MLB Player News

Rodon (14-9) took the loss against Washington on Wednesday, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out eight batters over 5.2 innings.

Rodon fell behind on his second pitch of the game when he served up Dylan Crews' first major-league homer. Things didn't get much better for the southpaw from there, as he gave up another run in the first frame, two more in the second and a fifth and final run in the fourth. Rodon managed to induce 16 whiffs and notch a healthy eight punchouts, but he also had five bases stolen on his watch and was bit by a wild pitch and a balk. The veteran hurler has been frustratingly inconsistent of late -- he's hurled two scoreless outings among his past five starts, but in the other three appearances during that stretch he's given up a combined 12 runs over 14.1 innings.

Varland threw five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in a relief appearance Wednesday for Triple-A St. Paul. It was his first relief appearance in the minors this season.

Varland was an impact reliever late last season and into the playoffs for the Twins, but was moved back to the rotation this year. The Twins have said they're contemplating moving him to the bullpen for similar usage this season, so this outing could be the first step to using him in the majors as a reliever.

Paddack (right forearm strain) does not think he'll be able to return before the end of the regular season despite a recent clean MRI, but he is hopeful he could return as a reliever for the playoffs, MLB.com reports.

Paddack has been out since July 14 due to a right forearm strain. He played catch from 60 feet Wednesday and will try to ramp up his activity the next few weeks with a goal of being ready in October. However, that may be a long shot since he's unlikely to have any game action before the playoffs and the Twins may not want to use a pitcher with such a long layoff in the postseason.

The White Sox returned Foster to Triple-A Charlotte after Wednesday's doubleheader versus Texas.

Foster threw two scoreless innings while serving as Chicago's opener in the nightcap, giving up two hits and a walk while recording a strikeout. He'll now return to the minors and continue to serve as organizational bullpen depth, though given his effectiveness in both the majors and Triple-A, there's a good chance he makes another appearance for the White Sox before the end of the year.

Leiter allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over four-plus innings in a no-decision versus the White Sox on Wednesday.

Leiter was OK in his first major-league start since May 14, but it was still a rather inefficient performance. He threw 83 pitches (56 strikes) in total and allowed two runners to reach base in the fifth inning, one of which came around to score after Jose Urena entered the game as a long reliever. Leiter has a 12.83 ERA, 2.40 WHIP and 11:8 K:BB over 13.1 innings over four starts, though it's expected he'll spend most of the rest of the campaign in the majors to get some experience. He's tentatively projected to make his next start at home versus the Yankees in a tough matchup.

The White Sox will recall Nastrini from Triple-A Charlotte to start Thursday's game against the Rangers, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Through six starts in the majors, Nastrini has accrued a gaudy 8.39 ERA and 1.99 WHIP across 24.2 innings. He's posted better numbers since being sent back to the minors in early June (4.89 ERA, 1.63 WHIP through 49.2 frames) and will be facing a Rangers offense that has turned in a .602 OPS over their last 10 games, but the 24-year-old righty should still be considered a risky streaming option based on his poor MLB resume.

Maeda (3-6) allowed two unearned runs on four hits across 4.1 innings of relief to earn the win in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Angels. He walked two and struck out five.

Maeda followed opener Mason Englert, who worked the first two innings of the game. Maeda mostly pitched well, with his only major blemish being a home run by Mickey Moniak in the sixth inning following a Trey Sweeney error. The veteran righty allowed six earned runs over five innings in his last appearance, and he has an ugly 6.14 ERA overall this season, so Wednesday's effort was a pleasant surprise. It will take more sustained success for fantasy managers to trust Maeda, however, and he remains a risky option despite the step in the right direction.

Heaney allowed a run on five hits and a walk while striking out two over five innings in a no-decision in the Rangers' 3-1 victory over the White Sox in a game that was suspended Tuesday and completed Wednesday.

Heaney allowed one run or zero in three of his five outings in August, including each of his last two appearances. He was able to pitch Wednesday as he didn't get an opportunity to pitch prior to the game getting suspended in the top of the first inning Tuesday. Heaney is now at a 3.95 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 133:37 K:BB over 134.1 innings through 27 starts this season. The southpaw threw 71 pitches (44 strikes) Wednesday, and while his spot in the rotation would come up for a home start versus the Athletics on Sunday, it's possible the Rangers will use a spot starter to keep Heaney on regular rest. If that happens, he'd be pushed back a day into a much tougher matchup at home versus the Yankees.

Flexen (2-13) allowed three runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out four over 6.1 innings to take the loss in Tuesday's game versus the Rangers, which was completed Wednesday.

Garrett Crochet started before the game was put into a weather delay just four pitches in. Flexen stayed on turn by entering the game officially as a reliever and turned in a decent performance for his second outing in a row. He's now gone four appearances without yielding a home run. Flexen is at a 5.29 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 94:55 K:BB through 134.1 innings over 28 outings (25 starts). He'll likely return to a starting role for his next game, which is projected to be at Baltimore early next week.

Arrighetti (7-11) threw 7.2 scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out 11.

Arrighetti dominated a potent Phillies lineup, racking up 11 strikeouts and bringing a no-hitter into the eighth inning before an Austin Hays infield single broke up the bid. The 24-year-old has been on a tear in August, posting a robust 1.95 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 13.1 K/9 in 32.1 innings (five starts). Arrighetti has recorded three double-digit strikeout outings in August while lowering his ERA from 5.58 to 4.63. One of the hottest pitchers in baseball, Arrighetti will look to keep rolling in his next start, currently scheduled for next week in Cincinnati.