MLB Player News

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Sunday that McCullers (hand) isn't expected to return from the 15-day injured list before the end of the regular season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. "There's a chance that this is the last that we've seen of him," Brown said. "Is it possible he could get back for the last couple games? There's probably an outside chance, but highly unlikely."

McCullers was placed on the IL on Friday due to right hand soreness, and while his injury doesn't appear to be considered serious, he looks like he'll need more than the minimum 15 days to move past the issue. Brown noted that McCullers' "name will come up" in discussions about the Astros' roster for a potential postseason run, but given how the 31-year-old righty performed as a reliever after losing his spot in the rotation in late August, it's difficult to envision Houston turning to him in the playoffs. McCullers was charged with five runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks over four innings across his three low-leverage relief appearances prior to landing on the IL.

Sheehan allowed one run on one hit and three walks while striking out seven over 5.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Phillies on Monday.

The Dodgers shielded Sheehan from the Phillies' tough top of the lineup the first time through the order, though the move didn't initially pay off. Opener Anthony Banda gave up a run, prompting Sheehan's entry into the game after Banda faced the minimum three batters. This was still a positive outing for Sheehan, who has allowed just four runs over 24.1 innings over his last four appearances. For the season, he has a 3.17 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 76:22 K:BB across 65.1 innings through 13 appearances (10 starts). His next outing is projected to be at home versus the Giants this weekend, though it's not yet clear if that will be a traditional start or another bulk-relief assignment.

Suarez allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over six innings in a no-decision versus the Dodgers on Monday.

Suarez wasn't at his best, allowing a solo home run to Max Muncy and a pair of sacrifice flies to Mookie Betts, but it was still enough for a quality start. This was the first time in five starts Suarez has allowed multiple runs -- he's surrendered just four runs over 30 innings in that span. For the season, he's produced a 2.84 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 145:37 K:BB through 149 innings over 24 starts. The veteran southpaw is projected for a home start versus the Marlins next week if the Phillies continue to deploy a six-man rotation.

Teng allowed one unearned run on two hits and a walk while striking out five over four innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Monday.

Teng gave up a run in the first inning but generally allowed the Giants to keep things close before the bullpen had a rough night. This was Teng's first appearance in over a week after he allowed four runs on three hits and five walks versus the Cardinals on Sept. 7. The right-hander is now at a 6.41 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 33:15 K:BB through 26.2 innings over seven appearances (six starts) in the majors this season. The Giants' rotation has been in flux recently, but Teng would next be available to pitch on normal rest in the back half of this weekend's four-game road series versus the Dodgers.

Gallen (12-14) allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out six over six innings to earn the win over the Giants on Monday.

Gallen was stingy despite throwing just 57 of 96 pitches for strikes, with the lone run on his line being the result of a Casey Schmitt solo home run in the third inning. This was Gallen's fifth quality start in his last six outings, the lone exception being his five-run appearance in San Francisco last week. Gallen is now at a 4.73 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 163:61 K:BB across 180.2 innings over 31 starts this season, though he has a 2.68 ERA in 53.2 innings through his last nine outings. He's projected for a tough home start versus the Phillies this weekend.

Liberatore did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk over six innings against the Reds. He struck out six.

Liberatore didn't pick up the win Monday but did log six innings for the first time since June 29. The southpaw has flashed stretches of success but struggles to sustain it at the big-league level, carrying a 4.30 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across a career-high 28 starts and 146.2 innings this season.

Littell did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing four runs on five hits and no walks over 5.2 innings against St. Louis. He struck out three.

Littell ran out of steam Monday, giving up three of his four runs in the sixth inning before being pulled. Since being dealt at the trade deadline, he hasn't replicated his Tampa Bay form, where he logged a 3.58 ERA across 22 starts and 133.1 innings, instead posting a 4.74 ERA over eight starts and 43.2 frames with Cincinnati.

Woods Richardson (7-4) earned the win Monday, allowing two hits and three walks over six scoreless innings against the Yankees. He struck out 11.

Woods Richardson turned in a career outing Monday, reaching double-digit strikeouts for the first time in the majors. The 24-year-old was once seen as a high-upside pitching prospect, but he was traded twice before reaching the majors, and the shine came off a bit, as his fastball velocity backed up. He's averaging a career-best 93.3 mph with his fastball this year, but his 11.8 K-BB% is still middling. Across 21 appearances this season, he holds a 4.31 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 100.1 innings.

Rodon (16-9) took the loss Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over six innings against Minnesota. He struck out four.

Rodon delivered a quality start but was saddled with his ninth loss as New York's offense failed to score in Monday's defeat. The southpaw has been excellent of late, holding opponents to two runs or fewer in each of his past eight outings. During this stretch he's traded strikeout volume for run prevention, posting a 6.5 K/9 compared to his 9.4 mark on the season.

Burke allowed a run on two hits and four walks while striking out four over four innings in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Orioles.

Tyler Gilbert opened for Burke, who worked through traffic and limited the damage to just one run, his first outing holding opponents to a single score since July 2. The right-hander hasn't been flashy but has taken the ball consistently for the White Sox, posting a 4.29 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 126 innings in 26 appearances, 21 of which have been starts.