MLB Player News

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

Gray was tagged for five runs in his first start of the year, but he's been excellent since, allowing two runs or fewer in his last five outings. His ERA is down to 2.67 with a 1.28 WHIP and 31:13 K:BB. Gray's been able to limit hard contact this year, moving his ground ball rate from 34 percent last season to 45 percent through his first 33.2 innings this year. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, tentatively scheduled for next week in Arizona.

Rea (0-2) took the loss during Sunday's 3-0 loss to the Angels, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out nine.

Rea got through five innings for a fourth straight start and recorded a season-high nine strikeouts, but he suffered a second consecutive loss. Overall, the results have been solid for Rea, who's replaced Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) in the Brewers' rotation. While Woodruff isn't expected to return until the end of June, Adrian Houser (groin) is nearing his season debut after starting the campaign on a rehab stint in the minors, so Rea's time in the majors could be limited unless Milwaukee opts to go to a six-man rotation.

Steele did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk over six innings in a 4-3 loss against the Marlins. He struck out three.

Steele is off to an excellent start this season, recording a quality start in five out of his six outings, and he has yet to allow more than two earned runs in a start. The 27-year-old left-hander is 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 32:11 K:BB. Steele has excelled at limiting hard contact while inducing a 56 percent ground ball rate. He's tentatively lined up to face the Marlins again at home in his next outing.

Wood (hamstring) completed a bullpen session Saturday and is scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Shortly after Wood was placed on the 15-day injured list April 19, manager Gabe Kapler hinted that the veteran southpaw would be headed for an extended absence, but Wood seems to be coming along quicker than anticipated in his recovery from a right hamstring strain. If he checks out fine during his upcoming simulated game, Wood could be cleared to make a rehab start in the minors as soon as next weekend. Wood will likely need only one or two rehab outings to get his arm reconditioned for starting duty, so he could be back in action for the Giants as soon as the second week of May.

The Mets optioned Butto to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

Due to a rainout Sunday, the Mets will conclude their series with Atlanta with a doubleheader Monday. Butto looked to be a candidate to start one of those two contests along with Tylor Megill, but unless the Mets elect to place another player on the injured list in a corresponding move, Butto won't be eligible to be recalled ahead of the twin bill. Butto's demotion comes after he pitched to a 2.79 ERA in 9.2 innings over his prior two starts with the big club, but his underlying numbers -- specifically, a 3:10 K:BB -- didn't portend strong results moving forward.

Houser (groin) worked five innings and struck out three while giving up three earned runs on three hits and two walks Friday in his most recent rehab start for Triple-A Nashville.

Over the course of his four rehab starts, Houser has posted a 3.07 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, and after covering five innings and 80 pitches Friday, he appears to be fully stretched out for a starting role. According to Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin, Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Sunday that Houser's role upon returning from the 15-day injured list is to be determined, but it could hinge on how Colin Rea performs in his start Sunday against the Angels. If Rea struggles, Houser could replace him in the rotation as soon as the Brewers' upcoming series in Colorado that begins Tuesday.

The Rockies placed Davis on the 15-day injured list Sunday with right elbow inflammation.

Davis will miss at least two weeks with the inflammation, and he likely picked up the injury during Saturday's loss to the Diamondbacks. The Rockies have recalled Nick Mears from Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move.

Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said Sunday that Woodruff's recent MRI on his right shoulder was "very positive relative to what it could have been," and that the 30-year-old's target date for a return from the 15-day injured list is by the end of June, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Woodruff has been out since April 11 after being diagnosed with a sub-scapular strain in his right elbow. The right-hander will need to build his arm strength back up on top of his normal recovery, but it's positive news that Woodruff looks to be on track to rejoin the Milwaukee rotation before the All-Star break.

The Reds reinstated Ashcraft from the bereavement list Sunday, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Ashcraft missed three days while away from the club. Cincinnati reopened a spot for Ashcraft on the 26-man roster by placing Fernando Cruz (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list. Ashcraft is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Padres in San Diego.

Megill and New York won't face Atlanta on Sunday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Queens.

The two teams have now had two consecutive games postponed for weather-related reasons. New York and Atlanta will make up the postponement from Saturday as part of a split doubleheader Aug. 12, while Sunday's postponed contest will be made up as part of a straight doubleheader Monday. Expect Megill to take the hill for one of those two contests.