MLB Player News

Rodriguez (hamstring) will throw a simulated game Tuesday, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

The team seems confident that Rodriguez's health is steadily improving, but they want him to pitch a simulated game to build his confidence, rather than simply test the condition of his hamstring. Although he's 2-5 with a 5.11 ERA and 1.40 WHIP for the season, Rodriguez has been a solid starter since the All-Star break. In seven games since, Rodriguez has posted a 2.52 ERA and 1.14 WHIP.

Milone (biceps) has started a throwing program and could return by the end of August, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Milone will likely work in relief in September when he returns as the Twins will likely give other players spots in the rotation with an eye toward 2017.

Verlander (13-7) allowed one run on three hits and a walk over six innings while striking out five in Sunday's win over the Red Sox.

The Tigers were up 8-0 by the end of the fifth inning, highlighted by a pair of Justin Upton homers, allowing Verlander to pick up a relatively stress-free win. It was his eighth straight quality start and ninth in 10 outings since the beginning of July, a stretch during which the veteran righty has a 1.97 ERA and 74:17 K:BB in 68.2 innings. There's still a lot of baseball left to play, but Verlander seems to have his sights set on another Cy Young award. He'll next take the mound Friday at home against the Angels.

Smyly (6-11) allowed four runs on five hits -- including two home runs -- and a walk while striking out seven in 6.2 innings during Sunday's win over the Rangers.

It's the eighth time in 24 starts that Smyly has served up multiple homers in a game, but this was the first time he managed to win one of those outings, as the Rays' offense gave him plenty of support. He's now won four straight decisions thanks in large part to Tampa scoring 6.8 runs per game for him during that stretch, although his 3.03 ERA and 29:8 K:BB in 32.2 innings over those five games deserve some credit too. He'll next take the mound Friday in Houston, which may not help him get his long-ball issues under control.

Perez (8-9) gave up six runs on five hits and three walks over six innings while striking out five in Sunday's loss to the Rays.

The lefty continues to be plagued by big innings, as a five-run fourth put the Rangers in a hole they couldn't climb out of. Perez has now been charged with four or more runs in a single inning five times in his last nine starts, leading to a bloated 5.96 ERA over that stretch. He'll have a hard time snapping out of his funk in his next start at home Saturday against the dangerous Indians.

Kluber (13-8) pitched 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out eight in Sunday's no-decision versus the Blue Jays.

Kluber's streak of four straight wins ended Sunday when he was outdueled by Jays' starter Marcus Stroman. The Indians' ace was actually in line for the loss when he left, but a comeback victory saved Kluber from losing for the first time since June 2. The former Cy Young winner has been fantastic since the All-Star break, going 4-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 47.2 innings.

Stroman tossed 7.1 innings, allowing one run, seven hits and one walk while striking out nine in Sunday's no-decision versus the Indians.

Stroman turned a one-run lead over to the bullpen in the eighth that was immediately squandered, costing the right-hander his 10th win of the year. The 25-year-old has been locked in this month, throwing up some of his best numbers all year. Through four August starts, Stroman has posted a 2.10 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 34 strikeouts over 25.2 innings.

Keuchel (8-12) was impressive Sunday, allowing just two runs on five hits and a walk with seven strikeouts over eight innings to earn the win at Baltimore.

The 28-year-old southpaw rebounded from a poor start in his previous outing, reminding everyone that he's still capable of delivering the type of performances that the Astros desperately need to remain in the American League playoff race. Keuchel, who pitches much better at Minute Maid Park, will face the Rays at home for his next scheduled start Saturday.

Quintana (10-9) allowed two runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six to earn the win Sunday against the Athletics.

Quintana has fired quality starts in seven straight outings, and he boasts a 2.84 ERA to go along with a 1.12 WHIP. This is the first time in his five-year career that he's posted an ERA lower than 3.32, and the first time he's reached double-digits in wins after winning nine contests in each of the last three seasons. He'll make his next start Saturday against the Mariners.

Walker could be called up to start Tuesday, according to MLB.com's Greg Johns.

The Mariners have not announced a starting pitcher for Tuesday's game as of yet, and Walker would be pitching on normal rest that day, so he would seem like a natural fit to fill the spot. Walker has made three starts with Triple-A Tacoma since being demoted in late July, and tossed 6.1 scoreless innings his last time out. Walker was sent to Tacoma partly for an attitude adjustment, but both team and player are better off with him pitching at the top level, and it appears the Mariners are on the verge of giving him another shot.