MLB Player News

Smith-Shawver will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Sunday's game against the Brewers, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Smith-Shawver was demoted in late June after making four appearances in the majors, and he'll rejoin Atlanta's rotation for Sunday's series finale versus Milwaukee. The 20-year-old had a 4.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB across 16.2 frames in his first taste of the big leagues, and he pitched well in his past two starts for Gwinnett with two runs allowed and 10 strikeouts over nine innings, though he also issued seven walks. With Atlanta potentially looking for rotation depth at the trade deadline and Max Fried (forearm) nearing his return from the injured list, this could be a short stay in the majors for Smith-Shawver.

The Mets promoted Tidwell from High-A Brooklyn to Double-A Binghamton on Saturday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

The 22-year-old, who was selected 52nd overall by the Mets during last year's draft, struggled to start the season at Brooklyn with an 8.35 ERA in his first five starts, but he was dominant in his last 12 outings with a 1.56 ERA and 12.1 K/9. Tidwell has impressive strikeout potential but will need to improve his command, as he still had 4.7 BB/7 during that strong stretch at High-A.

Kershaw (shoulder) worked three innings in a simulated game Saturday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The sim game took place five days later than originally anticipated, though Kershaw hasn't had any setbacks. The left-hander has been ramping up as he pushes toward a return to the Dodgers rotation, which could happen as soon as next week, depending how he feels in the coming days. Kershaw's last start took place in Colorado on June 27, but he could return without needing a rehab assignment despite spending over a month on the shelf.

Chirinos came away with a no-decision in Atlanta's 10-7 win over the Brewers on Friday, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk over 3.2 innings. He struck out three.

Making his Atlanta debut after being claimed off waivers from the Rays last weekend, Chirinos did little to discourage his new club from trying to add more rotation depth at the trade deadline. The 29-year-old right-hander has a 4.34 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 34:21 K:BB through 66.1 innings on the season, and he could find himself bumped to the bullpen or even off the big-league roster when Max Fried (forearm) is ready to return.

Houser (3-3) took the loss Friday, coughing up six runs on eight hits and two walks over four-plus innings as the Brewers were downed 10-7 by Atlanta. He struck out three.

After tying his career high by fanning 10 batters in his last outing, Houser crashed back to earth against the offense that leads the majors in homers and OPS, getting tagged for at least six runs for the first time since May 30. The right-hander got the hook after 90 pitches (55 strikes), and since the beginning of June he's posted a 4.64 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 35:16 K:BB through 42.2 innings. Houser remains a streaming option at best in most fantasy formats, but he could be worth deploying in his next start, likely to come on the road next week against the Nationals.

Gore (6-8) took the loss Friday, giving up three runs on five hits and four walks over five innings as the Nationals were downed 5-1 by the Mets. He struck out two.

The southpaw put runners on base in every inning, but he kept New York off the board until the fifth, when two straight walks to open the frame set the stage for a three-run blast by Pete Alonso. Gore exited the game having thrown only 57 of 95 pitches for strikes, and he's issued multiple free passes in seven of his last eight outings, posting a 5.11 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 41:18 K:BB through 37 innings over that stretch. He'll look for a better result in his next start, likely to come at home next week against the Brewers.

Musgrove (10-3) allowed four hits and two walks over six shutout frames Friday, striking out five and earning a win over Texas.

Musgrove gave up two extra-base hits and had to work around some tight spots but still turned in his fourth scoreless appearance of the year. It took him about a month to shake off the early season rust, but he's been incredible since then; over his last 12 starts, Musgrove is 9-1 with a 1.84 ERA. On the year, his ERA sits at 3.05 to go with a 97:21 K:BB. His next start is projected to be in Colorado.

Garrett did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing one unearned run on five hits and one walk over six innings in a 6-5 victory over the Tigers. He struck out six.

Garrett didn't allow an earned run versus the Tigers after surrendering 16 over his previous four starts. The long ball had been the left-hander's primary issue. He'd given up six home runs over five contests coming into Friday's matchup, including three last time out versus Colorado. Garrett has shown flashes of being an elite big-league pitcher, but he struggles to put everything together on a consistent basis. Regardless. He's already set a career high with 111 strikeouts this year and will continue to add to that total as long as he stays healthy.

Wheeler (8-5) earned the win Friday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over 6.2 innings against the Pirates. He struck out 11.

Wheeler completed at least six innings for a fourth straight game and recorded his third outing of the season with at least 11 strikeouts. The right-hander hasn't been perfect this year, but he sports a solid 3.74 ERA and a stellar 145:24 K:BB across 21 starts (125 innings). Wheeler is under contract through 2024, but if he keeps pitching like he has recently (33:2 K:BB over last four appearances), the 33-year-old could start thinking about another long-term deal soon.

Keller (9-7) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over 5.2 innings against the Phillies. He struck out eight.

Keller recorded at least eight strikeouts for the ninth time across 22 starts this season, but he finished one out away from a quality start and suffered his seventh loss. The right-hander came into the contest having allowed 14 runs over his past two starts, so Friday's outing was certainly a bounce-back performance, though still not good enough to pull out a win against Zack Wheeler and the Phillies. At one point, Keller was in the midst of a breakout campaign and the Pirates were contending for a division title, but his recent struggles have marred some of the excellent work he did earlier in the campaign. Either way, with 145 strikeouts he's already eclipsed the career-high mark he set last year (138) and is poised to continue adding to that total despite Pittsburgh falling completely out of the playoff picture.