MLB Player News

Paxton (0-2) struck out 10 and allowed three runs (just one earned) on five hits and a walk over six innings in a loss Monday against Cleveland.

After Paxton's rough debut (3.2 IP, 8 R, 3 ER) Wednesday, he needed a start like this one to reaffirm that he belongs in Seattle's rotation. This is the kind of nastiness expected of Paxton, who brings the rare upper-90s heat as a left-hander. Paxton drew an absurd 20 swinging strikes on 107 pitches and backed it up with six groundball outs out of eight outs in play. If Paxton can combine that kind of swing-and-miss stuff with regular grounders, he can live up to the expectations the Mariners' high expectations for him.

Stroman is planning to make adjustments to ensure that his struggles don't linger much longer, the Jays' official site/a> reports.

Stroman has surrendered at least six runs in three of his past four starts, and his ERA has jumped from 3.54 on May 11 to 4.82 following Saturday's loss to the Red Sox. Stroman did not get into specifics when asked about what those adjustments will be. Instead, he mentioned that over the next few days, he will be watching video of his recent starts and comparing it to when he was throwing well earlier in the year and previously in his career. Owners certainly hope Stroman can improve so that he pays dividends on his draft-day price tag. More specifically, those who invested in Stroman would like to see his 6.16 K/9 look more like the 7.65 rate from his 2014 rookie season.

Smyly allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks across just five innings Sunday versus the Twins. He struck out seven en route to a no-decision.

The left-hander allowed three extra-base hits Sunday, but unfortunately they all came in the third inning, when he allowed three runs and elevated his pitch count enough to limit himself to just two more frames. Smyly has fallen on rough times after a strong start to the season, as he has just one win in his last seven starts and has seen his ERA balloon over two full runs to 4.92 during that time. Things don't get any easier for Smyly, as he will face a hot Astros team in his next scheduled start Saturday.

Gray (back) allowed just one run with five strikeouts and one walk across five innings in Sunday's start versus the Astros. He did not factor into the decision.

The righty was making his first start since May 20 after recovering from a back strain, and he was extremely effective despite the limited usage, as he was removed after throwing just 69 pitches. Gray's return should be considered an extremely positive sign given his struggles earlier this season, and he will likely be on a longer leash in his next start Sunday versus the Reds, as Oakland will enjoy two off days over the next week.

McCullers earned the win Sunday versus the Athletics, allowing just two runs with nine strikeouts and three walks across seven strong innings.

The right-hander earned his third consecutive win Sunday, setting season-highs in innings pitched and pitch count in the process. He has pitched well since a rocky season debut and has now lowered his ERA to 4.23, which is supported by an excellent 12.04 K/9 rate. McCullers is in a groove at the moment and will face a favorable matchup at the Rays Friday in his next scheduled start.

Gausman allowed just one run with five strikeouts and two walks across six quality innings in Sunday's start versus the Yankees. He did not factor into the decision.

Gausman threw 70 of his 104 pitches for strikes Sunday and notched at least five punchouts for the fourth straight start, but his offense waited until the eighth inning to awaken and left him searching for his first win. Gausman has pitched much better than his record will reflect, as he now has a 3.52 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP through 11 starts, and he will look to find that elusive first victory Friday at Toronto.

Kluber (5-6) allowed just two hits and two walks over six scoreless innings Sunday, striking out six, in a win against the Royals.

It's his seventh quality start of the season, and Kluber has struck out six or more batters in five straight starts. His 3.84 ERA remains a bit inflated, but his 79:18 K:BB in 79.2 innings is still elite. Kluber will next take the mound on the road Friday against the Angels.

Rodriguez (1-1) gave up only four hits in 5.2 innings Sunday, but all four left the yard in a 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays. He walked three without striking out a batter.

Toronto's sluggers made him pay for almost every mistake, but Rodriguez also had trouble avoiding contact, managing only four swinging strikes on 99 pitches. He shouldn't have quite as much difficulty keeping the ball in the park during his next start Saturday in Minnesota.

Verlander (5-5) allowed two runs on five hits and a walk in seven innings while striking out eight in Sunday's win over the White Sox.

Both runs came on solo shots by Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier, but Verlander's stinginess in letting anyone get on base limited the damage. Verlander threw an impressive 76 of 104 pitches for strikes, and the strong outing dropped his ERA below 4.00 for the first time all season. He'll look to keep his momentum going on the road against the Yankees on Saturday.

Quintana (5-6) took the loss against the Tigers on Sunday, allowing five runs on nine hits and three walks over 4.2 innings while striking out four.

It was his shortest outing of the season, and Quintana's ERA spiked by nearly half a run as he had trouble finding the zone all day, throwing just 57 of his 103 pitches for strikes. Despite his generally strong performance this year, he's now lost five straight starts due to the lack of run support he's been getting from the White Sox, a familiar refrain throughout his career. He'll try to get back in the win column at home against the Royals on Saturday.