MLB Player News

Matz (0-7) allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and struck out two in one inning to take the extra-inning loss versus the Giants on Wednesday.

This is Matz's first loss since moving to the bullpen. He's given up four runs (three earned) over seven innings with a 7:0 K:BB in that span, and he's also yielded two hits and hit two batters. The southpaw is still on the outside looking in for the Cardinals' starting plans, but Matthew Liberatore hasn't exactly run away with the No. 5 starter job with mixed results over his last three outings. Matz has a 5.49 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 52:20 K:BB over 57.1 innings this season, and he'll likely remain in a bullpen role until the struggling Cardinals opt to mix up the rotation.

Gray didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing four runs on six hits over seven innings in a 5-4 loss to the Astros. He struck out five.

Gray settled down after allowing two runs in the first inning, holding Houston off the board until he surrendered a pair of solo home runs in the fourth. Notably, it was the first time this season that Gray didn't issue a walk. The 25-year-old right-hander is 4-5 with a solid 3.19 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 66:37 K:BB across 14 starts (79 innings) this season. Gray's currently lined up for a home matchup with the Cardinals in his next outing.

Contreras (3-6) took the loss in Wednesday's 10-6 loss to the Cubs. He allowed five runs on three hits and two walks with a strikeout over 1.1 innings.

Contreras initially looked good in his debut out of the bullpen, setting the Cubs down in order in the fifth inning. However, his fortunes changed in the sixth as he was tagged for five runs in the frame while recording just one out. Since the start of June, Contreras has allowed 17 earned runs in just 5.2 innings. His ERA is up to 6.55 with a 1.60 WHIP and 44:27 K:BB through 57.2 innings this season. If Contreras continues to struggle in a relief role, a trip to Triple-A could be on the horizon.

Snell (ankle) is listed as the Padres' probable starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Rays.

Snell contended with swelling in his left ankle after being struck by a comebacker during his most recent start Sunday in Colorado, but neither the injury nor pitching at Coors Field prevented him from delivering his best outing of the season. The veteran southpaw set season highs in both innings pitched (seven) and strikeouts (12) while allowing one run on just three hits and one walk. After a middling start to the season, Snell has been rolling over his last four turns through the rotation, pitching to a 0.75 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 33:10 K:BB in 24 innings over that stretch. With the swollen ankle apparently not proving to be too bothersome during his between-starts bullpen session, Snell looks like he'll face no restrictions Saturday while facing off against his former team for the first time.

Kelly didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks over six innings in a 4-3 extra-inning loss to Philadelphia. He struck out seven.

Kelly recorded his eighth quality start over his past nine appearances. During that span, he's posted a 2.86 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and a 64:17 K:BB across 56.2 innings. Given his strikeout prowess (9.7 K/9) and efficiency (83 innings across 14 starts), Kelly has emerged as one of the elite fantasy options this season. He'll look to stay sharp during his next start, which is tentatively scheduled as part of a three-game set versus Milwaukee.

Smyly (6-4) earned the victory in Wednesday's 10-6 win over Pittsburgh, allowing five runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out four over six innings.

The Pirates jumped on Smyly for three runs on a pair of homers in the first inning, but the veteran left-hander settled down from there, holding Pittsburgh to two more runs over his final five frames as the Cubs came back for a 10-6 win. The win snapped a three-start losing streak for Smyly, who's pitched to a 6.04 ERA over his last four outings after he hadn't allowed more than two earned runs in his previous nine starts. He now sports a 3.59 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 65:21 K:BB through 14 starts (77.2 innings) this season.

Suarez didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 4-3 win over Arizona after allowing four hits and two walks across seven scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

Suarez tossed his first scoreless outing of the campaign and notched his fourth straight quality start. During that stretch, the left-hander has allowed just four runs over 26.2 innings and has a 22:7 K:BB. He's clearly found a groove recently after looking shaky across his first three outings, and he appears to have completely put the elbow issue that cost him the start of the campaign behind him. Suarez will look to stay sharp during his next outing, which is tentatively scheduled as part of an upcoming three-game set versus Atlanta.

Ashcraft is nearly fully healed from the left calf contusion which sent him to the injured list, MLB.com reports.

Ashcraft will test out the calf with some running soon and, assuming he gets through that with no issues, will be cleared to throw off a mound. The right-hander could need three bullpen sessions before making a return sometime around when he's first eligible June 24, though he could also require a minor-league rehab assignment.

Lively (4-4) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on 10 hits over 5.2 innings in a 7-4 victory over Kansas City. He struck out four and didn't record a walk.

Lively had surrendered five home runs and 12 total runs over his past two starts, so Wednesday's bounce-back outing was certainly a step in the right direction. He's made eight appearances this year (six starts) and holds a 4.07 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. The right-hander's 41:9 K:BB through 42 innings stands out, so if he can avoid giving up the long ball, Lively could have solid fantasy value moving forward, especially while Graham Ashcraft (calf) and Nick Lodolo (lower leg) are on the injured list.

DeSclafani did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk over three innings against the Cardinals. He struck out seven.

Things were looking good for DeSclafani early on after the right-hander struck out the side in the first inning to kick things off. He was unable to carry that momentum into the next frame, however, giving up singles to three of the first four batters he faced before surrendering a grand slam to Tommy Edman to put San Francisco in an early hole. DeSclafani was fortunate to escape with a no-decision after losing five of his last six decisions coming in, and he's now allowed 12 runs through three starts this month.