MLB Player News

Bassitt (1-0) got the win against the Rangers on Monday, scattering two hits over five innings while giving up no runs, striking out seven and walking four as the Athletics prevailed 6-1.

It was a successful first big-league start of 2019 for the right-hander, who was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas after Marco Estrada (lumbar strain) was forced to the injured list. Bassitt worked as both a reliever and a starter last season, so he could go back to a bullpen role at some point, but he made a strong case with this outing to remain the option in the rotation as long as Estrada is out.

Chirinos didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 6-3 win over the Royals, giving up three runs on six hits and a walk over six innings while striking out three.

Three of the six hits Chirinos allowed left the yard, but the right-hander did a good job keeping runners off base before the blasts. Two of his three starts this season have proven to be quality starts, but Chirinos will likely continue to be used as the primary pitcher behind an opener on a regular basis rather than becoming a full member of the rotation. Whatever his role, he'll take a sturdy 3.55 ERA and 22:5 K:BB through 25.1 innings into his next outing.

Keller (2-2) took the loss Monday, coughing up five runs on seven hits and three walks over 6.1 innings while striking out three as the Royals fell 6-3 to the Rays.

The right-hander was nursing a 3-2 lead after six innings, but coming out for the seventh proved to be a bad idea when Mike Zunino clubbed a two-run shot to center field to help chase Keller from the game. He'll take a 3.41 ERA and 29:20 K:BB through 37 innings into his next start, tentatively set for Sunday at home against the Angels. Due to the Royals having two off-days this week, it's also possible that Keller drops his appeal of a five-game suspension stemming from an April 17 start, which would allow Kansas City to get by without having to recall a spot starter from the minors.

Odorizzi (2-2) gave up two runs on eight hits with no walks while striking out two through 5.2 innings in a win over the Astros on Monday.

Odorizzi fell just short of a quality start but pitched well enough to earn the victory. The 29-year-old has won his last two starts even though he hasn't been able to make it through six innings more than once this season.The right-hander has a 2-2 record with a 4.37 ERA and a 9.1 K/9 through five outings.

German will have his next start moved to Wednesday against the Angels, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

German was originally slated to start Tuesday, but manager Aaron Boone wanted to give his starters an extra day of rest. As such, the Yankees have called up Jonathan Loaisiga from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for a Tuesday spot start, bumping German to Wednesday. German has a 2.37 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP to go along with 23 strikeouts in 19 innings so far this season.

Eovaldi will undergo surgery Tuesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. He's expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks as a result, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

Eovaldi landed on the injured list over the weekend, and after a visit with the doctor Monday it was confirmed that surgery would be necessary. The right-hander missed two months after undergoing a similar procedure in 2018, though he's confident his return will be quicker this time around; Eovaldi was simultaneously recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery last season, which he believes prolonged his recovery and encouraged the Rays to be more cautious with him, per Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. Hector Velazquez is starting in place of Eovaldi on Tuesday and is a candidate to stick in the rotation until the righty returns.

Snell (toe) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Snell felt fine after a mound session Monday, clearing the way for him to throw another bullpen Tuesday. While the southpaw won't return during Tampa Bay's current series against the Royals, he could be cleared to rejoin the rotation over the weekend against the Red Sox if everything goes off without a hitch Tuesday.

Sale will start Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Tigers, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Sale will make his start a day later than scheduled after Monday's game was postponed due to inclement weather in Boston. The southpaw will look to turn things around Tuesday, as he's 0-4 with an 8.50 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB through 18 innings (four starts) this season.

Turnbull will start Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Red Sox, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Turnbull will follow Matthew Boyd, who is scheduled to start the first game of Tuesday's twin bill. Through four starts this season, the 26-year-old right-hander owns a 3.43 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 across 21 innings.

Means will start Wednesday against the White Sox, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Means will rejoin the rotation for a spot start thanks to an opening created by Saturday's doubleheader. The right-hander has excelled as both a starter and reliever this season, compiling a 1.72 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB through 15.2 innings of work. Means will likely head back to the bullpen after Wednesday's outing, though he'll continue to operate in a swingman role for the Orioles.