MLB Player News

Wicks (1-2) earned the win Tuesday against the Astros, allowing two runs on five hits and no walks over six innings. He struck out four.

Wicks got through five innings for the first time all season Tuesday, picking up his first win in the process. However, he set a season low in strikeouts, bringing his K/9 from 12.7 to 11.0, and he surrendered his second long ball of the campaign in the fifth inning to Jake Meyers. Wicks is lined up to close out a two-start week Sunday at Boston.

Falter (2-1) earned the win Tuesday against the Brewers, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out eight over seven innings.

Falter was dominant Tuesday, matching a career high with eight strikeouts while holding the Brewers scoreless through seven innings. He'd allow a home run to Gary Sanchez to lead off the eighth, but the Pirates would hang on for the 2-1 victory. After allowing six runs in his first start this year, Falter's now held opponents to two runs or fewer in each of his subsequent four outings. The left-hander lowered his ERA to 3.33 with a 0.89 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB across 27 innings this season. Falter's tentatively slated to face the Giants on the road Sunday in his next start.

Abbott did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on two hits and four walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

After giving up a run in the opening frame, Abbott held the Phillies off the board through his next three innings, allowing just one baserunner. However, he lost the strike zone in the fifth, walking the first three batters to load the bases and ultimately forcing Abbott out of the game before he could qualify for the win. Still, it's been a nice start to the year for 24-year-old lefthander -- Abbott sports a 2.60 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 20:11 K:BB through his first five starts (27.2 innings). He's currently lined up to face the Rangers on the road Sunday in his next start.

Sanchez (1-3) took the loss Tuesday against the Reds, allowing five runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks over three innings. He struck out three.

Sanchez struggled with command Tuesday, but the Phillies defense certainly didn't do him any favors, committing three errors behind the left-hander in the eventual 8-1 loss. It's a disappointing effort from Sanchez after he was dominant in his last outing versus Colorado, allowing one run while striking out 10 in a win. He now sports a 2.96 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP and 28:11 K:BB through five outings (24.1 innings) this season. Sanchez is currently slated for a road matchup with the Angles on Monday in his next start.

Garrett (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch side session Tuesday and is scheduled to pick up his rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Jacksonville, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander is ready to resume his rehab assignment after a bout of dead arm slowed the progress in his return from a pinched nerve in his left shoulder. Garrett threw 86 pitches in his previous rehab outing April 12 and is scheduled to throw about 60 pitches or four innings Friday. The 26-year-old seems likely to require an additional rehab start after Friday before making his season debut for Miami.

The Diamondbacks recalled Henry from Triple-A Reno ahead of his start against the Cardinals on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old was demoted to Reno on April 17 after he posted a 6.87 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB in his first four starts of the season, but he'll rejoin the Diamondbacks for another start Tuesday. Henry could stick in the rotation with a strong performance since Ryne Nelson (elbow) and Merrill Kelly (shoulder) are on the injured list.

The Diamondbacks placed Kelly on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right shoulder strain.

Kelly was diagnosed with a teres major strain of his right shoulder following an MRI. He had been scheduled to start this past Sunday's series finale in San Francisco, but he was scratched after experiencing discomfort prior to the game. The Diamondbacks were initially hopeful the 35-year-old would avoid a stint on the IL, but that naturally went by the wayside with Tuesday's development. In a corresponding move, Tommy Henry was recalled from Triple-A Reno and should step into Kelly's spot in the rotation.

The Cubs placed Hendricks on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a lower-back strain, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hendricks will be out of the Cubs rotation for at least the next couple weeks while he recovers from the injury. With Justin Steele (hamstring) perhaps on track to beat him back from the IL, Hendricks may not have a rotation spot waiting for him when he's ready to go. The veteran right-hander has posted a 12.00 ERA over five starts this season.

Manager Rob Thomson said Walker (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday against the Padres, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The veteran right-hander allowed four runs over 6.1 innings during his third minor-league rehab start Sunday, and a successful bullpen session Tuesday was his final hurdle before being cleared to return. Walker posted a 4.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 138:71 K:BB across 172.2 innings last season for the Phillies.

Gray (elbow) played catch from 75 feet Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

The right-hander is in the process of ramping up his throwing program after a brief shutdown period due to a flexor strain. Gray should soon progress to long toss before returning to mound work. He likely won't be able to rejoin Washington's rotation until at least mid-May.