MLB Player News

The Astros announced that Pena left Monday's game with a right hamstring cramp.

Pena was removed from Monday's game in the sixth inning with what is now diagnosed as a right hamstring cramp. Houston's infield, specifically their depth at shortstop, has been brutalized by injuries this season with Carlos Correa (ankle), Braden Shewmake (thigh) and Nick Allen (hamstring) all on the injured list.

Valdez (4-5) notched the win Monday against the Yankees, allowing one run on four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out eight.

Valdez found himself in top form Monday, tying a season high in punchouts over six strong innings. The 31-year-old southpaw has now thrown at least five innings in eight consecutive starts, and he's also spun at least six frames while yielding two runs or fewer in nine of his 16 outings for the year. Valdez will bring a respectable 3.91 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 75:34 K:BB across 89.2 innings into his next scheduled appearance at home against the Astros.

Varland earned the save Monday against the Astros, striking out one and walking one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Varland was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and successfully closed the door, working around a leadoff walk to Yainer Diaz. The right-hander quickly regrouped after the free pass, inducing a double-play groundball and recording a strikeout to secure his 16th save. Varland has now recorded a save in 11 of his last 15 appearances and owns a sparkling 0.84 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 58:12 K:BB across 43 innings on the season.

Alexander left Monday's game against the Angels early due to right knee discomfort, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Leody Taveras replaced Alexander at third base in the bottom of the third inning on Monday. Alexander left the game after just one at-bat, going 0-for-1 with a strikeout.

The Twins scratched Ryan from his scheduled start Tuesday against the Dodgers due to an illness, Aaron Gleeman of AaronGleeman.com reports.

In Ryan's stead, Minnesota will turn to Kendry Rojas to serve as their opening pitcher Tuesday in what will likely be a bullpen game. The Twins haven't provided word on the severity of Ryan's illness, so it's unclear if he'll be available to pitch in their series later in the week against Colorado or if he'll have his turn in the rotation skipped entirely. The 30-year-old righty has gotten off to a strong start to the 2026 campaign, posting a 5-3 record, 2.99 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 99:18 K:BB across 87.1 innings.

Cease did not factor into the decision Monday against the Astros, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings.

Cease surrendered an early RBI-single by Isaac Paredes in the first inning before settling into a groove, retiring 13 consecutive batters at one point while piling up seven strikeouts during the stretch. The right-hander ran into trouble in the sixth, issuing back-to-back walks and then allowing an RBI single to Jose Altuve that ultimately ended his night. Cease's swing-and-miss stuff remained electric, as he recorded his eighth consecutive outing with at least seven strikeouts. Since the beginning of May, the 30-year-old has posted a 2.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 61:14 K:BB across 41.2 innings. He is slated to face off against Texas at home next.

Brown did not factor into the decision Monday against the Blue Jays, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings.

The right-hander threw 54 of his 85 pitches for strikes but struggled to consistently find the zone, issuing two walks and plunking two batters. His lone run allowed came via Kazuma Okamoto, who led off the second inning with a solo homer. Despite lasting only three innings, Brown did not appear to be working under any workload limitations, as his pitch count suggests Houston is willing to let him work through trouble. Through two starts since returning, he has allowed just two runs across 8.2 innings while posting an 11:5 K:BB. Brown is scheduled to make his next start on the road against Detroit.

Lange secured the save Monday against the Rays, throwing a clean ninth inning. He struck out one.

Since taking over as Kansas City's primary closer, Lange been very effective on the mound. The 30-year-old right-hander has successfully converted each of his last six save opportunities, giving up just two earned runs across 10 innings during the month of June so far. With Lucas Erceg being unreliable and Carlos Estevez (shoulder) still on the shelf, Lange is solidifying his hold as the club's favorite for saves.

Wacha (5-5) notched the win Monday against Tampa Bay, allowing one run on six hits and one walk in seven innings. He struck out five.

Wacha continues to give the Royals plenty of length, tossing at least six frames in three consecutive starts and eight of his last 10. The 34-year-old right-hander has also pitched at least five innings in all of his 15 outings this year, racking up 11 quality starts already. Wacha will try to further improve on a steady 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 77:29 K:BB over a league-high 101 innings in his next scheduled outing on the road against the division-rival White Sox.

Rasmussen (6-4) took the loss Monday against Kansas City, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five.

Rasmussen continues to deal during the month of June, posting a 1.00 ERA, 0.59 WHIP and 34:3 K:BB across his last 27 innings (four starts). Additionally, the 30-year-old right-hander has now logged nine quality starts among 15 appearances on the campaign and worked at least six frames in four consecutive outings. Rasmussen will take a stellar 2.62 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 89:15 K:BB across 86 innings into his next scheduled start at home against Arizona.