MLB Player News

Nelson didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Mets, allowing two runs on eight hits over 6.1 innings. He struck out four.

The only damage against Nelson came on a pair of solo home runs, a Pete Alonso blast in the second inning and a Francisco Lindor shot to lead off the sixth. It's the fourth straight quality start for Nelson, who's pitched to a 2.76 ERA in his last 11 outings (68.1 innings) to solidify his spot in Arizona's rotation. Overall, the 26-year-old right-hander is 9-6 with a 4.22 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 112:30 K:BB across 136.1 innings this season. Nelson currently lines up to face the Giants on the road in his next start.

Peterson didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Arizona, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out four.

Peterson has now gone seven innings in three straight starts while delivering quality starts in five of his last six outings -- he's pitched to an impressive 1.86 ERA in that span (38.2 innings). Overall, the left-hander is 8-1 with a 2.83 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 70:39 K:BB across 92.1 innings this season. Peterson will look to keep rolling in his next start, currently scheduled for next week at home versus the Red Sox.

King (11-8) took the loss Thursday against the Cardinals, allowing two unearned runs on six hits and four walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

While both runs against King were unearned, the right-hander struggled with his command again Thursday, eventually needing 103 pitches to make it through just 4.1 innings. King's now issued 10 walks in his last three starts (15.1 innings) -- he's allowed nine runs in that span, though just three have been earned. Overall, King sports a 3.05 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and 177:57 K:BB across 150.2 innings this season. The right-hander lines up for a home matchup with the Tigers in his next outing.

Gray (12-9) earned the win Thursday over the Padres, allowing one run on three hits over six innings. He struck out four.

Gray was excellent Thursday, allowing a lone run on a Jackson Merrill solo homer in the fifth inning. The win snapped a three-start losing streak for Gray, who'd struggled to a 7.31 ERA while allowing six home runs in his previous 16 innings. The 34-year-old right-hander now sports a 3.96 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 179:36 K:BB across 25 starts (147.2 innings). Gray's currently lined up to face the Brewers on the road in his next outing.

Glasnow (elbow) will play catch Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Glasnow's recovery from elbow tendinitis had been stalled for a few days, but he'll resume throwing Friday. Manager Dave Roberts shared optimism that Glasnow would return to the mound this season, but he did not commit to that outcome.

Matz (back) is traveling with the Cardinals and is expected to be activated from the injured list this weekend, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

If activated as expected, it seems Matz will be added as the extra pitcher when rosters are expanded Sunday. The southpaw completed his sixth rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Memphis during which he gave up two earned runs on five hits over three innings. It remains to be seen if he will return as a starter or long reliever.

Civale (5-8) allowed two hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings Thursday, striking out seven to get the win over the Giants.

Civale was brilliant Thursday and delivered his second scoreless outing of the season, both of which have come since being acquired by Milwaukee. It was the right-hander's third career start of seven or more shutout innings and his first since April 2023. Civale has kept his opponents off the scoreboard in two of his last three starts and has a 3.72 ERA in his first nine starts with the Brewers.

Birdsong (3-4) allowed five runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six over 3.2 innings to take the loss versus the Brewers on Thursday.

Birdsong has great stuff, as evidenced by his 60 strikeouts through 49 career innings, but he once again was plagued by control issues Thursday. The rookie walked four batters for his second straight start and has now given up five or more runs in three of his last five outings. Birdsong will want to turn the page on a rough month of August after giving up 18 runs in five starts, and he will take a 5.14 ERA into his next turn through the rotation.

Phillips is likely to be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start Tuesday in Toronto, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

He'll be taking the rotation spot vacated by Taijuan Walker, who has been demoted to the bullpen. Phillips has offered a mixed bag during his 36 major-league innings, throwing a shutout and adding one other scoreless start but getting demoted after allowing 17 runs in 11 frames in August. He could earn additional starts after Tuesday, but Kolby Allard will also become an option once he's eligible to be recalled on Sept. 10.

Manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Walker will work out of the bullpen going forward, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

After surrendering six earned runs on 13 hits and a walk without recording a strikeout in six innings against the Astros on Wednesday, Walker has now officially lost his place in the Phillies' rotation. He'll serve as a long reliever as he joins Philly's bullpen, and the team will need to recall someone -- likely Tyler Phillips -- from Triple-A to fill the open rotation spot, which is due to pitch in Toronto on Tuesday.