern regarding his slow start to the season, racking up a career-best 17 strikeouts. That was backed by 24 swinging strikes and 26 called strikes on 108 total pitches. His lone blemish came on a two-run shot by Nolan Arenado in the seventh inning. In his last five starts, Sale has allowed seven earned runs across 33 innings while striking out 59 and walking six. He'll look to keep things on track in his next start, likely to come Sunday at home against Houston.