MLB Player News

Kluber (4-6) allowed six runs on eight hits in seven innings, walking none and striking out six in Tuesday's loss to the Rangers.

Although his 3.10 FIP isn't bad, Kluber's ERA has now climbed to 4.15. While the 2014 Cy Young Award winner has been far from the level that earned him those honors this season, owners can point to his 15:1 K:BB in the last two starts as a sign of a possible turnaround. He'll have a chance to start converting that impressive ratio to results elsewhere in his next outing Sunday against an unimpressive Royals offense.

Smyly (2-7) lasted just four innings, allowing eight runs on 12 hits while walking one and striking out three in Tuesday's loss to the Royals.

The left-hander's rough month came to a head Tuesday night in what was his worst defeat of the year. Smyly has now struck out a season low in consecutive weeks. It's hard not to wonder if Smyly's early-season success was simply a mirage. It's probably wise not to count much on the 26-year-old until he makes some sort of adjustment.

Paxton will be recalled from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, the Tacoma News-Tribune's Bob Dutton reports.

A corresponding move has not yet been announced, and it is unclear what role Paxton will serve with the big league club. None of their starters are dealing with known injuries, so Paxton could just be headed for a bullpen role. The former top prospect has a 3.97 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 47.2 innings with Tacoma, so he certainly hasn't warranted a long-term role change, but the Mariners' current needs may dictate a short-term deviation from his developmental track.

Meyer (shoulder inflammation) will have a cortisone shot this week, the Star Tribune's Phil Miller reports.

An MRI revealed only inflammation on his throwing shoulder, and the hope is that the cortisone shot will alleviate his pain so that he can resume throwing. Meyer, who hasn't pitched since May 3, has felt great in his bullpen sessions, but then his arm/shoulder feels stiff the next day. His status should be updated later this week after the shot has had a chance to ease his pain.

McCullers (2-1) went five innings during Tuesday's win against the Diamondbacks, allowing three runs on six hits and four walks while striking out seven.

McCullers continues to struggle with his control, and he's issued at least three walks in each of his four starts this year. That being said, he remains a great source for strikeouts since he's fanned 24 in his last 16 frames, so at least he keeps missing bats on a consistent basis. He's won his last two outings, and he will try to keep it going in his next start against Oakland at home Sunday.

Gray (back) threw a three-inning simulated game Tuesday and he will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Gray threw roughly 50 pitches during his sim game Tuesday and told reporters that he felt great during his outing. He's scheduled for a bullpen session Thursday and if all goes well, he may not even require a minor league rehab appearance before coming off the disabled list.

Hill (groin) is set to throw a bullpen Wednesday before the A's determine whether he'll make his next scheduled start over the weekend, John Hickey of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Although Hill is improving, according to Hickey, he'll still need to come out of Wednesday's bullpen without too much lingering soreness in order to make his next scheduled start. He'll already have an extra built-in day off this week, but it's unclear at this point whether that added time off will be enough to get him back on the hill. Wednesday's bullpen session figures to shed more light on Hill's status heading into the weekend.

Meyer (shoulder) underwent an MRI over the weekend that confirmed mild shoulder inflammation, Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press reports.

Meyer has been out of commission since early May due to shoulder soreness, and it has been roughly one week since he's been able to throw a bullpen. There is no word on his timetable for a return, but given that he's still dealing with inflammation in his shoulder, it's unlikely that the Twins organization would rush him back to the mound before he's ready.

Clevinger will move to a bullpen role Wednesday and he is a candidate to be optioned later in the week to clear space on the roster for Carlos Carrasco, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Clevinger has officially lost his spot in the rotation for the time being after making a trio of underwhelming starts. He lasted just four innings in his most recent outing, allowing four earned runs on four hits while walking three batters. He'll work out of the bullpen for now, but he could be heading back to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday if the Indians choose to option him when they activate Carrasco.

Carrasco (hamstring) will be activated off the disabled list to start Thursday's matchup with the Royals, but will be limited to about 80 pitches, Zach Meisel of Cleveland.com reports.

The Indians are being cautious with Carrasco's recovery, but it's clear that they believe he's ready to face more advanced hitters. He made one rehab start for Double-A Akron on Saturday, striking out six while only issuing one walk in four innings.