MLB Player News

German surrendered eight earned runs on six hits and four walks while striking out three across 2.2 innings of relief in Monday's 18-8 loss to the Cubs.

After tossing six shutout innings in his first start with the Pirates last Wednesday against the Rangers, German headed back to the bullpen as Pittsburgh kicked off its three-game series with the Cubs. The Pirates likely weren't planning on German working extensively Tuesday, but he was needed in long relief after started Mitch Keller was lifted after tossing four innings and 97 pitches. After entering the game with the Pirates facing a 3-2 deficit, German turned in a 1-2-3 fifth inning, but he completed unraveled in the sixth, with the Cubs batting around the order and capping an eight-run frame with a two-out Dansby Swanson grand slam. German returned for the seventh inning and gave up two base hits and recorded two outs before giving way to Brady Feigl. Though he worked out of the bullpen Tuesday, German could get another look in a starting role in September if the Pirates decide to expand their rotation to six men to create additional days of rest between starts for rookie hurlers Paul Skenes and Jared Jones (lat).

Fried (8-7) yielded three runs (one earned) on four hits over five innings Monday, striking out seven and earning a win over Minnesota.

Fried gave up a run in the first inning and held the Twins in check until they plated two unearned runs in the fifth. It was Fried's first win since June 23, snapping an 0-4 skid over his previous seven appearances. He's produced a 5.26 ERA across five starts this month since returning from the injured list. While Fried has been shaky throughout the year and hasn't quite looked like his usual self, he still owns a solid 3.50 ERA with a 126:46 K:BB through 133.2 innings. His next start is projected to be in Philadelphia this weekend.

Vasquez (4-6) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks over six innings Monday, striking out two and earning a win over St. Louis.

Vasquez was called up to make his first MLB appearance since Aug. 8 and delivered a quality start. It was his first win since throwing six shutout frames against Washington on July 23. Vasquez has now made 18 starts with the Padres this season. He registered a 5.70 ERA through the first nine and a 3.40 ERA over his last nine. Vasquez will carry a 4.52 ERA into his next start, which is currently lined up to be in Tampa Bay.

Gibson (7-6) allowed seven runs on five hits and four walks over 4.1 innings Monday, striking out two and taking a loss against the Padres.

Gibson coughed up a two-run shot to Manny Machado in the first inning and set the tone for a poor performance. The Padres scored another pair in the third inning before piling on four more runs in the fifth. Gibson has given up 15 earned runs over 14.1 innings in his last three starts, driving his season ERA up from 3.99 to 4.54 in the process. Since his last win July 7, he's gone 0-3 with a 5.86 ERA over eight outings. Gibson is projected for a road matchup with the Yankees this weekend.

Wheeler came away with a no-decision in Monday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Astros, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out six.

The veteran righty fired 64 of 97 pitches for strikes in his NL-leading 20th quality start of the season, tying him with Seattle's Logan Gilbert for the major-league lead. Wheeler has produced a quality start in all five of his trips to the mound in August, posting a 1.97 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 37:5 K:BB through 32 innings on the month. He'll look to keep bolstering his Cy Young credentials in his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home this weekend against Atlanta.

Williamson (shoulder) is scheduled to make a rehab start for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Williamson, who threw two innings at the Reds' complex in Arizona last Thursday, is scheduled for three innings in what will be the first appearance of his second rehab assignment. The left-hander opened the season on the injured list due to a left shoulder strain and was pulled off an earlier rehab assignment in June, when he was diagnosed with a Bennett lesion in the shoulder.

Cabrera (2-6) took the loss against Colorado on Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight batters over 5.1 innings.

Cabrera had his swing-and-miss stuff working, as he induced 18 whiffs en route to eight punchouts. The right-hander got through four frames without giving up a run but faltered late in his outing, yielding two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth before departing. Cabrera ended up with his third straight loss, and he also walked multiple batters for his eighth consecutive start. He has a healthy 81 strikeouts over 70.2 innings this season, but Cabrera has also issued 40 free passes, and his 5.09 BB/9 is second-worst in the league among pitchers who have thrown at least 70 frames.

Feltner allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two batters over five innings in a no-decision against Miami on Monday.

Feltner pitched for the Rockies for the first time since landing on the injured list with a right shoulder strain Aug. 8. The right-hander was able to go five innings and throw 71 pitches in his return, and he got through four scoreless frames before faltering by allowing two runs in the fifth. Feltner notched only six whiffs and posted just two punchouts, but he didn't give up any extra-base hits. He's allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his past nine starts, though his 36:19 K:BB across 46.2 innings during that stretch isn't very impressive.

Parker (7-8) took the loss against the Yankees on Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out five.

Parker gave up a leadoff home run to Gleyber Torres and had to battle his way to get through four innings, just allowing two runs. Parker's up-and-down campaign continues, as he's allowed two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts, but in between those games he allowed nine runs vs the Phillies. The 24-year-old rookie will carry a 4.26 ERA in 126.2 innings into his next start.

The Phillies recalled Mercado from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

He'll take over the roster spot vacated by Jose Alvarado, who has been placed on the restricted list as he deals with a personal matter. Mercado was moved to the bullpen at Lehigh Valley after being demoted around the All-Star break and has collected a 2.92 ERA and 12:8 K:BB over 12.1 frames covering his last 10 appearances.