MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Though Smith-Shawver was fast-tracked to the big leagues after he began the season at High-A Rome and pitched just 19 innings above the Double-A level, Atlanta evidently decided that the 20-year-old needed some more seasoning in the minors. Over his three starts and one extended relief appearance, Smith-Shawver struck out 15 batters in 16.2 innings and submitted a 1.14 WHIP, but he was stung by the long ball, as he allowed five home runs during that stretch. Atlanta called up Dereck Rodriguez from Gwinnett in a corresponding move to give the club a fresh relief arm heading into a three-game series with Minnesota, but Michael Soroka is likely to be called up from Gwinnett on Wednesday to start against the Twins in what would have been Smith-Shawver's turn through the rotation, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

Urias (hamstring) completed four innings in a rehab start with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out eight batters.

Urias tossed 60 pitches (46 strikes) in the outing, which was his first game action since being placed on the injured list May 20. The southpaw isn't expected to need another rehab appearance and is on track to return to the big-league rotation Friday in Kansas City, per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. Given his long layoff and his pitch count Sunday, Urias will likely be on a pitch limit in his first game back.

Pepiot (oblique) has begun a throwing program at the Dodgers' complex in Arizona, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Pepiot was expected to start the season with a fill-in spot in the Dodgers' rotation, but an oblique strain near the end of spring training quashed that plan. The right-hander began throwing to hitters in early May but was then shut down after continuing to experience soreness in his left oblique. Pepiot is now beginning to ramp up again, but given the amount of time he has missed, a potential return to the big-league staff is likely at least several weeks away.

Oviedo (3-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing one run on six hits over seven innings against the Marlins. He struck out six.

Oviedo went toe-to-toe with Miami's Eury Perez, allowing just one run across seven innings, which came on a solo homer by nine-hole hitter Jonathan Davis. However, Oviedo would take his fourth straight loss after the Pirates failed to get on the scoreboard Sunday, which bumped him up to a tie for the third-most losses in MLB. Despite the massive loss total, Oviedo has quietly been putting together a solid stretch of starts, posting a 2.96 ERA with five quality starts over his last nine appearances (51.2 innings).

Perez (5-1) earned the win Sunday, allowing four hits and one walk over six scoreless innings against the Pirates. He struck out nine.

Perez tossed another gem, holding Pittsburgh scoreless through six innings while tying his season high in strikeouts. After giving up seven runs over his first three MLB appearances (14 innings) Perez has let just one batter cross the plate since (33.0 innings). Though Perez may be given some time off leading up to the All-Star break to help prevent late-season fatigue, he should still be considered one of the more valuable arms in fantasy.

Gonsolin yielded four runs on five hits and a walk over five innings in Sunday's loss to Houston. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

All the damage against Gonsolin came on a pair of two-run shots. He previously turned in four straight starts without allowing a home run but still posted a lackluster 4.37 ERA during that span. After registering a 1.13 ERA through his first five starts of the campaign, Gonsolin's season ERA has spiked to 3.30 across 57.1 innings. His next start is lined up to be in Kansas City.

Lugo (3-4) allowed three runs on seven hits over five-plus innings Sunday, striking out four and taking a loss against the Nationals.

Lugo gave up just one run through five innings before yielding three straight singles without recording an out in the sixth frame. He's been tagged with four runs over 10 innings in two starts since returning from the injured list. Lugo is now sporting a 4.01 ERA with a 47:12 K:BB through 51.2 innings. His next start is currently expected to take place in Cincinnati.

Gore (4-6) yielded one run on five hits and two walks over five innings Sunday, striking out nine and earning a win over San Diego.

Gore tossed four scoreless innings before the Padres put a run on the board in the fifth frame, setting a new franchise record along the way by striking out the first six batters he faced. He finally got back in the win column for the first time since April 26. In 10 starts between those two wins, Gore posted a 4.53 ERA through 53.2 frames. He lowered his season ERA to 3.89 with a 104:36 K:BB across 16 starts. His next start is lined up to be in Philadelphia.

DeSclafani (4-7) yielded two runs on five hits over six innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against Arizona.

After allowing a run in each of the first two innings, DeSclafani fired four shutout frames to end his afternoon. Assuming he doesn't take the mound again this month, he went 0-3 with a 6.65 ERA across five starts in June. DeSclafani now owns a 4.28 ERA and a 69:18 K:BB through 16 starts. His next outing is currently lined up to be a road start against the Mets.

Nelson (4-4) allowed one run on three hits and two walks over seven innings Sunday, striking out six and earning a win over the Giants.

Nelson worked through five scoreless frames before the Giants finally broke through in the sixth inning. He completed more than six innings for the first time this year while forcing a season-best 13 whiffs. Nelson has allowed fewer than two runs in four of his last eight starts, posting a 3.80 ERA during that span. For the season, he lowered his ERA to 4.97 with a 58:28 K:BB through 83.1 frames. Nelson's next outing is projected to be a road matchup against the Angels.