MLB Player News

Montas reported feeling only "normal soreness" in his previously inflamed shoulder following his three-inning start Thursday against the Tigers, the Associated Press reports.

Manager Mark Kotsay added that "Frankie should be ready to go" when asked about Montas making his next scheduled start. The right-hander was limited to 53 pitches against the Tigers, but if he continues to be free of any unusual residual effects in coming days, Montas could be ready to handle close to a normal workload when he next takes the mound against the Astros on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bello is likely to start Sunday's series finale against the Blue Jays, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. "There's a good chance he'll start Sunday," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said before Friday's game.

Bello was recalled Friday, and Cora avoided using his length in an embarrassing 28-5 loss to Toronto. The right-hander has pitched well in the minors this season, posting a 2.35 ERA over 16 outings (15 starts) at Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, but struggled in two MLB starts with a 10.13 ERA and six walks in eight innings.

The Mariners plan to call up Kirby from Triple-A Tacoma to start Tuesday's home game against the Rangers.

As was anticipated following the Mariners' decision to option him to Tacoma on July 9, Kirby will be rejoining the big club when it first requires a No. 5 starter following the All-Star break. Before the demotion, Kirby had proven his worth as an MLB-caliber starter by supplying a 3.78 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 62:9 K:BB across 64.1 frames, but the Mariners will continue to be mindful of the rookie's workload during his age-24 campaign. Between the Mariners, Tacoma and Double-A Arkansas, Kirby is up to 91 innings this season, and the organization may not be keen on having him push past the 130-to-140 range in 2022.

Martin was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte to serve as the 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Martin served as the 27th man for a doubleheader last week in which he took on a starting role, but he'll be available as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen during Saturday's twin bill. The right-hander has posted a 4.67 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 27 innings over six appearances (three starts) in the majors this year.

McCullers (forearm) allowed three hits and one earned run while striking out three across two innings in a rehab outing with Double-A Corpus Christi on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McCullers appeared in his first game action since the 2021 postseason and managed to throw 40 pitches. He'll likely need a few more rehab appearances prior to being activated from the injured list, though he could be ready to return by mid-August.

Eflin (knee) is dealing with right patellofemoral pain and doesn't have a timetable to return, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Eflin was believed to be close to throwing a simulated game prior to the All-Star break, but the Phillies are now more concerned about his knee injury. He underwent tests during the All-Star break that didn't reveal structural damage, but he's no longer throwing off a mound and doesn't have a timetable to do so. Interim manager Rob Thomson said Eflin will go through a "really aggressive strengthening program" but won't resume mound work until he's making better progress in his recovery. The right-hander's injury isn't expected to end his season, but it's unclear when he'll be able to rejoin the Phillies.

Irvin (5-7) gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out eight over seven-plus innings to earn the win in a 5-4 victory over the Rangers on Friday.

Irvin was excellent in his 17th start of the season. He got nine outs against the first nine batters faced and then strung together another three perfect innings from the fifth to the seventh. The eight strikeouts are a nice plus from a pitcher who entered Friday with a 6.1 K/9, although it appeared that Irvin was given the benefit of the doubt on a number of inside strike calls. Irvin now boasts a solid 3.08 ERA and 1.07 WHIP on the season. With a BABIP of .258 and an xERA of 4.50, it will be worth watching if his ratios regress. Irvin is tentatively expected to make his next start against the Astros next week.

Senzatela gave up three earned runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four over five innings in a 6-5 extra-innings loss to the Brewers on Friday. He did not factor into the decision.

Senzatela struggled to keep the ball in the ballpark despite pitching on the road at American Family Field. He gave up home runs off the bats of Willy Adames and Andrew McCutchen in the third before leaving the game after 95 pitches and five innings of work. The 27-year-old right-hander has struggled all season long and ranks in the lowest first percentile of all pitchers in xBA. It doesn't appear that the Rockies have many alternatives so Senzatela is expected to take the mound again versus the White Sox next week.

Burnes gave up two earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings in a 6-5 extra-innings win over the Rockies on Friday. He did not factor into the decision.

Burnes was effective over five innings of work, and he left the game in line for his eighth win of the season. However, he was forced to settle for the no-decision after the Brewers bullpen coughed up the lead in the sixth. The only damage which Burnes yielded came on a two-run home run to Charlie Blackmon. The 27-year-old right-hander has an elite 11.3 K/9 to go along with his 2.20 ERA. He will look to go deeper into the game in his next expected start against the Twins next week.

Giolito (6-6) took the loss Friday as the White Sox fell 8-2 to the Guardians, surrendering six runs on nine hits over three innings. He struck out two without walking a batter.

The right-hander filled up the strike zone, tossing 48 of 64 pitches for strikes before exiting, but he wasn't fooling anyone as he managed only five swinging strikes. Giolito has been tagged for at least five runs in four of his last seven starts, stumbling to a 6.87 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB through 38 innings over that stretch. His inconsistency even in seemingly plus matchups makes him a difficult pitcher to deploy right now in most fantasy formats.