MLB Player News

Astros manager Joe Espada said Sunday that it's "pretty safe to say" McCullers (forearm) won't be activated from the 60-day injured list this season, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers underwent surgery last June to repair his right flexor tendon and remove a bone spur and had been hopeful to return to the Astros around the middle of the season. After progressing to throwing bullpen sessions in May, McCullers had his rehab program shut down in July and received a second opinion from doctors. Though McCullers was diagnosed with no new structural damage to his elbow, the recent setback he had a few weeks ago will be enough to slow him down and take a 2024 return off the table. The 30-year-old hasn't pitched for the Astros since the 2022 World Series, and he had already missed the entire 2019 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. McCullers remains on Houston's books through 2026 after signing a five-year, $85 million extension in March 2021.

Verlander (neck) threw 37 pitches in a two-inning simulated game Sunday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Verlander said that he felt good during the sim game and sported a fastball that peaked at 94 miles per hour. The right-hander expects to require two minor-league rehab starts before making his return from the 15-day injured list, so he probably won't be a realistic option for the Houston rotation until the second half of August. The Astros plan to expand their rotation to six men once Verlander comes off the IL, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

The Guardians are expected to recall Allen from Triple-A Columbus and have him start Monday against the Diamondbacks in Cleveland, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

With Tanner Bibee (shoulder) considered day-to-day and Alex Cobb (hip) not yet ready to return from the injured list, the Guardians are likely to turn to Allen to fill the open spot in their rotation Monday. Allen turned in a 5.67 ERA over his 18 starts with Cleveland before being demoted to Triple-A last month, and though he's posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over his three starts with Columbus, his peripheral statistics (7.5 K-BB%,1.65 HR/9) have been underwhelming. If he does in fact get called up to start Monday for Cleveland, Allen won't be guaranteed any additional turns through the big-league rotation.

The Guardians optioned Cantillo to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

The left-hander surrendered three runs over four innings during his start Saturday against the Orioles, and he'll head to Triple-A in favor of bullpen depth. Cantillo should be a candidate to rejoin the Guardians for Thursday's doubleheader in Minnesota.

The Guardians optioned Curry to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday

The right-hander was dropped from Cleveland's starting rotation last week, and he'll head to Triple-A after he allowed four runs over three innings out of the bullpen Saturday. Curry has a 5.84 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB across 24.2 frames in the majors this season.

Pepiot (knee) is scheduled to throw a three-inning simulated game as the next step in his recovery, MLB.com reports.

The Rays didn't give an exact date for when Pepiot will throw the sim game, though he's had two and three days of rest between his most recent bullpen sessions. After his next session, the club will decide whether Pepiot is ready to be activated or if he will require a rehab assignment.

McClanahan (elbow) threw from a mound Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

This was the first time McClanahan threw from a mound since he underwent Tommy John surgery in August of 2023. He threw 10 fastballs and is expected to progress to full bullpen sessions next. McClanahan is still very likely to miss all of the 2024 season.

Rasmussen (elbow) is getting close to returning from the injured list, MLB.com reports.

Rasmussen made his fifth rehab appearance with Triple-A Durham on Saturday and completed two innings while allowing two runs. Despite the fact that he has allowed seven earned runs across his last 3.1 frames, the Rays are expected to activate Rasmussen in the coming week. He is set to work out of the bullpen.

Miller did not factor into the decision in an extra-inning win over the Phillies on Saturday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over 4.1 innings while striking out four.

The Phillies' lineup put Miller to task early, posting back-to-back hits to open the contest before tagging the right-hander for one run in the first. Miller then managed to keep Philadelphia off the board over the next three innings, but he had to be relieved by Tayler Saucedo with one out in the fifth after failing to retire three of the first four batters he faced in the frame. The 25-year-old Miller had gone at least six innings in three consecutive starts coming into Saturday's no-decision, while the four runs were the most he's surrendered since June 23 against the Marlins (span of five starts). On a positive note, Miller has issued only two walks since the start of July while posting 21 strikeouts over that stretch.

Soriano did not factor into the decision in a win over the Mets on Saturday, allowing five hits and two walks over six shutout innings. He struck out six.

Soriano kept the Mets' lineup on its toes Saturday, allowing only three men to reach second base over the course of six innings while inducing 14 swings and misses. Unfortunately for the right-hander, he was unable to come away with the win due to the bullpen immediately blowing the Angels' lead in the seventh, though he's now logged a quality start in three of his last four outings. Saturday also marked the second time this season in which Soriano's hurled six shutout frames, while his six strikeouts marked his highest total in that category since May 25 against the Guardians.