MLB Player News

Trade interest in Verlander has increased this week and he could still be dealt before Thursday's waiver trade deadline, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Verlander was not dealt before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but the Astros reportedly showed some interest then and are still interested now. Morosi notes that a second unknown team has also joined the mix. Verlander's contract ($28 million owed in both 2018 and 2019, and a $22 million option for 2020) makes him a challenging piece to move, but a trade to a contender would boost his fantasy value.

Cobb (9-9) was saddled with the loss Tuesday against the Royals, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out six.

The right-hander threw 63 of 85 pitches for strikes, but living in the zone ended up costing him as both Whit Merrifield and Jorge Bonifacio took him deep. Cobb's now delivered five quality starts in seven second-half outings heading into Monday's home matchup against the Twins.

Perez improved to 10-10 on the strength of a two-run performance over seven innings Tuesday in Houston, striking out four while allowing eight hits and two walks in a 12-2 rout.

He's now won five consecutive starts -- a streak that was preceded by four consecutive losses -- and Perez has put up a 2.91 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over the course of this successful run. Of course, he's also struck out just 18 batters over 34 innings in that span, and we're talking about a guy who's been tagged for four-plus runs 11 times in 26 starts this year, so don't get too excited. He'll next take the hill against the Angels on Sunday.

Sale (15-6) struck out 11 while scattering just three hits over seven scoreless innings to pick up the win in Toronto on Tuesday.

It took the Red Sox until the sixth inning to give Sale some support, but he was absolutely brilliant, registering double-digit strikeouts for the 17th time this season. This was a much-needed star turn for the lefty's fantasy owners, as he'd given up 18 earned runs in his last five starts despite a 42:8 K:BB in that span. Clayton Kershaw was the first pitcher in 13 years to break 300 strikeouts when he did so in 2015, and Sale has a great shot at joining him, as he'll enter September needing just 36 to reach that lofty milestone. He'll make his first start of the season's final month Sunday against the Yankees.

Meyer (shoulder inflammation) will throw long toss Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

He will begin ramping up his throwing program with the long toss session, but it sounds like he is still several weeks from nearing activation. Meyer said he is hoping the Angels are aggressive enough with his rehab to get him back this season. For fantasy purposes, it sounds like the best-case scenario is one or two starts for Meyer before the end of the regular season, so he is probably no longer worth holding in leagues that don't have DL spots. The 6-foot-9 righty has a 3.74 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 75:42 K:BB in 67.1 big-league innings. At the very least, he's emerged as an intriguing late-round flyer for 2018 drafts.

Tests on Blackburn's injured wrist came back clean but there is no timetable for his return, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

He will miss at least several starts, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, so it's possible he does not return at all this season. Blackburn has a 3.22 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 10 big-league starts, but his 22:16 K:BB in 58.2 innings suggests he has extreme negative regression coming whenever he returns to the mound.

Ramirez (forearm) received a PRP injection last Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Ramirez remains without a timetable for return as he continues to work his way back from a right forearm strain he suffered earlier in the month. He's expected to be reevaluated Thursday, at which point there will hopefully be a clearer idea regarding his possible return date. Ramirez remains optimistic about pitching in September. Troy Scribner is expected to fill in for Ramirez in the rotation while he's sidelined.

McCullers (back) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Double-A Corpus Christi on Wednesday, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.

McCullers is set to make his second rehab start as he continues to work his way back from a back ailment that has sidelined him for all of August. The 23-year-old walked five batters in three innings during his first rehab start, and he issued nine free passes over 14.1 innings before landing on the disabled list, so he'll need to show better control before the Astros consider bringing him back. If he's able to show improvement in his second start, he shouldn't be too far from activation.

The Yankees will recall Montgomery from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to start the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with the Indians, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Since Tuesday's contest was rained out and the Yankees won't have an off day until Sept. 7, the team will require six starters in the rotation for the time being, so Montgomery will move back up to the big club in what's expected to be a one-start cameo. The lefty has generally impressed as a rookie with a 4.00 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over 23 starts and looks like he could be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come, but he won't play a major role in the Yankees' push for the playoffs this season with the organization eager to limit his innings load.

Bundy was activated from the bereavement list ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday against the Mariners.

Bundy will make the start on his normal schedule, as his placement (and return) from the bereavement list didn't force the Orioles to alter their rotation plans. Manager Buck Showalter has expressed a desire to build in more rest for Bundy in between starts over the final month and change of the season, but with no talk of a shutdown imminent, the right-hander is still worth holding in most formats. After a rough start to the second half, Bundy has been the Orioles' staff ace in August, going 3-0 with a 2.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 33 strikeouts over 27 innings over his four starts this month.