MLB Player News

Williams is slated to make his next start Monday against the White Sox in Cleveland, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

After delivering his eighth double-digit strikeouts performance in his last 11 starts during his most recent appearance this past Sunday versus Detroit, Williams won't end up pitching this week. Instead, the Guardians will bump Williams back from his normally scheduled turn through the rotation Saturday against the Twins to have him start Monday in the series opener versus the White Sox, who currently hold a half-game lead atop the AL Central standings. Williams will tentatively line up for two starts next week, with his second turn set to come Sept. 20 versus the Athletics.

Cantillo could be a candidate to pitch in bulk relief behind opener Daniel Espino in Saturday's game against the Twins,

Saturday would have been Gavin Williams' turn in the rotation, but the Guardians elected to push their ace back two days in the schedule so that he can pitch the series opener versus the division-leading White Sox. Espino will get the starting nod in Williams' stead, though he's expected to be limited to 1-to-2 innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. After most recently getting roughed up for four runs on three hits and five walks in just 2.1 innings in Monday's loss in Baltimore, Cantillo will be available on four days' rest and could pitch in relief for the first time all season. The Guardians also have Slade Cecconi on hand as another option to cover multiple innings out of the bullpen.

The Tigers placed Montero on the paternity list Saturday.

Montero will be permitted to miss up to three games while he welcomes a new addition to his family. Andrew Sears was recalled in a corresponding move to start Saturday's game against the Rockies.

Liberatore didn't factor into the decision Friday against the White Sox after allowing two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two over 4.1 innings.

Liberatore gave up two homers to Chase Meidroth, who went yard on the first pitch of the game before going deep again in the third inning. Liberatore limited the damage, however, and despite lasting just 4.1 innings, he managed to snap a negative run of four consecutive starts allowing at least three earned runs. Liberatore has been slumping badly since the All-Star break, posting a 6.52 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 49.2 innings and 10 starts, and there are very few positives to highlight from his recent performances. He's scheduled to make his next start at home against the Giants.

Kay (9-9) took the loss Friday against the Cardinals after allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two over four innings.

Kay needed 67 pitches to complete four innings, but he tossed just 38 of his offerings for strikes. Kay has given up at least three earned runs in each of his last four appearances and is winless in his last six starts, going 0-4 with a 6.83 ERA over that stretch. The six-year veteran will try to turn things around in his upcoming start, as he's scheduled to take the ball on the road against the Guardians.

Bradley didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Guardians after allowing one hit and four walks while striking out six over six scoreless innings.

Bradley worked around some early control issues, as he walked the leadoff hitter in each of the first three innings without allowing Cleveland to capitalize. Travis Bazzana supplied the Guardians' only hit against him with a leadoff single in the fourth, and no runner advanced beyond second base during Bradley's six frames. Bradley has allowed one or fewer earned runs in three of his last five starts, but he gave up four earned runs in both of the other two outings in that span. The strikeouts have been piling up -- he's on a run of five straight outings with at least six punchouts. Bradley is lined up to make his next start at home against the Yankees.

Messick didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Twins after allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings.

Messick kept Minnesota quiet outside of the second inning, when Kody Clemens singled and Royce Lewis followed with an RBI double to open the scoring. The left-handed Messick allowed only one additional hit before departing with one out in the sixth, keeping Cleveland within a run until its offense eventually broke through. Messick owns a 2.51 ERA after the strong outing, though he was denied his 12th victory of the season. In 10 starts since the Midsummer Classic, Messick has a 2.09 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 68:11 K:BB across 60.1 innings. He's scheduled to make his next start at home against the White Sox in a matchup with plenty of playoff implications next week.

May (7-9) earned the win Friday against the Reds after allowing two hits and a walk while striking out six over six scoreless innings.

May had little trouble protecting the massive advantage Milwaukee's offense provided, limiting Cincinnati to a pair of Sal Stewart singles over six innings. The right-hander threw 84 pitches (56 strikes) and didn't allow a Reds runner to reach third base while combining with Garrett Stallings on a two-hit shutout. May improved to 2-2 in seven starts since joining Milwaukee at the trade deadline, posting a 4.91 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with a 27:11 K:BB in 29.1 innings over that stretch. He's scheduled to make his next start on the road against the Pirates.

Houck (elbow) allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out four over three innings for Double-A Portland on Friday.

Houck stretched out to 48 pitches after he was limited to 20 pitches during his first rehab outing. The right-hander's next step is an outing for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday.

Abbott (6-11) took the loss Friday against the Brewers after allowing eight runs (seven earned) on nine hits over two innings. He didn't issue a walk or record a strikeout.

Abbott endured his shortest start of the season as Milwaukee overwhelmed him almost immediately. The left-hander surrendered two runs in the first before the Brewers erupted for six in the second, including three-run and two-run homers from Brice Turang and Jake Bauers, respectively. Abbott also allowed nine of the 14 batters he faced to reach safely. He's been trending in the wrong direction of late, as he's allowed at least seven earned runs in two of his last three outings. His ERA jumped to 4.84 following this disastrous outing, and he also owns a 6.20 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP since the All-Star break. Abbott is scheduled to make his next start against the Dodgers at home.