MLB Player News

McCullers has been scratched with a blister for Tuesday's start against the Angels, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

It doesn't appear that this blister will force a DL stint or even another missed start at this point. Scott Feldman will start Tuesday in his place. We'll watch for updates on McCullers's next appearance, but if the rest of Houston's starters pitch in turn, McCullers's next start will fall July 4 against Seattle.

German (elbow) allowed five runs over four innings and struck out three in Sunday's High-A start.

German underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2015, so this was his first start at any level in nearly two years. The outing was somewhat rocky, but the 23-year-old will likely ease back into the swing of things now that he's healthy.

Cobb (elbow) will throw another bullpen session Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 28-year-old right-hander began what was projected to be a three-to-four bullpen session program on June 16, with five days in between each. Cobb has had two such outings to date without any setbacks, so another successful effort Monday could lead to a string of rehab starts at the minor league level. He continues on track for a possible mid-to-late summer return to the big league club.

Paxton allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings in Sunday's start versus the Cardinals. He struck out seven and did not factor into the decision.

The lefty had a 2.77 ERA in his four starts prior to Sunday, but he wore down in the fifth inning when he allowed five runs on four extra-base hits and an error. Paxton continues to strike out batters at a high rate, as he now has 10.6 K/9 rate on the season, and he will attempt to right the ship Saturday versus the Orioles.

Darvish (shoulder) completed a bullpen session Sunday without issue and could throw a simulated game as early as Wednesday, Ryan Posner of MLB.com reports.

Darvish is still hoping to return for a start prior to the All-Star break, though he'll need a setback-free rehab process for that to occur.

Bundy gave up two hits over three scoreless innings Sunday, striking out four, in a win over the Rays.

He threw 57 pitches in his longest outing so far this season, and with a number of weak spots in their rotation the Orioles may be gradually stretching Bundy out with an eye towards moving him into a starting spot. His 1.50 ERA and 13:1 K:BB in 12 innings over five June appearances also gives Baltimore a strong incentive to put him in a more prominent role.

Smyly (2-8) got tagged for eight runs on 10 hits (including three home runs) and a walk over five innings Sunday in a loss to the Orioles. He struck out six.

He's still missing plenty of bats, as Smyly generated 17 swinging strikes among his 90 pitches, but it's what happens when he doesn't miss them that's the problem. He's now surrendered at least one homer in seven straight starts and 19 home runs total in 89.2 innings (15 outings) on the season for a brutal 1.91 HR/9. He'll get no respite in his next start, either, as he'll face the Tigers' array of right-handed sluggers at home Friday.

Gray (3-6) allowed two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out three over six innings, but received no decision Sunday at the Angels.

Gray left the contest with a four-run lead before the bullpen imploded, keeping him from earning his fourth win of the year. He's now held opponents to two or fewer earned runs in four of his last five starts, and his ERA is at 5.03. He'll make his next start Friday against the Pirates.

Perez (7-4) allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out two over six innings to earn the win Sunday against the Red Sox.

Perez was staked to a three-run lead in the first inning, as he cruised to his seventh win of the year. He's now held opponents to three or fewer earned runs in nine of his last 12 starts and owns a 3.44 ERA. He'll make his next start Friday at Minnesota.

Stroman (6-4) allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out four over five innings to take the loss Sunday against the White Sox.

Stroman gave up a pair of runs in both the third and fifth innings, and the Blue Jays' offense was unable to give him much run support against Chris Sale. After allowing at least four runs in five of his last six starts, Stroman's ERA has risen to 5.33. He'll make his next start Friday against the Indians.