MLB Player News

Velasquez (4-2) earned the win over the Nationals in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing five hits and striking out five batters over six scoreless innings.

Pittsburgh staked Velasquez to an early lead, and the veteran hurler took advantage to cruise to a relatively stress-free victory. The right-hander didn't allow any extra-base hits, and he finished his outing without issuing a walk for the first time this season. After two rough appearances to begin the campaign, Velasquez has bounced back with four consecutive quality starts, each of which has earned him a victory. Over that stretch, he's allowed just three earned runs while registering a 28:7 K:BB over 25 frames.

Corbin (1-4) took the loss against Pittsburgh in the first contest of a twin bill Saturday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out two batters over 5.1 innings.

Corbin gave up a run in each of the second and fourth innings and entered the sixth engaged in a 2-2 tie. He was pulled with one out and a runner on second base, and a Miguel Andujar homer later in the frame attached another run to his ledger to put him in line for the loss. While Corbin still holds an uninspiring 5.47 ERA on the campaign, he's giving Washington decent length, going at least five innings in each of his past five starts. The veteran southpaw has been pitching fairly well of late, allowing a tolerable eight earned runs across 17.1 frames over his past three outings.

Hill (3-2) earned the win over Washington in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing three runs (two earned) on eight hits and no walks while striking out five batters over 6.1 innings.

Hill was initially tabbed to start Friday before that contest was postponed due to rain. The 43-year-old wasn't fazed by the adjustment, as he logged a season-high 6.1 innings and tossed an efficient 75 of 103 pitches for a strike. Hill induced 13 whiffs in the outing and didn't walk any batters for just the second time this season. He appears to have located the Fountain of Youth, as he's pitched quite well over his past four starts, allowing just five earned runs and posting a 19:7 K:BB over 23.1 frames.

Wheeler (3-1) earned the win Saturday, allowing three hits and one walk over six scoreless innings against the Astros. He struck out seven.

Wheeler looked the part of an ace Saturday, holding Houston scoreless in six innings while fanning seven and not allowing a single baserunner to reach third base. The 33-year-old appears to be turning the corner after a rough start to 2023, striking out 18 and giving up three runs on six hits over his last 12 innings of work after tallying a 4.69 ERA and 23 hits while failing to pick up a win during his first four starts (20.2 innings). Considering Wheeler's long track record of fantasy excellence, managers should expect more good things to come. Wheeler is tentatively scheduled to make his next start Friday against the Red Sox.

Cabrera (2-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and five walks over five innings in a 7-6 win over the Cubs. He struck out 12.

Cabrera set a career-high in strikeouts Saturday, topping his previous best by three after punching out eight of the final 10 batters he faced. He was tagged for a two-run home run by Patrick Wisdom in the second frame, marking his fourth long ball given up in his last three appearances. Cabrera also couldn't shake his command issues, handing out five free passes Saturday to increase his BB/9 to 8.33 through 27.0 innings. Though he's tough to trust, it's hard to ignore Cabrera's 12.00 K/9, which makes him an intriguing matchup-based streaming option and daily fantasy pick.

Musgrove did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing seven runs on six hits and one walk over 3.1 innings against San Francisco. He struck out three.

Musgrove started the fourth inning with a 5-2 lead. But five of the six batters he faced in the inning reached, and all five came around to score. Musgrove has made two starts this season after a toe and shoulder injury kept him on the injured list for the first few weeks of the campaign. After a career-best 2.93 ERA last season, Musgrove has a 10.80 ERA early in 2023. His next start is tentatively scheduled against the Dodgers, where he will look to get on track.

Buehler (elbow) was seen throwing at Dodgers Stadium on Saturday and throwing from 150 feet away, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Buehler began his throwing program back in March, and he's now able to complete long toss as he works his way back from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery that he underwent in August. There is a chance for Buehler to help the Dodgers at the end of the 2023 season as a multi-inning reliever or possibly a starter if everything goes right, but any appearances that happen before September at this point are bonuses.

The Mets optioned Peterson to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

Peterson has a strong 18.8 K-BB%, but it hasn't translated into worthwhile run prevention. The southpaw had strong starts against the Marlins and Padres earlier in the year, but he gave up four or more runs in his other four outings. With Saturday's postponement and a potential postponement coming again Sunday against Atlanta, the Mets will have well-rested rotation options available early next week, especially with Max Scherzer (suspension) and Justin Verlander (shoulder) will also set to return. John Curtiss was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Taillon (groin) is throwing a bullpen session Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

There is no public timetable yet, but Taillon continues to take positive steps forward and seems likely to be ready to return to the Cubs' active roster by the middle of May if he can avoid setbacks. The right-hander has been sidelined for a little under two weeks with a mild-to-moderate left groin strain. Caleb Kilian is filling his rotation spot Saturday at Miami.

Flaherty (2-3) allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over 4.2 innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Dodgers.

Flaherty also hit one batter. He needed 110 pitches (68 strikes) to record 14 outs. The right-hander was effectively wild earlier in the season, but he's now allowed at least three runs in three straight games and a home run in four straight outings despite cutting back on the walks. He's posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 33:21 K:BB across 32 innings over six starts. Flaherty's next outing is projected for a home start versus the Angels next week.