MLB Player News

Lauer (elbow) had "very encouraging" MRI results Thursday, according to manager Craig Counsell, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

He'll have more tests Friday after consulting with a doctor. It sounds like he could rejoin the Brewers' rotation in relatively short order, as he was never placed on the injured list. The Brewers' rotation is quite shorthanded, with Freddy Peralta (shoulder) back on the IL and Aaron Ashby (shoulder) also sidelined.

Peralta (shoulder fatigue) will be placed on the 15-day injured list, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

This is the same shoulder that Peralta strained in late May, causing him to miss 10 weeks. He also had Thursday's start pushed back a few days due to shoulder soreness. Peralta had an 11.6 K/9 before the initial IL stint, and while he was effective (2.27 ERA, 0.82 WHIP) after returning Aug. 3, his K/9 plummeted to 7.4 in 31.2 innings before he went back on the IL. Eric Lauer (elbow) had encouraging MRI results Thursday, but if he can't make a swift return to the rotation, the Brewers may have to go with a bullpen game for Peralta's next turn in the rotation.

Alcantara did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits over six innings against the Phillies. He struck out seven.

Alcantara allowed a solo home run from outfielder Nick Maton in addition to two doubles and a triple. The righty has been wildly inconsistent in his last eight games, giving up four runs or more four times and one run or less three times; the big numbers have come against quality opponents such as the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers and Braves. The 27-year-old has allowed six home runs in his last four starts.

Gibson did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing four runs on nine hits and one walk over five innings against the Marlins. He struck out two.

Gibson allowed a third-inning solo homer from Lewin Diaz followed by an RBI double and RBI single before surrendering another solo home run to Joey Wendle in the fifth. The righty has now given up 11 runs in his last two starts following a stretch of nine games with a quality 2.80 ERA over 54.2 innings. The 34-year-old has allowed five home runs over his last five outings.

Peralta left Thursday's start against the Giants with right shoulder fatigue, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

There is no timeline for when Peralta might return to the rotation, but given that he missed 10 weeks with a shoulder strain and had this start pushed back a few days due to shoulder soreness, he will likely head for tests. Peralta struck out three and walked two over two scoreless innings Thursday before exiting with the injury.

Peralta left Thursday's start against the Giants in the top of the third inning with the Brewers winning 3-0 and a runner on first base with zero outs, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic noted that Peralta seemed to shorten up noticeably on his last pitch, suggesting that he likely suffered an arm or shoulder injury. Peralta had his start pushed back three days because his shoulder wasn't bouncing back as it should. He missed 10 weeks in the middle of the season with a strained right shoulder, and if he re-injured his shoulder, there's a chance he might not make it back this season. Peralta struck out three and walked two over two scoreless innings Thursday prior to his exit.

Burnes (10-6) earned the win in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Giants, allowing one run on three hits over eight innings. He struck out 14.

Burnes surrendered only one extra-base hit in the form of an RBI double from Mike Yastrzemski to open the scoring in the third inning. The righty faltered in the four starts prior to this contest, recording a 7.29 ERA and 1.62 WHIP over 21 innings. The 27-year-old also allowed eight home runs in his last ten outings, but his 14 strikeouts Thursday set a season high.

Wainwright did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing four runs on nine hits and no walks over five innings against the Nationals. He struck out two.

The St. Louis veteran found a bit too much of the plate Thursday, as he surrendered nine hits, three of which went for extra bases. Wainwright also surrendered nine hits through five innings in his last start, which came against the Cubs, with only two strikeouts, so it is possible he is running out of steam. He will take a 3.33 ERA into his next start, which will likely come against Milwaukee next week.

Gray did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over 3.1 innings against the Cardinals. He struck out three.

Gray was not at his best as he allowed nine runners to reach base, including two home runs and three walks, but he was able to avoid the loss as the Nationals scored 11 runs on the day. The 24-year-old has now allowed at least one home run in each of his last 12 outings dating back to June 25 and has walked at least three batters in five of those. His ERA has increased more than a full run from 3.95 on June 18 to 5.06. He will try to get back on track in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for next week against Miami.

Wheeler (forearm) played catch Thursday for the second time since he was briefly shut down from throwing earlier this week, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Wheeler had been in consideration to come off the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday against the Marlins, but he had his return date pushed back after his forearm flared up again. He's expected to play catch again Friday from 120 feet before stepping back on the mound for a side session later in the weekend. If Wheeler's forearm responds well to the activity, it's possible he could return from the IL next week without requiring a rehab start in the minors.