MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw went through his usual post-start workout Wednesday and is expected to make his next start after requesting to be removed from Tuesday's win over Colorado, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kershaw tossed a gem Tuesday, holding the Rockies hitless until there were two outs in the sixth inning and finishing with six scoreless frames. However, he asked to be removed after tossing just 79 pitches, later explaining that he "didn't feel great overall" and "just needed to come out right there," per Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com. Kershaw also suggested that he expects to make his next start, and Roberts indicated support for that notion one day later, though he also suggested that he's not sure when that start may be. That could mean Kershaw is pushed back a day or two, though such a scenario is only speculation at this point.

Allard did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three hits and one walk over 4.2 scoreless innings against the Twins. He struck out eight.

Allard couldn't have asked for a better start to his outing, as he struck out the side in the first inning as Minnesota's hitters fell victim to his four-seam fastball. The lefty struck out six of the first nine batters he faced and really only got into trouble in the fifth after surrendering a single and a walk to open the inning. He struck out the next two batters before being relieved by Kirby Yates and eventually taking the no-decision. He made a strong case to stick around with Wednesday's scoreless outing, and with Jared Shuster optioned Wednesday, it looks like Allard will get at least one more start in the immediate future.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed Wednesday that Pfaadt will be called up from Triple-A Reno to start Thursday against the Rays at Chase Field.

Tampa Bay represents a tough initial assignment for the 24-year-old top prospect as he returns to the major-league rotation, but it's looking like he might be in for an extended stay with Merrill Kelly (calf) battling a blood clot. Pfaadt has posted an encouraging 3.16 ERA and 28:5 K:BB in 25.2 innings (five starts) with Reno since being optioned back to the minors in late May. He struggled to an 8.37 ERA across his first five major-league starts earlier this year but seemingly has the goods to take full advantage of his second big-league stint.

Stroman (finger) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

If the workout goes smoothly, Stroman should be locked in for his next scheduled turn in the Cubs' rotation this weekend versus the Guardians. He had a blister open up on his right index finger Sunday in London against the rival Cardinals.

Pfaadt could join the Diamondbacks' rotation Thursday versus the Rays, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Pfaadt has met up with the team in Arizona and is the likely replacement for Merrill Kelly, who landed on the injured list Tuesday due to a blood clot in his right calf. Pfaadt struggled in his first taste of major-league action back in May, but he's registered a promising 3.16 ERA and 28:5 K:BB in 25.2 innings (five starts) since returning to Triple-A Reno at the beginning of June. Displaying improved command on the farm, the 24-year-old top prospect would be worth another look in most fantasy formats should he get an extended opportunity in the big leagues.

Darvish (illness) may not be ready to start Friday's game in Cincinnati as expected, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Darvish fell ill -- and was scratched -- ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday against the Pirates, and he was still feeling unwell as of Wednesday. The Padres are tentatively targeting Friday for Darvish to slot back into the rotation, but it's unclear if he'll show enough improvement to be a realistic option for the series opener with the Reds. Expect the Padres to provide another update on Darvish following Thursday's series finale in Pittsburgh.

Quintana (ribs) will make another rehab start Friday at Triple-A Syracuse, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

If the outing goes well, Quintana could potentially be cleared to make his Mets debut sometime next week. Recovered from March surgery on his rib cage, the 34-year-old left-hander has pitched to a highly encouraging 1.04 ERA and 9:2 K:BB through 8.2 innings (three starts) on the farm. David Peterson seems most at risk of losing his rotation spot to make room for Quintana's arrival, though nothing is set in stone quite yet. Peterson is starting Sunday versus the Giants.

Grove will get the start Wednesday at Colorado, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Grove has been serving as a swingman for Los Angeles this season while struggling to a 7.59 ERA across 32 innings. The 26-year-old right-hander makes for a risky fantasy streaming option in Wednesday night's tilt at Coors Field.

Atlanta optioned Shuster to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Shuster allowed four earned over just 3.2 innings in his last start Saturday versus the Reds and heads back to the farm showing a 5.00 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 25:22 K:BB across his first 45 major-league innings. It looks like Michael Soroka might be joining Atlanta's rotation Friday against Miami and it also appears that Kolby Allard will get another turn next week following his excellent outing Wednesday afternoon against the Twins.

Rutledge was promoted Wednesday to Triple-A Rochester, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Rutledge was selected by the Nationals with the 17th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, but his prospect shine had faded over the last few years due to injuries and inconsistency. He has turned it all around this season, delivering a 3.16 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 68.1 innings (12 starts) at Double-A Harrisburg to earn the bump to Triple-A. The 24-year-old right-hander could perhaps get the call to Washington before the end of the 2023 campaign and should be a consideration for the Opening Day rotation in 2024.