MLB Player News

Montgomery was removed from Saturday's game against the Yankees prior to the sixth inning due to leg cramps, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Montgomery cruised against his former team, allowing just two hits, but his night came to an early end due to the leg issue. The Cardinals noted Montgomery's removal was for precautionary purposes, so it seems more likely than not that he will take the ball the next time through rotation. He tentatively lines up for a home start versus the Brewers in next weekend's series.

Kershaw (back) received an epidural injection Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that there is no timeline for when Kershaw will resume a throwing program. The starter for the National League All-Star team this season, Kershaw posted a 5.27 ERA in his first three starts out of the break before landing on the injured list. An MRI yielded favorable results, showing nothing new in Kershaw's lower back.

Lopez (7-7) took the loss Saturday, allowing four runs on nine hits and two walks over five innings against the Cubs. He struck out six.

Lopez continues to baffle Marlins fans and those rostering him in fantasy baseball. He's allowed at least four runs in three of his last four turns. The 26-year-old has an ERA close to 5.00 since the end of May, but at least his strikeouts rebounded Saturday after he managed just one his last time out. Lopez has already established a new career high in innings (123.2) this season, and given his injury history, it would make sense if the Marlins took steps to limit him down the stretch.

Smyly (4-6) earned the win Saturday, allowing five hits and one walk over 6.2 scoreless innings against the Marlins. He struck out four.

This was his best start of the season to date. While Smyly has fallen short of the five innings needed to qualify for the win several times this year, he's had a couple quality starts recently around a hiccup in San Francisco, his first two quality starts of the season. Smyly's ERA is back under 4.00 for the campaign. He lines up for a road start in Cincinnati next week.

Peterson was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse after the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander was excellent in the matinee, striking out five and holding Atlanta to three hits and three walks over 5.1 scoreless innings in a Mets victory to improve to 6-2 on the season. Peterson will likely be back with the Mets when they require a temporary sixth starter for their Aug. 20 doubleheader with the Phillies.

Gore (elbow) will begin playing catch at Nationals Park next Friday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Part of the blockbuster Juan Soto trade, Gore finished his time in San Diego on the injured list with a sore elbow. The lefty showed flashes prior to hitting the shelf, posting a 2.50 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over his first 10 starts in the big leagues. Gore was a big-time prospect and the Nationals will likely take it slow with his recovery in hopes of getting him back to that early-season form.

Flaherty (shoulder) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment soon, John Denton of MLB.com reports. "We're super encouraged with where he's at," manager Oliver Marmol said.

The skipper confirmed that Flaherty will ultimately return to St. Louis in a starter's role, and that the right-hander will head out to a minor-league affiliate soon. Flaherty will need to make it through a few rehab appearances unscathed, but if he's anything close to his normal self, he will need to be rostered across all fantasy leagues for the final month-plus.

Greene will undergo additional tests on his left shoulder, but he is not expected to require surgery, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

While the full extent of the issue remains unclear even after one MRI, the belief is that the shoulder is structurally sound. There is no timetable for his return, and the Reds have every incentive to be cautious with the 23-year-old, but it sounds like a return for Greene this season is still on the table.

Megill (shoulder) will throw his first bullpen session next Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Megill has been out since mid-June with a strained right shoulder. He's targeting a return in late August or early September, but he'll pitch in a relief role down the stretch, robbing him of most of his fantasy value. His long-term appeal remains intact, however, as he's expected to build back up as a starter over the winter.

Gibson (7-4) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on two hits and a walk over eight innings in a 7-2 victory over the Nationals. He struck out four.

The veteran right-hander took a perfect game into the seventh inning, but he opened the frame by plunking Victor Robles before Luis Garcia slapped a single to left field. Gibson still came away with his fourth quality start in his last five trips to the mound, a stretch during which he's posted a sharp 2.87 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB through 31.1 innings.