MLB Player News

Royals starter Johnny Cueto gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out five over six innings against the Astros on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS. He did not factor in the decision in the Royals' 5-4 win.

Cueto dug the Royals an early hole, allowing Houston to score in each of the first three innings, but they would rally against the Astros' bullpen to escape with a crucial Game 2 victory. Look for Cueto to draw the Game 5 assignment on normal rest Wednesday, should the series return to Kansas City.

Astros rookie pitcher Lance McCullers will start Game 4 of the American League Division Series if necessary, Brian Taggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers will face off against Game 1 starter Yordano Ventura if the series extends that far. In his first season in the majors, the 22 year old was dynamic, posting a 3.22 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 129:43 K:BB in 125 2/3 innings.

Eovaldi (elbow) would have been on the ALDS roster had the Yankees advanced, The NY Post reports.

After missing most of the final month of the season with elbow inflammation, it appears as though Eovaldi had made enough progress to pitch in meaningful situations, but just ran out of time. It's still encouraging news that he should be able to undergo a normal offseason and rejoin the rotation by the time spring training starts.

Perez will start Game 3 of the ALDS, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Perez will take the mound against Blue Jays' starter Marco Estrada in what could amount to a pivotal matchup in Game 3. While the rest of the playoff rotation hasn't been confirmed, it wouldn't be a surprise to see either Game 1 starter Yovani Gallardo or Game 2 starter Cole Hamels make an appearance if the series extends into Game 4 and 5.

Bundy (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch side session at the team's spring training facility on Wednesday, Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun reports.

Bundy was cleared to begin throwing Aug. 31 by Dr. James Andrews and it appears his 20-pitch session is part of the Orioles plan to ease the 22-year-old back into a regular pitching schedule. Still, he will likely need at least two more weeks until he is considered ready for game-action. It's unclear if the Orioles will have Bundy pitch in the Arizona Fall League or winter ball, but more information should arise in the following weeks.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel will start Game 3 of the ALDS against the Royals on Sunday, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Working on just three days' rest, Keuchel shut out the Yankees over six innings in Tuesday's AL Wild Card game, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven. He will be afforded the normal five days of rest this time around before taking the hill opposite Edinson Volquez.

Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel held the Yankees scoreless over six innings Tuesday, allowing only three hits and a walk to earn the win in the AL wild-card game. He struck out seven.

Keuchel's gem was his third scoreless performance against New York is as many outings this season. He also became the first pitcher to turn in a scoreless outing in a postseason game on three days' rest since Josh Beckett threw a shutout against the Yankees in Game 6 of the 2003 World Series.

Keuchel is likely to pitch Game 3 of the ALDS against Kansas City on Oct. 11.

Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman will start Game 2 of the ALDS, the 24-year-old pitcher reported on his official Twitter page.

He's been terrific since returning from returning from a torn ACL on Sept. 12, posting a 1.67 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 27 innings this season. David Price will take the mound in Game 1.

Royals starting Yordano Ventura will start Game 1 of the ALDS on Thursday.

The Royals will wait to find out who they will play against in the ALDS, with the Astros and Yankees set to face off in a wild-card matchup Tuesday. Johnny Cueto will start Game 2, with Edinson Volquez likely to take the mound in Game 3.

Rangers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo will start Game 1 of ALDS against the Blue Jays on Thursday, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Cole Hamels went nine innings on Sunday, so he wasn't available to make the start, leaving Gallardo next in line for the opportunity. However, considering Gallardo's struggles as of late (he's made it through six innings just once since the start of August), he will probably be on a short leash. Hamels and his 3.65 ERA will likely take the mound in Game 2.