MLB Player News

Bundy (shoulder) has thrown three bullpen sessions for the Orioles since beginning a rehab program earlier this month, MASN Sports reports.

Bundy's offseason will be critical, as the Orioles must carry him on the roster or risk losing him to waivers. This past season, Bundy was not the same prospect he once was even when healthy, compiling a 3.68 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. He made eight starts at Double-A, but did not have the arm strength to go deep in any of them and was limited to 22 innings.

Indians pitcher Brady Aiken (elbow) threw off flat ground Saturday at the Indians' minor league complex.

The 17th overall pick in the 2015 first-year player draft, Aiken fit in his initial activity since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. Now on the road to recovery, he'll seek to return at some point during the 2016 season.

Stroman will start Game 3 of the ALCS against the Royals on Monday, John Lott of the National Post reports.

Written off after suffering a torn ACL in spring training, Stroman ended up playing a key part in the team's victory over Texas in the ALDS. He allowed a total of five runs over 13 innings in his two starts against the Rangers, with just two allowed over six in Wednesday's Game 5. With the Game 3 assignment, Stroman is lined up to start Game 7 of the Championship Series, or perhaps Game 6 on short rest if necessary.

Royals ace Johnny Cueto will start Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Blue Jays on Monday.

Although Cueto struggled over the final month of the regular season, his masterful performance in Game 5 of the ALDS justified the decision to trade for him. Cueto held Houston to just two runs on two hits over eight innings Wednesday, retiring 19 straight to end the outing.

Astros pitcher Lance McCullers allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings Monday during Game 4 of the American League Division Seriest Kansas City. He was in line for the win, but did not factor into the decision as the Royals tagged the bullpen for seven runs.

The 22-year-old rookie displayed great poise in his first career playoff start. He surrendered a two-run homer to Salvador Perez in the second inning, but settled down thereafter, permitting only a single, walk and a hit batter before A.J. Hinch put the game in the hands of his relievers.

Fresh off a remarkable rookie season and promising playoff debut, McCullers will certainly open 2016 with a spot in the starting rotation.

Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman was named the starter for Game 5 of the ALDS on Wednesday against the Rangers, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

Stroman got the nod in Game 2 and offered a modest outing, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out five in seven innings. With the series knotted up, the Blue Jays will require a better performance in the do-or-setting, though his two home starts in the regular season (one run allowed in 14 innings) indicate that he's up to the task.

Orioles hurler Dylan Bundy (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Monday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Bundy threw 25 pitches in Monday's session, but was still only able to work in fastballs. He reported that his arm felt great, and the the 22-year-old could be a candidate to pitch in the Arizona Fall League depending on his progress in the near future.

Keuchel allowed one run on five hits and three walks with seven strikeouts over seven innings Sunday to earn the win in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Royals.

The AL Cy Young Award contender allowed a home run to Lorenzo Cain in the fourth inning, but that was the only damage he allowed as he ultimately helped the Astros take a 2-1 lead in the ALDS. If the series goes five games, Keuchel could be an option for the series finale in Kansas City on Wednesday, albeit he'd be pitching on three days rest for the second time in the 2015 playoffs.

Hamels was charged with four runs (two earned) on six hits over seven innings against the Blue Jays on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Both Hamels and Toronto starter Marcus Stroman turned in strong performances, but the bullpens ended up deciding the game, with the Rangers getting two runs off LaTroy Hawkins in the 14th inning. The Rangers are in great position, now up 2-0 and heading to Texas, and Hamels likely won't pitch until the Championship Series unless the Blue Jays win two in a row.

Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman was charged with four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks over seven innings against the Rangers on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS. He struck out five, and did not factor in the decision in the Blue Jays' 6-4 loss.

While Stroman was able to go toe-to-toe with Rangers ace Cole Hamels for most of the contest, he put the game-tying run on in the eighth, and Texas ultimately went ahead against LaTroy Hawkins in the 14th. Toronto now finds itself in a surprising 0-2 hole as the series heads to Arlington, but Stroman figures to start Game 5 if the Blue Jays can win the next two games.