MLB Player News

Paxton allowed three earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out four across six innings Sunday against the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision.

Paxton wasn't able to maintain the dominance he showed over his previous two starts, but the Tigers didn't hit him all that hard and relied on a string of singles in the third inning to do most of their damage. He did allow a solo home run in the fifth inning, but he hasn't had much of a problem with the long ball this season given his 1.01 HR/9. While this wasn't his best start, he has now put together four consecutive quality starts and has solidified himself as a reliable option in any format.

Stephens was promoted from Double-A Birmingham to Triple-A Charlotte on Sunday, James Fegan of The Athletic Chicago reports.

The 25-year-old received the call to the International League after posting a 2.95 ERA and 40:12 K:BB across 39.2 innings through seven starts with Birmingham. Stephens had been particularly good over his past four outings at Double-A, with the righty crediting the removal of a cutter from his arsenal against lefties for his improved performance during that stretch, according to Fegan. If Stephens is able to remain productive over several starts at Triple-A, he could earn a look later this season in the big-league rotation, which has been a sore spot for the White Sox.

Keuchel (3-5) allowed three hits and a walk while striking out a season-high eight over seven scoreless innings in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Rangers.

Keuchel was in complete control of the Rangers, who had a couple of first-inning singles but did little else. The left-hander kept Texas hitters off-balance by changing speeds and retired 20 of the final 22 batters faced to win his second consecutive start. Keuchel has allowed three or fewer runs in seven of his eight starts and is finally enjoying a little run support. His next start is Saturday at home against the Indians.

Kluber (6-2) allowed two runs (zero earned) on eight hits while walking none and striking out four across seven innings to earn the win Sunday against the Royals.

Kluber pitched well overall, needing only 97 pitches to complete his seven innings of work. It was also the first time in his past five starts in which he didn't allow a home run. However, he generated just over a 10 percent swinging strike rate, and it was his second consecutive start striking out only four batters. His velocity hasn't fallen noticeably from earlier in the season, but he has an 8.4 K/9 through 65.1 innings, a relatively low mark for his career norms.

Giolito (2-4) gave up three runs on two hits and seven walks while striking out three in 5.2 innings Sunday against the Cubs, which was good enough for him to earn his second win of the season.

To say Giolito didn't have his best control in this one would be an understatement, but he was somehow able to limit the damage. Shockingly this is already the second time Giolito has walked seven batters in a game this season, as he issued seven free passes to the Astros back on April 21, and they tagged him for nine runs in that contest, which is a more fair representation of what typically happens to big-league pitchers who are this wild. The performance dropped his ERA from 7.25 to 6.91, and his WHIP now sits at an unsightly 1.66 -- the second-worst mark among qualified starters. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Rangers.

The Orioles will push Gausman back a day in the pitching schedule and have him make his next start Thursday against the Red Sox in Boston, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

The change amounts to a downgrade for Gausman's fantasy outlook this week, as he'll miss out on a matchup with the Phillies at Camden Yards and instead take on a Boston offense that ranks fourth in the majors in terms of team wRC+ (118) at home this season. It's hard to fault manager Buck Showalter for wanting to save Gausman for a tougher matchup, as the right-hander has been the clear staff ace for a deplorable Orioles rotation this season. Since serving up six runs in his first outing of the campaign, Gausman has delivered a quality start in five of his last seven turns, generating a 2.30 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP over that span.

The Blue Jays selected McGuire's contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, John Lott of The Athletic Toronto reports.

The Blue Jays cleared a spot for McGuire after the right-hander covered eight innings in back-to-back starts with the Triple-A club, allowing only two earned runs and striking out 11 during that span. While Joe Biagini will get the first crack at replacing the injured Marcus Stroman (shoulder) in the rotation Sunday against the Red Sox, McGuire could be next in line to fill in should Biagini struggle in the start. At least for the time being, however, McGuire seems set to work out of the bullpen.

Gibson allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six over six innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Saturday.

While he has just one win to show for his efforts, Gibson has been quite good, posting a 3.43 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 44.2 innings so far. His strikeout rate has exploded, jumping nine percentage points to 26.5 percent, and he's given up all of two home runs. It's understandable to be skeptical given his track record, but the underlying numbers mostly support what he's doing. Gibson lines up to face the Brewers at home next weekend.

Gonzales (3-3) took the loss after allowing four runs on 10 hits and two walks across six innings Saturday against the Tigers. He struck out three.

Gonzales took the ball in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against Detroit after his Friday start was postponed. Despite dealing with traffic all afternoon, the southpaw was able to limit the Tigers to one run through the first five innings. He faltered in the sixth, however, allowing three runs on three straight hits -- a double, single and homer -- before recording a strikeout to end the inning, and his evening. Gonzales now owns an unsightly 5.31 ERA and 1.52 WHIP through eight starts (40.2 innings) despite his solid 41:8 K:BB. He'll look to turn things around in his next start, which will be a rematch against the Tigers at home.

Boyd (2-3) earned the win Saturday against the Mariners, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out six across six innings.

Boyd got the ball for Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader after his Friday start was postponed. The southpaw retired the first eight batters he saw and made it through four scoreless innings before allowing a run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly. Having tossed six strong innings, Boyd attempted to head back out for the seventh frame but was yanked after allowing the first two batters he faced to reach base. Both inherited baserunners came around to score on Buck Farmer, adding the final two runs to Boyd's line, though he still walked away with his fifth quality start of the season. He'll carry a solid 3.21 ERA and 1.05 WHIP into his next start, which will come on the road against the Mariners.