MLB Player News

Chirinos (2-5) got the win Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out four over five innings against the Royals.

Ryne Stanek was the "opener" in this one, but it was Chirinos who got the bulk of the innings. The 24-year-old is expected to serve in a similar capacity the rest of the way, and has worked at least five innings in six of his last seven outings while working to a 4.40 ERA in that span. Manager Kevin Cash will likely provide a clearer schedule down the line, but Chirinos' next action could come next week in Atlanta.

Rodon pitched a quality start and improved to 5-3 on the season Wednesday against the Twins. He allowed a pair of runs on three hits (including one homer) and three walks while striking out five in six innings.

Rodon had a poor first inning, allowing four baserunners including a two-run homer by Jorge Polanco, but then settled in for five straight scoreless innings. The lefty has now pitched quality starts in each of his last eight outings, posting a 1.77 ERA and 0.94 WHIP over that stretch. He'll look to keep the momentum going Monday against the Yankees.

Gray is a candidate to start one half of Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Gray and the newly-promoted Chance Adams are in consideration for the opportunity. Gray has made four appearances since being shifted to a relief role in early August. His 2.89 ERA in those outings is quite good, though his 7:5 K:BB doesn't support such a low figure. Gray was passed over in favor of Luis Cessa the last time a spot start came up but could have done enough since then to convince the Yankees to give him another shot.

Manager A.J. Hinch said McCullers (forearm) could progress to a bullpen session this weekend, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic Houston reports.

McCullers has been on the shelf since Aug. 5 with a forearm injury. He's expected to remain out until at least September, with a more concrete timetable for his return likely coming into focus once he's able to ramp up his throwing program.

Chirinos is slated to work the bulk of innings in Wednesday's "bullpen day" after opener Ryne Stanek exits, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Manager Kevin Cash recently confirmed that this is the role Chirinos is likely to serve in exclusively for the remainder of the season. The right-hander has worked at least five innings as the long reliever on bullpen days over his last three appearances.

Nicasio (knee) remains unsure of whether he'll have surgery to repair bone chips and inflammation in his right knee or wait until after the season for the procedure, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Nicasio went for a second opinion Monday, but it apparently did little to help him reach a consensus on his course of action. Given that the knee issues have been a near season-long problem, the veteran may ultimately opt to get the matter rectified as soon as possible. For his part, manager Scott Servais is hopeful that he can have Nicasio available to him during the stretch run, emphasizing that expanded September rosters would allow him to use the right-hander more judiciously and therefore limit the strain on his knee.

Kopech, who made his major-league debut Tuesday, will next start Sunday against the Tigers, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Chicago was abuzz Tuesday for Kopech's debut, but many were disappointed that a 52-minute rain delay ended the flamethrowing right-hander's night after just two innings. He was pleased to throw all of his pitches for strikes and was most happy to be able to spot his changeup, a major final hurdle in his development at Triple-A Charlotte. "That I was able to throw the changeup with good command, good action and have them swing over it was probably the highlight of my night," Kopech said.

Valdez (1-0) picked up a win in his major-league debut Tuesday, allowing one unearned run on two hits, one walk and two hit batsmen while striking out four over 4.1 innings in a 3-2 win over the Mariners.

Valdez, who had been scheduled to start for Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday, was called up to provide length during a game that manager A.J. Hinch planned to be a bullpen start. The 24-year-old left-hander followed game-opener Brad Peacock and stranded two inherited runners to close out the second inning, then navigated a bases-loaded situation in the third. The Astros have a day off Thursday, which allows Hinch to keep his regular starters on normal rest through next Monday. Depending on how the manager wants to handle the rotation the rest of this week, Valdez will next pitch Sunday against the Angels, or either of the first two games of a series at home against the Athletics, which begins Monday.

Berrios allowed one run on four hits in a no-decision against the White Sox on Tuesday, striking out four and walking two in five innings.

The only real blemish on the night for Berrios was a solo home run allowed to Nicky Delmonico in the second inning. He allowed no other extra-base hits and threw 55 of 81 pitches for strikes. Berrios has thrown 14 quality starts in 26 games started this year and sports a 3.69 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and .224 batting average against. The 24-year-old's 161 strikeouts are tied for ninth among AL starters, and he'll look to get back in the win column in his next start against the A's at home.

Kopech struck out four in two scoreless innings Tuesday against the Twins, issuing three hits and no walks.

Kopech made his MLB debut Tuesday, throwing 52 pitches (35 strikes) in the start while allowing no extra-base hits and hitting a batter. Unfortunately, a lengthy rain delay led to an abbreviated outing. The 22-year-old went 7-7 with a 3.70 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 170 strikeouts in 24 starts (126.1 innings) for Triple-A Charlotte prior to his promotion, and he figures to remain with the White Sox pitching staff for the remainder of the year.