MLB Player News

Kershaw (shoulder) worked three innings in a simulated game Saturday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The sim game took place five days later than originally anticipated, though Kershaw hasn't had any setbacks. The left-hander has been ramping up as he pushes toward a return to the Dodgers rotation, which could happen as soon as next week, depending how he feels in the coming days. Kershaw's last start took place in Colorado on June 27, but he could return without needing a rehab assignment despite spending over a month on the shelf.

Eflin (knee) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays wanted to test Eflin's left knee by having him throw off a mound after he tweaked the knee Wednesday versus the Marlins, and manager Kevin Cash said Eflin's session went well and the right-hander is "doing better." However, it remains unclear whether Eflin will be able to make his next scheduled start Tuesday against the Yankees.

The Red Sox shut down Kluber (shoulder) from all baseball activity Saturday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Kluber suffered a setback during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester and will now have his return date pushed back. There's been no word on how severe Kluber's setback is, but he figures to still be multiple weeks away from returning to Boston. The 37-year-old righty held a 7.04 ERA and 1.64 WHIP through 55 innings before getting injured in late June.

Clevinger (biceps) was activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of his start Saturday against the Guardians.

He did not go on a rehab assignment and will look to impress potential trade suitors ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Most recently, Clevinger completed a four-inning simulated game, so he could go deep enough to qualify for the win. The 32-year-old righty has a 3.88 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 53 strikeouts in 62.2 innings this season.

The Tigers recalled Wentz from Triple-A Toledo on Saturday.

Wentz will serve as Detroit's primary pitcher Saturday against Miami behind Beau Brieske, who will start as the Tigers' opener. Wentz's MLB numbers haven't been godd this year -- he holds a 6.78 ERA and 1.63 WHIP through 71.2 innings over 16 appearances (15 starts).

Chirinos came away with a no-decision in Atlanta's 10-7 win over the Brewers on Friday, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk over 3.2 innings. He struck out three.

Making his Atlanta debut after being claimed off waivers from the Rays last weekend, Chirinos did little to discourage his new club from trying to add more rotation depth at the trade deadline. The 29-year-old right-hander has a 4.34 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 34:21 K:BB through 66.1 innings on the season, and he could find himself bumped to the bullpen or even off the big-league roster when Max Fried (forearm) is ready to return.

Cortes (shoulder) is expected to throw around 60 pitches in a third and final rehab start next week, Matt Kardos of MiLB.com reports.

Cortes tossed 49 pitches, 36 for strikes, in Friday's rehab start for Double-A Somerset. He struck out five and allowed two hits and one walk in four scoreless innings. It's unclear where he will make his final rehab start next week, but if all goes well, Cortes would line up to rejoin the Yankees rotation Aug. 7 or Aug. 8 on the road against the White Sox.

Houser (3-3) took the loss Friday, coughing up six runs on eight hits and two walks over four-plus innings as the Brewers were downed 10-7 by Atlanta. He struck out three.

After tying his career high by fanning 10 batters in his last outing, Houser crashed back to earth against the offense that leads the majors in homers and OPS, getting tagged for at least six runs for the first time since May 30. The right-hander got the hook after 90 pitches (55 strikes), and since the beginning of June he's posted a 4.64 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 35:16 K:BB through 42.2 innings. Houser remains a streaming option at best in most fantasy formats, but he could be worth deploying in his next start, likely to come on the road next week against the Nationals.

Wentz is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Toledo to work as the primary pitcher behind opener Beau Brieske against the Marlins, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Wentz struck out 12 in 5.2 innings during his most recent start July 21, so he would be well rested for this appearance. The Tigers likely won't need Wentz beyond this outing unless they trade Eduardo Rodriguez and/or Michael Lorenzen before Tuesday's deadline.

Gore (6-8) took the loss Friday, giving up three runs on five hits and four walks over five innings as the Nationals were downed 5-1 by the Mets. He struck out two.

The southpaw put runners on base in every inning, but he kept New York off the board until the fifth, when two straight walks to open the frame set the stage for a three-run blast by Pete Alonso. Gore exited the game having thrown only 57 of 95 pitches for strikes, and he's issued multiple free passes in seven of his last eight outings, posting a 5.11 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 41:18 K:BB through 37 innings over that stretch. He'll look for a better result in his next start, likely to come at home next week against the Brewers.