MLB Player News

Astros starter Dallas Keuchel endured his worst performance of the season in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Mariners. Keuchel allowed a season-high five runs on five hits over six innings. He walked four and struck out seven, as his record dropped to 8-3.

Among the five runs, Keuchel served up a trio of solo home runs to Mark Trumbo, Nelson Cruz and Seth Smith on Saturday. Despite the rough outing, Keuchel still sports a shiny 2.35 ERA as he heads into his next start. He'll take on the Yankees at home on Thursday.

Mariners right-hander Taijuan Walker struck out a career-high 11 batters in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Astros. Walker pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He did not issue a walk, throwing 64 of his 94 pitches for strikes.

Walker (5-6) lowered his ERA to 4.94 with Saturday's outing. He gave up a couple of solo home runs to Evan Gattis and Luis Valbuena, but was otherwise sharp, keeping the Astros' hitters off balance for much of the night. Walker struck out six of the first nine batters to face him in the game.

The young hurler has now posted five consecutive quality starts, winning all but one of those starts. He's set to square off against the Angels in Anaheim on Friday.

Yankees starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi allowed just three hits in his win over the Tigers on Saturday.

Eovaldi threw six innings, allowed just one earned run and struck out four batters as he picked up his sixth win of the season.

Oevaldi (6-2) has a 4.83 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 76 1/3 innings this year.

Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber didn't have his best stuff during Saturday's game against the Rays.

Kluber tossed seven innings, allowed four earned runs and walked four batters. He managed to strike out six batters, but took the loss, his ninth of the year.

"You want to win games," Kluber said, per MLB.com. "And when you're not scoring, it's hard to win. At the same time, I've got to do a better job of not letting the other team score."

Kluber (3-9) threw 112 pitches before being pulled from the game. He now has a 3.65 ERA with 117 strikeouts and 22 walks in 103 2/3 innings this season.

Red Sox starting pitcher Justin Masterson is not sure what the next step following his recovery from a shoulder injury will be, per the Providence Journal.

Masterson said the Red Sox have yet to make a decision on whether he will rejoin the team out of the bullpen or participate in another minor-league rehab start. The team could have Masterson go through another rehab start because the rotation is currently very condensed.

"What I’d ultimately like to do and what would be great for all is to go start, but guys have been doing great and that’s understandable that that’s not open at this point in time," Masterson said. "I don't know if it’s in my nature to say, ‘Beat it guys, trade me or put me in here.’ No, I don't think that’s the time right now. Especially the way I see this team going and the way I believe in this team too. I’d like to be a part of it in some way, shape or form."

When he does return to the Red Sox, Masterson could be utilized out of the bullpen, which is a spot he hasn't been in consistently since 2009.

"Right now I feel comfortable pitching in general," he said. "You put me in the pen when you have a good comfortability of what you’re doing, it’s not too bad. Having been there before does help out."

Those wondering if the miserable start Monday in Pittsburgh for White Sox rookie Carlos Rodon was a fluke or the start of a trend now have their answer.

Fluke.

Rodon wasn't lights-out Saturday against Texas, but he performed well and snagged his third victory. He allowed two runs on four hits in six innings with three walks and five strikeouts. He nearly blew the lead in a two-run fifth, but recovered to retire four of the last five batters he faced.

"The funny and scary thing is he can get a lot better," said White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers, per MLB.com. "His stuff is that good where he's able to get by with missing some spots here and there. If he can hone in the command, which has gotten a whole lot better, then we'll have two [Chris] Sales."

After giving up two runs or less in five of his last six starts, Rodon will try to keep up the good work next Thursday in Detroit.

Athletics starter Sonny Gray took a no-decision in Oakland's loss to the Angels on Friday. Gray pitched six innings and allowed six runs, five earned, on five hits. Gray walked three and struck out two.

“He’s been tough on us all year,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “He was throwing the ball well tonight. I thought we had much better at-bats tonight against him than we did in Southern California last week.”

Gray's next start is Thursday, against Texas.  

Astros starter Lance McCullers suffered a loss to Seattle on Friday, dropping to 3-2 on the season. 

McCullers allowed five runs, three earned, in 4 1/3 innings. He gave up six hits and three walks, while striking out six. 

"I just think it wasn't our night," McCullers said. "A lot of things didn't go our way. Especially, you know, in that situation, they are just hit in the right spots, not hard enough to turn two, so . it was frustrating all night."

McCullers' next start is Wednesday at the Angels. 

White Sox pitcher Chris Sale was dominant in Friday's start against Texas, but he had to settle for a no-decision after a blown save by the bullpen. 

Sale struck out 14, tying a record with five consecutive games of 12 strikeouts or more, tying Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez.

"It's an honor to get my name mentioned with them, but it's something more for you guys and friends and family," Sale said. "I'm here for one reason and that's winning ballgames. All the other stuff is more of a distraction than anything, really."

Sale threw eight shutout innings, allowing two hits and not walking a batter. 

Sale left with a one-run lead, but it didn't stand up. His next start will be Wednesday against Minnesota. 

Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez moved to 3-1 after winning his first game since June 3, Friday over Kansas City. 

Rodriguez allowed one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out five. 

“A bounce-back start for him, there’s no doubt. Three quality pitches tonight for strikes but most importantly his fastball location was outstanding for the time he was on the mound,” said manager John Farrell. 

Rodriguez's next start is Thursday, against Baltimore.