MLB Player News

Lugo (7-5) picked up the win in Wednesday's 8-4 victory over the Cubs, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out six.

The veteran righty delivered his 11th quality start of the season on 95 pitches, with 30 called or swinging strikes among his 58 total strikes. Lugo has lasted at least six innings in six of his last seven outings as he potentially auditions for a contender ahead of the trade deadline, posting a 2.55 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 47:11 K:BB through 42.1 innings over that stretch. He lines up to make what could be his last start with the Royals at home early next week against Atlanta.

Castillo (7-6) took the loss Wednesday against the Brewers, allowing six runs (three earned) on 10 hits over five innings. He struck out seven.

The 10 hits allowed matched a season high for Castillo, who would take his first loss since June 18 -- the right-hander had pitched to a stellar 1.46 ERA in four starts (24.2 innings) prior to Wednesday. Overall, Castillo sports a 3.30 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 107:36 K:BB over 21 starts (120 innings) this season. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week against the A's.

Alexander is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to start Thursday against the Athletics in Houston, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

With Lance McCullers (finger) landing on the 15-day injured list, Alexander will be brought up from Triple-A to fill the opening in the Houston rotation. The 32-year-old right-hander has excelled over eight appearances (seven starts) with Sugar Land this season, notching a 1.69 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 36:21 K:BB across 42.2 innings. However, he hasn't had as much success in the majors, posting an 8.40 ERA across 15 innings between the Athletics and Astros. With a respectable showing Thursday, Alexander could be in store for additional turns through the rotation until Houston gets one or two of McCullers, Cristian Javier (elbow), Luis Garcia (elbow) or Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) back from the IL.

The Astros optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Sugar Land after Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez was recalled by the Astros on Tuesday to fill out the 26-man roster after Lance McCullers (finger) was placed on the 15-day injured list. However, Hernandez will head back to Triple-A, and that roster spot will be filled by Jason Alexander, who is expected to start against the Athletics on Thursday. Hernandez has spent most of the season in Triple-A, where he has a 1.70 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, three saves and a 48:17 K:BB across 37 innings.

Kelly (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Greenville on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Kelly tweaked his right oblique during a relief appearance against the Blue Jays in late June, which prompted his placement on the 15-day injured list. The veteran right-hander has recovered enough to embark on a rehab assignment, and he'll need multiple appearances before returning to the Red Sox's bullpen. Kelly posted a 5.56 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 25:9 K:BB across 22.2 innings prior to his injury.

Urias will start at second base and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

Urias looked set to move into a utility role after he was reinstated from the injured list July 13, but he should have a fairly clear path to playing time in the short term after Denzel Clarke (adductor) and Max Muncy (hand) were both placed on the injured list Tuesday. The Athletics will hand Urias his third straight start at second base as they close out their series in Texas.

Soderstrom is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

The Athletics will send Soderstrom and fellow left-handed batter Lawrence Butler to the bench while southpaw Patrick Corbin toes the rubber for Texas. With Soderstrom exiting the lineup, Shea Langeliers will get the night off from catching and will serve as the Athletics' designated hitter.

Butler is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rangers.

The Athletics will send Butler and fellow left-handed batter Tyler Soderstrom to the bench while southpaw Patrick Corbin toes the rubber for Texas. Colby Thomas will replace Butler in the lineup, manning center field and batting sixth.

Carter is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

For the second time in the series, the left-handed-hitting Carter will retreat to the bench while the Athletics send another lefty (JP Sears) to the hill. Michael Helman will get the start in center field in place of Carter, who has gone 0-for-9 with two walks to begin the second half of the season.

Smith is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

Though he was included in the lineup for Monday's series opener when the Athletics sent southpaw Jacob Lopez to the hill, the left-handed-hitting Smith will take a seat Wednesday while lefty JP Sears pitches for the opposition. With Smith on the bench, Ezequiel Duran will pick up a start at first base.