MLB Player News

Nuno (hamstring) will toss live batting practice Saturday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

Nuno has been on the shelf with a right hamstring strain for nearly all of July. If all goes well during his next throwing session, he'll progress to a rehab game Tuesday in the minor leagues.

Bieber (5-2) allowed seven runs on seven hits with no walks across 1.2 innings while taking the loss Tuesday against the Pirates. He struck out two.

Bieber allowed a barrage of extra-base hits in this one, including a two-run home run in the first inning before a two-run triple and another homer accounted for four more runs in the second. It was a disappointing start to say the least, as the rookie's ERA for the season jumped more than a full run to an uninspiring 4.80. Still, he hadn't allowed more than four earned runs in any one start this season and had delivered quality starts in three of his previous five. Bieber will look to get back on track in his next scheduled start against the Twins.

Rodon (3-3) got the win Tuesday, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out eight over 7.2 innings against the Angels.

Rodon was in top form Tuesday, going 5.2 no-hit innings and taking a one-hit shutout into the eighth. The only damage on his ledger was done in his final frame, as he allowed two baserunners on a double and a walk and saw both runs come around to score against the bullpen, but it was still a terrific outing for the lefty. Following a rocky June, Rodon has worked to a 1.71 ERA with 21 strikeouts over 21 innings in three starts in July. Next up is a home date Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Cole allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out nine over 6.1 innings Tuesday against the Rockies. He did not factor into the decision.

Cole was in cruise control through six innings, but he allowed two runs on a pair of doubles and a single in the bottom of the seventh to take away any chance at his 11th win. He's now struck out at least seven batters in four straight starts, and Tuesday was the first time in nine tries he went without yielding multiple walks. He'll take a 2.54 ERA and dominant 12.4 K/9 into his next outing Monday in Seattle.

Montas allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits in five innings against the Rangers on Tuesday, striking out three and walking two in a no-decision.

Just called up from Triple-A Nashville, Montas threw 51 of 77 pitches for strikes and surrendered just two extra-base hits -- a double and a home run -- on the evening. Montas has now made nine starts on the year and sports a 3.54 ERA, 1.39 WHIP with a 33:17 K:BB in 53.1 innings. While his peripherals aren't great, he figures to remain in the rotation mix given the injuries to Oakland's pitching staff. His next start would be a matchup with the Rockies in Denver.

Nuno (hamstring) is close to throwing live batting practice, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The veteran southpaw has been on the disabled list since July 4 with a hamstring strain he suffered in a 16-inning win against the Marlins the night prior. The fact Nuno is reportedly approaching a live BP session is particularly encouraging, given that it's usually the final step before a minor-league rehab assignment.

Chirinos (0-2) gave up three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six in 6.2 innings Tuesday against the Yankees. He took the loss.

This was easily the longest start of his big-league career, as he previously topped out at 5.2 innings on April 17. He threw 87 pitches Tuesday and faced 27 batters, and has yet to throw more than 90 pitches in a big-league start. Given that it's the Rays, there are no guarantees that he will stick in the rotation for another turn, but that seems likely, given how well he performed. If he does stick, his next start will likely come Sunday in Baltimore.

Berrios (10-7) tossed seven shutout innings Tuesday in Toronto, striking out nine en route to his 10th win of the season. He gave up four hits and one walk.

This was one of his best starts of the season, as he was in complete control throughout. Of the four hits he allowed, three were singles. With a 3.48 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 136 strikeouts (in 134.1 innings) and 10 wins, Berrios is performing like a borderline SP1. His next start will come Sunday in Boston.

Paxton (back) hopes to return to the rotation in five or six days, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

He was scratched from Tuesday's start against the Giants because his back apparently stiffened up after the 35-pitch bullpen session he threw Saturday. It's unfortunate that the Mariners waited until a few hours before the game to announce that Paxton wasn't ready to return, but fortunately it sounds like he could return either this weekend against the Angels or next week against the Astros. Roenis Elias was tabbed as the emergency starter against San Francisco.

Paxton (back) has been scratched from Tuesday's start against the Giants, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

His bullpen session reportedly went well Saturday, so it's not clear exactly what happened between then and now. Roenis Elias will get the emergency start in his place. It's unclear when Paxton will return to the mound.