MLB Player News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that Megill is the favorite to fill the rotation spot vacated by Paul Blackburn (hand), Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Blackburn landed on the injured list Sunday due to a bruised hand, creating an opening for Megill to potentially rejoin the big-league rotation. Megill has spent the past few weeks at Triple-A Syracuse, where he has a 3.15 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 54:17 K:BB across 40 innings this season. The right-hander's 5.17 ERA in 10 MLB outings this season is less encouraging, however. If called up, Megill would tentatively line up to make a start Thursday in Arizona.

Cantillo will be called up from Triple-A Columbus to serve as the 27th man for Monday's doubleheader against the Royals, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The Guardians have yet to officially announce their pitching plans for the twin bill, but Cantillo and Logan Allen will both be called up from Triple-A and should start the two contests in some order. Cantillo was demoted to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday, but he can make a quick return to the majors because he's being designated as the 27th man. The 24-year-old has struggled in his first taste of the big leagues this year with an 8.47 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB over 17 innings.

Allen will be called up from Triple-A Columbus to start one game of Monday's doubleheader against the Royals, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Cleveland hasn't officially announced its starters for the twin bill, but Allen and Joey Cantillo appear set to take the hill in some order. Allen has made 19 starts for the Guardians this season and has a 5.56 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 78:37 K:BB across 92.1 innings.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday that deGrom (elbow) will make his next rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander threw 29 pitches over two innings during his first rehab outing Thursday with Double-A Frisco, and he'll continue building up his workload at Triple-A. DeGrom will likely need a couple more starts beyond Tuesday's outing before making his season debut with the Rangers as he nears the finish line of his recovery from June 2023 Tommy John surgery.

Ray (undisclosed) was forced to exit Sunday's contest in the fourth inning with an apparent injury, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Ray pitched three innings, giving up one run on one hit and three walks while striking out four batters prior to leaving the game. The left-hander appeared to have been dealing with some discomfort in his left leg, but more information on his injury will likely be provided in the near future.

The Brewers recalled Ashby from Triple-A Nashville on Sunday.

The left-hander has started in 14 of his 25 appearances for Nashville this season, and he's recently been operating out of the bullpen. Ashby has delivered six straight scoreless appearances at Triple-A and has a 14:1 K:BB during that stretch. He'll step into a relief role for the Brewers, taking the roster spot of Nick Mears (forearm).

Kelly (3-0) picked up the win Sunday against Boston, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts across six innings.

All four runs charged to Kelly came via the long ball, with Triston Casas lifting a solo homer with two outs in the first inning and Rafael Devers swatting a three-run home run in the fourth frame. Still, Kelly received enough run support to pick up his third win of the campaign. Since being activated from the injured list Aug. 11, Kelly has a 6.75 ERA and an 11:6 K:BB across 16 innings spanning three starts. The right-hander has allowed 10 combined runs in his last two starts. He'll look to get back on track next time out in an expected matchup with the Dodgers.

Houck (8-9) took the loss Sunday against Arizona, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks across six innings. He struck out two.

Houck's streak of three straight quality starts came to an end Sunday, as he surrendered six runs for the third time this season -- all of which have come in his last 10 starts. During that stretch, Houck has walked three or more batters six times. He's also logged three or fewer strikeouts six times after having done so just once in his first 16 appearances. The right-hander's ERA sits at 3.23 after 158.2 innings pitched. He's tentatively scheduled to face the Tigers in Detroit next time out.

Lopez didn't factor into the decision Sunday against Washington, allowing one run on three hits and three walks across six innings. He struck out seven.

Lopez hasn't skipped a beat since a stint on the injured list with forearm tightness threw a wrench in his dominant 2024 campaign. In two starts (11 innings) since being activated, Lopez has allowed two runs with 17 strikeouts. The 30-year-old is approaching a sub-2.00 ERA, with Sunday's outing moving his ERA from 2.05 to 2.02 -- which would lead MLB starters if he qualified. Lopez is tentatively scheduled to face the Phillies in Philadelphia next.

Herz didn't factor into the decision Sunday against Atlanta, allowing one hit and three walks across five scoreless innings. He struck out eight.

Herz was excellent Sunday but wasn't rewarded with the win as Atlanta tied the game 1-1 in the sixth inning before Washington pulled ahead late. The outing marked Herz's third time not allowing an earned run, and he hit the eight-strikeout milestone for the fourth time in 14 starts. The 23-year-old has had issues keeping the ball inside the park -- posting a 1.4 HR/9 across 65.2 innings -- but he's otherwise been impressive. The rookie boasts a 3.84 ERA with 83 strikeouts despite a 2-6 record. Herz is tentatively scheduled to make his next start during a weekend series against the Cubs.