MLB Player News

Walker (forearm) is listed as the Phillies' starting pitcher for Monday's road game against the Dodgers.

Walker exited his last start Wednesday against the Mariners with right forearm tightness, an injury that often foreshadows a stint on the injured list. The right-hander surprisingly received good news after being examined a day later, with team doctors determining that Walker didn't even need an MRI. He resumed throwing a bullpen session Friday and checked out fine following the workout, so Walker looks like he'll head into Monday's outing with no restrictions. Walker tentatively lines up for a two-start week, with his second turn set to come against Boston during the upcoming weekend.

Nelson (1-2) took the loss Sunday, allowing six runs on nine hits and one walk over four innings against Colorado. He struck out two.

Nelson struggled with the conditions at Coors Field, giving up three extra-base hits in four innings of action including a three-run shot by C.J. Cron in the third inning. Considering Nelson has failed to eclipse four strikeouts in a start this season while also giving up five home runs in six starts, he remains an unsavory fantasy option. However, Nelson should have a better chance for success in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled to come against the Nationals.

Lodolo allowed three runs on five hits over five-plus innings during Sunday's loss to Oakland. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision.

Lodolo was in line for his third win before the Reds' bullpen coughed up the lead. It was his first start of the year without issuing a walk, and he improved his season K:BB to 44:9 through 30.2 frames. Lodolo was once again cursed by the long ball Sunday; the three runs against him came on two homers, including Jesus Aguilar's two-run shot in the first inning. Lodolo didn't allow a home run in his first two starts but has been taken deep eight times in his last four outings.

Syndergaard (1-3) allowed three runs on eight hits over 5.1 innings and earned a win over the Cardinals on Sunday. He did not issue a walk or record a strikeout.

It was an odd start for Syndergaard, who has now recorded two or fewer strikeouts in four of his first six outings. He's also issued just four total walks through 31.1 frames, including four starts without walking anyone. Syndergaard allowed two runs in the second inning followed by another in the fifth, but the Dodgers gave him enough run support for the win. His velocity was down -- he averaged 91.4 mph on his fastball compared to his season average of 92.5 mph -- and he forced just three whiffs. Syndergaard's next start is projected to be in San Diego next week.

Gomber (2-4) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over six innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out four.

Gomber neutralized the Diamondbacks on Sunday, allowing just two hits and no runs outside of a solo homer by Evan Longoria in the second inning. After giving up 22 runs over his first 16.1 innings and taking the loss in each of his first four starts, Gomber has bounced back with a pair of wins and has given up one run and six hits in his last 11 frames. Though it's certainly been an encouraging stretch for the 29-year-old, fantasy managers shouldn't expect it to sustain considering he owns a 5.32 ERA and 1.55 HR/9 in his time with the Rockies.

Woodford yielded three runs on four hits and three walks over 3.2 innings in Sunday's loss to the Dodgers. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision.

Woodford gave up just one run through three innings before the Dodgers plated a pair in the fourth. The 26-year-old righty was ineffective Sunday, needing 90 pitches to get through the short outing. He forced four swinging strikes, tied for his lowest total of the year, and saw his ERA climb to 5.72 across 28.1 frames. With Adam Wainwright (groin) nearing a return, it's unclear if Woodford will get another turn in the rotation.

Cobb did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on seven hits over five innings against the Padres. He struck out seven.

Cobb turned in another strong outing Sunday. Each of his earned runs came in the fifth inning, when Austin Nola hit a two-run homer and a Juan Soto single drove in Fernando Tatis. Cobb is off to a roaring start to 2023, having tossed a complete-game shutout and owning a 2.43 ERA and an 8.25 K/BB through 33.1 innings. Considering Cobb's incredible play and pitcher-friendly home diamond, the 35-year-old should remain a strong fantasy option.

Falter (0-5) allowed four runs on eight hits and three walks over 4.1 innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against the Astros.

Falter never found a groove Sunday and was forced to work around threats in nearly every frame. He allowed one run in four separate innings, including the fourth when he coughed up a solo homer to Jake Meyers. After an impressive start to the year, Falter has allowed three or more runs in four straight outings, raising his season ERA to 5.01. He forced just five whiffs Sunday, tying a season low. Falter is currently lined up to face Boston at home next week.

Oviedo (2-2) took the loss Sunday, allowing seven runs on nine hits and two walks over 2.1 innings in a 7-2 loss against the Nationals. He struck out one.

It was a rough day for Oviedo, as he allowed seven runs on nine hits without making it out of the third inning. He's now allowed 11 earned runs in his last two starts (7.2 innings) after surrendering just two runs over his previous 16.2 innings. Oviedo's ERA is up to 4.78 with a 1.47 WHIP and 30:12 K:BB. He'll try to get back on track in his next outing, currently lined up for next week against the Blue Jays.

Darvish did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on nine hits over six innings against the Giants. He struck out nine.

Darvish fell victim to the high altitude of Mexico City, allowing a trio of solo home runs to LaMonte Wade, J.D. Davis and Mitch Haniger in separate innings. However, he was able to salvage the outing by allowing just one other run while also striking out nine. Darvish's swing-and-miss arsenal has been inconsistent this season, with 21 of his 34 punchouts coming from two appearances. He is tentatively scheduled to make his next start Saturday against the hard-hitting Dodgers.