MLB Player News

Cole (10-2) struck out eight and picked up the win in Saturday's 9-1 romp over the Tigers, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over 5.2 innings.

The right-hander wasn't at his sharpest after being reinstated from the bereavement list earlier in the day, but the Astros' offense gave Cole more than enough run support to offset his control issues. He's now walked multiple batters in eight straight outings, a somewhat worrying trend, but it won't stop Cole from heading into the All-Star break with a 2.52 ERA and 177:45 K:BB through 20 starts and 128.1 innings.

Berrios struck out five and allowed six runs on six hits and three walks in six innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Saturday.

It's another valley in a recent up-and-down stretch for the 24-year-old breakout hurler. Berrios yielded four runs in the fourth inning on three doubles and was saddled with two more after Zach Duke failed to strand the starter's responsibilities in the seventh. This marked the second time in his last four outings that the right-hander allowed six runs, but he also has six quality starts in his past eight starts, a run that has suppressed some of that damage. The first-time All-Star brings a 3.68 ERA, 9.0 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 into the break.

Bergman was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

This only makes sense, as Bergman just pitched Friday and he wouldn't have been of any use to Seattle over the final two days of the first half. Bergman was knocked around in Friday's start, allowing five runs over 4.1 innings, and it's uncertain if he will get another opportunity to start immediately out of the break, though it's possible with James Paxton (back), Marco Gonzales (calf) and Felix Hernandez (back) all banged up.

Rodriguez was diagnosed with a right ankle sprain upon his removal from Saturday's tilt, Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald reports.

The X-rays on Rodriguez's ankle came back negative, although it's unclear as to when he'll manage to return to action. The nature of the injury is relatively good news for Boston, as it was initially thought that Rodriguez had suffered a knee injury. He underwent surgery on his right knee last October.

Bieber was sent to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Ryan Lewis of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Bieber picked up the victory in a quality start against the Yankees on Friday. He'll head to the Clippers to make room for Francisco Mejia on the 25-man roster, although Bieber figures to return to the big club shortly after the All-Star break.

Rodriguez was lifted in the sixth inning of Saturday's tilt after colliding with Lourdes Gurriel, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Rodriguez was run over by Gurriel while covering first base. After throwing a few practice pitches under the trainer's watch, Rodriguez was removed from the game. The 25-year-old left-hander appears to have suffered a lower-body injury, although more news should be released following the game. He tossed 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and striking out four.

Perez (elbow) was activated from the 60-day disabled list and will get the nod for Saturday's tilt against Baltimore.

As expected, Perez will return to the mound after spending over two months on the disabled list due to elbow inflammation. Through five games this season, the 27-year-old has struggled to a 9.67 ERA and 2.37 WHIP with 13 strikeouts over 22.1 innings.

Bergman (0-1) allowed five earned runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in a loss to the Rockies on Friday.

Called up from Triple-A Tacoma earlier in the day, Bergman predictably scuffled in Coors Field's thin air, getting only 39 of 66 pitches into the strike zone and allowing home runs to Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story. The right-hander also failed to record a strikeout, and although he helped his own cause with an RBI single, it was a rocky night overall. With the All-Star break on the horizon and manager Scott Servais therefore afforded considerable flexibility with his short-handed starting rotation, Bergman appears destined to head back down to the Rainiers.

Nuno (hamstring) is making "good progress" in his recovery according to manager Kevin Cash, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The veteran reliever is expected to be ready for a rehab assignment after the All-Star break, and Cash's latest report seems to lend credence to that notion. Nuno's impressive body of work thus far in Tampa (1.50 ERA and 0.96 WHIP) have immediately made him a valuable component of the Rays' high-usage bullpen.

Cole (personal) was reinstated from the bereavement list prior to Saturday's outing against Detroit.

As expected, Cole will take the hill after missing four games, making his 20th start of the season. He's put together a stellar first half, as he sports a 2.57 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with an outstanding 169:41 K:BB over 122.2 innings.