MLB Player News

Whitley has a 10.80 ERA over 18.1 innings for Triple-A Round Rock.

The Astros bypassed Whitley, their top-ranked prospect, in favor of Corbin Martin, who will start in place of a struggling Collin McHugh on Sunday. Whitley has been knocked around during his first taste of the most elite level of the minor leagues. He was tagged for three home runs in his most recent start Friday and has given up seven long balls thus far. It's no wonder why Houston tabbed Martin as a replacement starter instead of Whitley.

Cole (4-4) picked up the win in Saturday's 11-4 rout of the Rangers, allowing one run on four hits over six innings while striking out a season-high 12.

A Hunter Pence solo shot in the second inning was the only blemish on Cole's line for the night. The right-hander has now fanned double-digit batters five times in nine starts to lead the majors in strikeouts, and he'll take a 3.88 ERA and 86:15 K:BB through 55.2 innings into his next outing Friday in Boston.

Smyly (0-3) took the loss Saturday, giving up five runs (four earned) on four hits and four walks over 4.2 innings while striking out three as the Rangers were routed 11-4 by the Astros.

After Jesse Chavez worked a clean first inning as the opener, Smyly checked in and held down the fort for two more frames before Houston's offense got rolling. The southpaw threw only 54 of 96 pitches for strikes, and he'll take a 6.85 ERA and 27:16 K:BB through 23.2 innings into his next outing -- whether as the starter or primary pitcher behind an opener -- at home against the Cards on Friday.

Keller (2-4) took the loss against the Phillies on Saturday by giving up six runs (five earned) on five hits. He struck out three and walked four.

Keller allowed only two extra-base hits but once again was all over the place as he threw only 57 strikes on 102 total pitches. The 23-year-old has issued at least three walks in every start since Opening Day and has an ugly 39:32 K:BB. Keller will carry a 4.47 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 52.1 innings into his next start.

Chirinos (5-1) earned the win against the Yankees on Saturday by allowing two runs on four hits over four innings. He struck out two and walked one.

Chirinos came into the contest in the third inning after opener Ryne Stanek delivered two scoreless frames to begin the game. The 25-year-old certainly wasn't at his best, but the Rays scored five runs between the sixth and eighth innings to secure his victory. The 25-year-old has a 3.61 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 31:8 K:BB across 42.1 innings and could end up facing the Yankees again next weekend.

Cortes was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The 24-year-old was called up to the Yankees on Wednesday, but it turns out it will be a short stay, as he's headed back to the RailRiders. Manager Aaron Boone previously indicated that Chad Green would be back in the mix for the big club soon, so he could be in line to take the roster spot.

Stroman allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits with four strikeouts and no walks across 6.1 innings in a loss to the White Sox on Saturday.

This game is a pretty good summary of Stroman's season. He pitched fairly well and displayed better control than he has all season, but the Blue Jays failed to give him any run support. The Toronto offense has averaged a measly 2.22 runs per game when Stroman's pitched this year. As a result, he is only 1-6 despite a 3.12 ERA. He also has a 1.29 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in 52 innings this season. Stroman is scheduled to pitch against the White Sox on the road Friday.

Bundy (1-5) gave up three runs on four hits -- including two home runs -- with two walks while striking out two over five innings in a 7-2 loss to the Angels on Saturday.

Homers have been a problem for Bundy all season, and he gave up two more in this outing, both to Albert Pujols. The 26-year-old couldn't build on his excellent outing against the Rays last weekend and generated just four swinging strikes in his 80 pitches. Bundy now has a 5.31 ERA with a 40:16 K:BB through eight starts this season. The right-hander will try to get back on track in his next start Thursday at Cleveland.

Turnbull allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six in 5.2 innings Saturday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

It wasn't Turnbull's best performance of the year, as his four walks tied a season high, but he kept the Tigers in a game which they would eventually win. His ERA rose only slightly and now sits at 2.42 on the season. His next start will come Thursday against Oakland.

Heaney (elbow) is expected to soon begin a rehab assignment which should last for three starts, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Heaney has been battling an elbow issue since early March. He threw three innings in an extended spring game Friday and will pitch for a minor-league affiliate next week. Assuming his rehab stint does indeed last three starts, he's tracking for a return to Los Angeles in late May.