MLB Player News

Henry is expected to be called up from Triple-A Reno to join the Arizona rotation after the Diamondbacks designated Madison Bumgarner for assignment Thursday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Henry looks like he'll get the first chance to fill Bumgarner's vacated rotation spot, which comes around again Monday versus the Royals. Brandon Pfaadt should soon enter consideration for a starting role with the big club, too, especially if Henry's early struggles at Reno carry over to the MLB scene. The 25-year-old holds an ugly 6.33 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB in 21.1 innings (four starts) this season with Reno and had a 5.36 ERA in nine big-league starts in 2022.

Pfaadt is scheduled to start Thursday for Triple-A Reno, Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com reports.

It's notable that Pfaadt is basically on the same pitching schedule as Madison Bumgarner, who was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Pfaadt could eventually slide into Arizona's starting rotation as a direct replacement for Bumgarner, though Tommy Henry will reportedly get the first chance to fill the opening. Pfaadt, 24, has posted a 3.63 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 395:64 K:BB in 312 career minor-league innings and entered the 2023 campaign as a consensus top-100 prospect. He's tallied 17 strikeouts through 13.1 frames this season with Reno.

Stoudt was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

Stoudt got knocked around in a spot start Wednesday versus the Rays, yielding seven earned runs on nine hits and one walk over four innings. Luke Weaver (forearm) has been activated off the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move and will jump into Cincinnati rotation Thursday against the Pirates.

Abbott has 36 strikeouts and three walks while sporting a 1.15 ERA and 0.57 WHIP in 15.2 innings through three starts for Double-A Chattanooga.

A 64.3 percent strikeout rate and 58.9 K-BB% is a quick way for a pitching prospect to generate buzz. While Abbott was a known prospect entering the year, most evaluators had him pegged as a back-end starter. Last year, he had a 4.75 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 1.37 WHIP, 30.8 percent strikeout rate and 10.6 percent walk rate in 20 starts at Double-A. Look for Abbott to quickly get promoted to Triple-A, as he now has over 100 innings under his belt at Double-A and will turn 24 in June. From there, he could force a promotion to the majors in short order, given that Luis Cessa and Luke Weaver are currently in the big-league rotation. Abbott's hot start oversells his prospect value, as he's a cerebral lefty with a low-90s fastball, quality breaking ball and improved changeup, but there's no doubt he is trending up as much as any Double-A pitching prospect.

Gore (2-1) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks over six innings against Baltimore. He struck out seven.

Gore has been the best starting pitcher on the Nationals this season, leading the rotation in ERA (3.43), strikeouts (25) and wins. The former Padre is on pace to shatter his total of 70 innings pitched in his rookie season last year, barring any health issues. The third overall pick in the 2017 draft is tentatively scheduled to face the Mets at Citi Field in his next outing.

Morton (2-2) took the loss against San Diego on Wednesday, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out five batters over six innings.

Morton pitched well Wednesday, but he took the loss as a result of serving up a solo homer to Juan Soto in the fourth inning that was the lone run in the contest. The veteran hurler nonetheless had plenty of positive takeaways from the outing, as he recorded his second straight quality start and yielded a season-low five hits. Morton did struggle a bit with walks, and he's now issued multiple free passes in each of his first four contests this season. The right-hander's 17:10 K:BB through 22.1 innings isn't ideal, but he's managed a 3.22 ERA thus far.

Lauer (3-1) earned the win over Seattle on Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk over 7.2 innings. He struck out four batters.

Lauer surrendered a two-run homer to Julio Rodriguez in the third inning, but that was the only time the Mariners managed to score off him. The veteran maneuvered through a season-high 7.2 frames on 93 pitches to notch his second straight quality start. While Lauer's season ERA sits at an uninspiring 4.30, that's largely skewed by a four-inning, six-run outing against St. Louis on April 8. In his other three starts (all victories), Lauer has yielded just five earned runs across 19 frames.

Gomber (0-4) took the loss Wednesday, allowing nine runs on nine hits with three walks over two innings against the Pirates. He struck out one.

The 29-year-old southpaw took his fourth consecutive loss Wednesday, lasting only two innings. His 12.12 ERA and 2.14 WHIP over 16.1 innings this season reflect a lack of consistency and an inability to pitch effectively; Gomber is not alone in that regard, as the entire Colorado pitching staff has struggled this year, ranking near the bottom of the league in runs allowed and OBA.

Cobb didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 5-2 extra-innings win over the Marlins, allowing one run on seven hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out eight.

The 35-year-old righty fell short of a quality start but did set a new season high for strikeouts, as Cobb generated 31 called or swinging strikes among his 92 pitches. He's had a strong beginning to the season, posting a 2.79 ERA and 22:3 K:BB through 19.1 innings, but Cobb is still looking for his first win as he heads into his next start, likely to come early next week at home against the Cardinals.

Stoudt (0-1) took the loss Wednesday in his big-league debut, getting tagged for seven runs on nine hits and a walk over four innings while striking out three as the Reds were routed 8-0 by the Rays.

The 25-year-old righty served up a solo shot to Yandy Diaz on the third pitch he threw, and things went downhill from there as Tampa Bay pushed six runs across the plate before the first inning was done. Stoudt stuck around for a few more frames, tossing 84 pitches (56 strikes) before exiting, but it was still a rude welcome to the majors. With Luke Weaver (forearm) set to make his season debut Thursday and Hunter Greene unlikely to miss his turn in the rotation after taking a comebacker off his leg Monday, Stoudt will probably be bounced back to Triple-A Louisville after this start.