MLB Player News

Flaherty (back) is expected to make his next start during the Tigers' three-game series in Houston that begins Friday, MLB.com reports.

Flaherty was forced out of his most recent start against the Rangers this past Tuesday, when he tossed five scoreless innings before being lifted on account of back tightness. The right-hander downplayed his injury when he addressed the media after the game and said that he expected to make his next start in Tuesday's series opener versus the Nationals, but the Tigers have since elected to err on the side of caution and give Flaherty a few extra days to recover. Detroit will take advantage of Monday's off day to reshuffle the rotation, with Kenta Maeda, Reese Olson and Casey Mize picking up starts Tuesday through Thursday before Flaherty and ace Tarik Skubal start the first two games of the series in Houston in some order. Though Flaherty looks like he won't be operating under any restrictions against the Astros after playing catch Friday and throwing a bullpen session Sunday without issue, the change in the pitching order means that he'll miss out on a two-start week.

Macko could get promoted to Triple-A Buffalo in the near future, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The 23-year-old southpaw, acquired from Seattle two offseasons ago, is having a strong campaign with Double-A New Hampshire thanks to improved control. He's found another gear over the last month, posting a 2.81 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 46:7 K:BB through his last six starts and 32 innings. Macko features a mid-90s fastball and a big curveball, but it's the development of his changeup and sweeper that will determine whether he can ultimately thrive in a big-league rotation.

Scherzer (back/arm) allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five over four scoreless innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

Scherzer restarted a rehab assignment after experiencing a setback late in April. He cruised through 53 pitches (37 strikes), induced 14 whiffs, and registered a fastball velocity of 94.8 mph, per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com.

Maeda (abdomen) is listed as the Tigers' probable pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Nationals at Comerica Park.

Maeda threw just two pitches before he exited his most recent start last Wednesday against the Rangers due to right abdominal discomfort, resulting in the Tigers going with an impromptu bullpen day featuring five relievers. Fortunately for the veteran right-hander and the Tigers, Maeda appears to have come out of the abbreviated start with little more than mild soreness, and he'll be ready to make his next turn through the rotation on five days' rest. After inking a two-year, $24 million deal this winter, Maeda has gotten off to a rough start to his tenure with the Tigers, logging a 6.25 ERA and 1.41 WHIP over 40.1 innings while also spending time on the injured list due to a viral illness.

Henry (2-2) picked up Sunday's win, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one over 2.1 innings against the Padres.

Henry followed opener Scott McGough and was the pitcher of record when the Diamondbacks scored six times in the second inning. It was a long day for Henry, who was called up from Triple-A Reno late Saturday and flew early Sunday to be in San Diego in time for the game. The left-hander was in Arizona's rotation early this season, and injuries could lead to at least one turn in the coming week. In addition to the injuries, performance may play a role in Henry staying longer. If he pitches well this week, Henry could overtake Slade Cecconi (5.66 ERA), Jordan Montgomery (6.80) or Ryne Nelson (5.96) once the injured starters return.

Gil did not factor into the decision in Sunday's loss to the Dodgers, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five in 5.2 innings.

Gil held the Dodgers in check through the first four innings, but they broke through in the fifth on a two-run double from Mookie Betts. Teoscar Hernandez would add to that with a solo home run in the sixth, leading to Gil's exit. Sunday was the first time Gil had given up more than one run in a start since he allowed five against the Brewers on April 26. The Yankees are now 11-2 in games started by Gil, and he'll carry a magnificent 2.04 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 90:35 K:BB (75 innings) into a showdown versus the Red Sox over the weekend.

Glasnow (6-5) took the loss Sunday against the Yankees, allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out 12 in six innings.

Nearly all the damage against Glasnow came via the long ball. The Yankees opened up the scoring with a solo home run in the third and tacked on an additional run before the inning ended. Trent Grisham later slugged a three-run blast in the sixth to put the Yankees up 5-3 and they would not relinquish the lead from there. The eight hits allowed tied Glasnow's season high and he's now given up at least a home run in five of his last six starts, though it was also his fifth time striking out at least 10 hitters. The 30-year-old will carry a 3.24 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 116:24 K:BB (86 innings) into his next start, which projects to be against the Royals over the weekend.

Varland and Caleb Boushley are the two leading candidates to be called up from Triple-A St. Paul to make a spot start Tuesday against the Rockies in Minnesota, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Twins will give each member of their rotation an extra day of rest between starts by adding a spot starter in the mix Tuesday. Varland hasn't had much success in the minors since he lost the Twins' fifth-starter role and was sent to Triple-A in April. He owns a 5.31 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 44:14 K:BB in 40.2 innings at St. Paul this season.

Waldrep (0-1) took the loss Sunday, allowing seven runs on four hits and four walks over 3.2 innings against the Nationals. He struck out one.

Waldrep began his major-league debut well, allowing only a walk over the first three innings. However, the bottom fell out in the fourth when he allowed seven of the nine batters he faced to reach base, and he was pulled with two outs and the bases loaded having already allowed four runs. Reliever Aaron Bummer then came on, allowing a double to the next batter, CJ Abrams, who cleared the bases. Despite the ugly result, the 22-year-old prospect looked the part through three and should receive more chances to stick in the rotation for the time being. Should he make his next turn, he would be tentatively slated to start next weekend when the Rays come to Atlanta for an interleague showdown.

Ragans allowed a run on three hits and a walk over six innings in a no-decision Sunday. He struck out nine during the loss to Seattle.

Ragans served up a leadoff home run to J.P. Crawford on just the fourth pitch of the game but was otherwise dominant despite not earning a win. After the homer, Ragans struck out seven of the next 10 batters he faced. It was his second straight quality start and fourth in his last five appearances. He forced a season-high 22 whiffs, including 11 with his changeup. Ragans lowered his ERA to 3.08 alongside a 98:25 K:BB through 79 innings. His next start is expected to be against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.