MLB Player News

Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed Wednesday starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi will return to the rotation Saturday against the Astros. Odorizzi, who has been on the disabled list since June 9 with a left oblique strain, threw a bullpen session Wednesday, which went well, per Cash.

"Huge [lift getting him back]," Cash said, per MLB.com. "Just kind of like the [James] Loney lift, getting these guys back. Guys that we penciled in at the start of spring. Odo has already done a lot this season. But I think if you look what him and [Chris Archer] kind of combined to do. Veteran pitchers in our pitching staff, it allows those extra days and extra innings for our relievers not be used."

Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman is confident starting pitcher Drew Smyly, who has been sidelined since early May due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder, is on track for an August return.

"I have confidence in the rehab program," Silverman said, per MLB.com. "I have confidence in him doing his work. He hasn't had any setbacks and he's on pace for August. With any type of rehab there are always questions until you get back and you're active on the major-league roster. But he's doing all the things he needs to and is on pace for August.

"He's thrown bullpens. He'll throw some live BPs, then he'll go out and build himself back up so he's built up to be a starter.

"I'm optimistic based on Drew's response to his throwing program. He's getting his work in. He's been pain free. And he's starting to build up."

The Royals have recalled right-hander Aaron Brooks from Triple-A Omaha, the team announced on Wednesday. Brooks is coming up for his third stint with the Royals. He has made two relief appearances, allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings.

In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned left-hander Brandon Finnegan down to Triple-A. 

Twins left-hander Tommy Milone picked up his fifth win of the season on Wednesday, as he limited the Orioles to one run on five hits over seven innings of work. Milone walked two and struck out five in the 5-3 win.

Milone (5-1) gave up a run in the fourth inning to give the Orioles an early 1-0 lead. But he was otherwise sharp, and the Twins' offense came alive for him late in the game to earn him the victory. 

Milone has been outstanding since returning from a brief stay at Triple-A. In six starts since his return, Milone has a 1.62 ERA and a 32:10 K:BB ratio. His season ERA was dropped to 2.84 after Wednesday's outing.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch made some changes to his rotation plans leading up to the All-Star break. 

Brett Oberholtzer will be recalled from Triple-A Fresno to start Thursday against the Indians.

Lance McCullers, who was scheduled to start Friday against the Rays, has been pushed back to Sunday's series finale. Collin McHugh will now start Friday's series opener and be followed by Dallas Keuchel on Saturday.

Vincent Velasquez was optioned to the minors following his start Tuesday, so he can rest during the All-Star break.

Mariners starter Taijuan Walker took a no-decision in Tuesday's extra-inning game against Detroit.

Walker left after six innings with a one-run lead, but the bullpen couldn't close out Detroit.

The no-decision snapped a streak of wins in five straight starts for Walker. He hasn't lost since June 3. His last no-decision before Tuesday was May 19. 

Walker gave up five runs, the most since May 2. That was also the date of the last time he surrendered three home runs before Tuesday's game. 

Half of the six hits Walker allowed were home runs. 

Angels starter Andrew Heaney earned a win over Colorado on Tuesday, moving to 2-0 on the season in his third start.

Heaney went 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. He didn't walk a batter and struck out five.

The outing was Heaney's longest of the year, and his runs and hits allowed were both season highs.

"I do my thing, I go out there and pitch, and whatever happens, happens," Heaney said, per MLB.com. "I'd like to think I've given myself an opportunity, but there's five other pitchers that made the team for a reason, and there's a reason I didn't."

White Sox starter Jose Quintana had a strong start but poor run support gave him a hard-luck loss to Toronto on Tuesday. 

Quintana pitched a season-high eight innings. He gave up two runs on four hits, his fewest hits in a start since May 13. 

Quintana struck out eight and, for the third straight start, he didn't allow a walk. Quintana has a 20-inning streak of not walking a batter. He fell to 4-8 on the season.

Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson was excellent once again on Tuesday. Gibson allowed two runs on six hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out seven, as the Twins beat the Orioles 8-3.

Gibson (7-6) allowed a two-run home run to J.J. Hardy in the fifth inning for the only blemish on his evening. Gibson has a 2.56 ERA with 27 punchouts over his last seven starts.

Athletics starter Sonny Gray pitched seven innings and left with the score tied, Tuesday against the Yankees. 

Gray allowed three runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out five, taking a no-decision. 

Gray hasn't lost since June 9 and has just one loss in the last eight starts. He's 5-1 with two no-decisions over that time.