MLB Player News

Cobb (elbow) was taken off his rehab assignment to focus on his mechanics during bullpen sessions, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays recently moved Cobb's rehab outing to this week before officially taking him off the assignment Tuesday. There is still no word on whether the right-hander has suffered a setback, but the team wants to give him more time to work on his mechanics outside of a game atmosphere. Cobb can't pitch in a game until Monday, and will not likely return until late July at the earliest, barring any setbacks.

Sale threw eight shutout innings and allowed just one hit and three walks with six strikeouts but took a no-decision Monday against the Mariners.

After giving up 12 runs in as many innings in his two starts before the All-Star break, Sale pitched like the ace he is again Monday night. Although he has allowed one run in seven innings or more five times this season, this marks just the second time he has kept the opponent scoreless. Unfortunately, David Robertson gave up four runs in the ninth to cost Sale the win, but if he keeps pitching like this, Sale (already 14-3) will find his way to 20 wins sooner rather than later.

Smyly (2-11) allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with three strikeouts over five innings in a loss Monday to the Rockies.

Smyly last managed a quality start on June 15. This now marks the sixth time Smyly has allowed twice as many baserunners as innings pitched. His WHIP is up to a career high 1.36, and his 5.64 ERA won't be going down as long as he is allowing baserunners with such consistency.

Worley was named Tuesday's starter for the Orioles, MASN Sports reports.

Worley has been stuck in mop-up mode this season, making just two starts in 20 appearances to this point. He threw 16 pitches in 1.2 innings Sunday, so Worley will be making this start on short rest. Worley will enter Tuesday's start with a FIP of 3.90, more than a run higher than his actual ERA and much more indicative of his 1.36 WHIP and tendency to pitch to contact.

Kluber pitched seven scoreless innings before leaving Monday's game against the Royals with a right calf cramp, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kluber was pitching decently before sustaining the injury, giving up five hits and three walks with eight strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Indians' bullpen conspired to give up seven runs over an inning of work after he departed, leading to a loss. Nonetheless, Kluber's injury is not considered serious, so he'll likely be ready for his next start.

Gausman (1-7) took yet another loss on Monday despite holding the Yankees to two runs in 6.2 innings. He allowed six hits, walked one and struck out six.

Gausman had scuffled a bit in his final start before the All-Star break, but got right back on track Monday. The 25-year-old continues to be a big-time strikeout artist while limiting his walks, registering an 88:20 K:BB. His next start will come Sunday against the Indians.

Boyd (1-2) delivered easily his best start of the season Monday, shutting out the Twins over six innings. He allowed three hits, walked one and struck out seven in the win.

Boyd's seven strikeouts matched a season high. The 25-year-old has allowed just one run in 11 innings of work this month, striking out 13 compared to three walks. Boyd will try to keep this strong run going when he takes the mound against the White Sox on Saturday.

Nolasco (4-8) was a tough-luck loser Monday, allowing just one run over six innings against the Tigers. He allowed three hits, walked three and failed to strike out a batter.

Nolasco's three walks and zero strikeouts aren't promising, but this represented his best start since April 21 in terms of runs. The veteran righty has not had a particularly strong season, posting a 5.02 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. His next start will come Saturday in Boston.

Walker (foot) is expected to throw a bullpen session late this week with the Mariners in Toronto before going on a rehab assignment, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times reports.

Walker has been considering surgery to eliminate his recurring foot problems, but such a procedure would end his season. If he can get through this rehab assignment without too much pain, he could be back with the Mariners as soon as the first week of August.

Odorizzi (4-5) allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings Sunday, striking out seven, to pick up the win over the Orioles.

It was Odorizzi's first quality start since June 19 and just his seventh on the season in 20 trips to the mound. He threw 65 of 100 pitches for strikes and generated 17 swinging strikes, with his only real mistake getting deposited in the left-field seats by Pedro Alvarez, but serving up homers has been Odorizzi's Achilles heel all year. He'll get his next start Friday in Oakland.