MLB Player News

Lesko (elbow) will make his pro debut Tuesday in the Arizona Complex League, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

The best prep pitcher in last year's draft class, Lesko had Tommy John surgery last spring, and he will be eased into pro action against rookie-level hitters. Assuming his stuff is back to where it was pre-surgery, Lesko should quickly ascend to Single-A Lake Elsinore.

Wacha allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings in a no-decision in Monday's 7-4 extra-inning loss to the Giants. He didn't strike out any batters in the 93-pitch start.

Wacha was far from overpowering in the outing -- he notched just three whiffs and didn't strike out any batters -- but he still managed his fourth straight quality start. The right-hander kept the Giants off the scoreboard for four frames before giving up a solo homer in each of the fifth and sixth innings. Wacha improved his ERA to 2.90 with the performance, and that mark is a remarkable 1.14 since the start of May. The veteran has also posted a 0.81 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB over 55.1 innings across nine starts during that span.

Burnes dropped to 5-5 in Monday's 9-1 loss to Arizona, allowing seven runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three batters over five innings.

Nearly all of the damage against Burnes came in the first inning, when he gave up six runs on five hits. The scoring tally in that frame matched the total Burnes had yielded over 20 innings in his previous three starts combined. To his credit, the right-hander hung around for four more frames and gave up just one more run, but Milwaukee's offense never came close to making the game interesting. Burnes had registered four straight quality starts coming into the contest, but he's had an uncharacteristic number of blow-ups this season, giving up five or more earned runs on four different occasions. His 3.96 ERA is on track to be his worst since 2019.

Kelly moved to 9-3 in Monday's 9-1 win over Milwaukee, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over seven innings.

In another excellent outing, Kelly notched his fifth straight quality start and gave up just three hits for the second straight appearance. The right-hander has rattled off eight victories since his last loss and is tied for second in the majors with nine victories on the campaign. Kelly has also upped his strikeout rate considerably this season, tallying 96 punchouts over 90 frames. Coming into 2023, he had never averaged more than a strikeout per inning.

Bido (0-1) yielded three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Monday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Cubs.

The Cubs tagged Bido with three runs in the second inning of what was otherwise a strong start. He was handed his first career loss as the Pirates were shut out by Drew Smyly and the Cubs. Bido has compiled a 13:5 K:BB across 10 frames in his first two MLB starts. The right-handed rookie is currently scheduled to take the mound in Miami this weekend.

Smyly (7-4) tossed five scoreless innings to earn the win Monday against the Pirates. He allowed three hits and five walks while striking out four.

The Cubs scored three runs in the second inning and that was more than enough for Smyly in the eventual 8-0 victory. The lefty struggled with control, issuing a season high in walks, and needed 94 pitches to cover five innings, but he was otherwise strong as he lowered his season ERA to 3.38. Smyly is now tied for second on the team in wins, one behind Marcus Stroman. The veteran will look to build on this in his next outing, which will likely come early next week against the Phillies, as the Cubs have two off days this week that will push the whole rotation back.

Gomber (4-7) allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits over 5.1 innings Monday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Reds.

Gomber served up three solo homers and was later charged with two more runs after being removed in the sixth inning. He's been taken deep 13 times over his last eight starts while registering an unsightly 7.68 ERA during that stretch. On the bright side, Gomber now owns a 50:28 K:BB after tying his season high with six punchouts. He'll carry a 7.25 ERA into his next outing, which is currently lined up to be at home against the Angels.

Williamson allowed three runs on six hits over five-plus innings in Monday's win over Colorado. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.

Williamson allowed just one run through five frames before being charged with two more in the sixth inning despite not recording an out in the frame. His 5.40 remained unchanged while he improved his season K:BB to 27:13 through 36.2 innings. He's turned in two straight starts without issuing a walk but he's been tagged with six homers over his last four outings. Williamson is currently lined up for a home matchup with Atlanta this weekend.

The Rockies will promote Davis from Triple-A Albuquerque to start Tuesday against the Reds, Suzie Hunter of TheDNVR.com reports.

Davis will step in -- at least for now -- as the fifth man in Colorado's rotation after Dinelson Lamet was designated for assignment Saturday. Davis has started three games this season for the Rockies, posting a 6.17 ERA and 1.80 WHIP with 12 strikeouts across 11.2 innings. Whether or not Davis sticks around in the Rockies' rotation could depend on his performance against the red-hot Reds on Tuesday.

Ashcraft (calf) is expected to return from the 15-day injured list and rejoin Cincinnati's rotation this weekend against Atlanta, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Reds have an off day Thursday and then will slot Ashcraft in sometime this weekend in place of the injured Hunter Greene (hip). Ashcraft is first eligible for activation Friday, and he doesn't look as though he'll require a rehab assignment prior to being activated. The big right-hander is working his way back from a left calf contusion.