MLB Player News

Falter (0-3) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five in five innings to take the loss during Sunday's game against the Cubs.

The 25-year-old was sent down by Philadelphia in early July, but he rejoined the major-league club ahead of Sunday's start since Zach Eflin (knee) is on the injured list. Falter matched his longest start of the season Sunday but gave up four runs between the third and fourth innings to take his third loss of the season. In spite of his lackluster results against the Cubs, it wouldn't be surprising to see him remain in the rotation while Eflin remains sidelined. Assuming Falter gets another turn through the rotation, he projects to start on the road against Pittsburgh on Friday.

Smyly (3-5) allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks while striking out four in six innings to earn the win over the Phillies on Sunday.

Smyly settled for no-decisions in his two starts after returning from the injured list, but he earned his first win in over two months while posting his first quality start of the season Sunday. The left-hander has had mixed results since returning to the mound, posting a 4.38 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 12.1 innings over his last three outings. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against San Francisco on Saturday.

Cobb allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks with six strikeouts in 5.2 innings in a no-decision during Sunday's loss to the Dodgers.

Cobb allowed the first three batters to reach, but he was able to limit the damage to one run in the first inning. The Dodgers got to him for three more runs in the third, but Darin Ruf's two-run home run got Cobb off the hook in the fifth. The right-hander had completed at least six innings in three straight starts before the All-Star break, so this was a small step back. He now has a 4.26 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 74:22 K:BB through 76 innings in 15 starts overall. He's projected for a home start versus the Cubs this week.

Kershaw allowed four runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts in 4.1 innings, taking a no-decision in Sunday's win over the Giants.

Kershaw was inefficient, needing 94 pitches (60 strikes) to record 13 outs. He was relieved by Yency Almonte after allowing a game-tying, two-run home run to Darin Ruf in the fifth inning. This was only the third time Kershaw's failed to complete five frames this season, and it was also the third time he's allowed more than two runs. The 34-year-old southpaw still has a 2.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 81:14 K:BB through 76 innings in 13 starts. He's lined up for a road start in Colorado next weekend.

Lauer allowed four runs on six hits and three walks, striking out three in 4.1 innings of a 10-9 win Sunday over Colorado. He did not factor into the decision.

Lauer managed to hold Colorado to two runs through the first four innings but couldn't make it through the fifth after Kris Bryant smashed a two-run homer with one out. It was the 20th homer the lefty has allowed in 100.2 innings this season, 12 of which have come in his last 44 innings of work. He's managed to compile a 3.84 ERA, but peripheral stats suggest that he's been fairly lucky in his 18 starts. He'll need to figure out a way to keep the ball in the ballpark over the last two months of the season to maintain decent production. His next start will likely be next weekend in Boston.

Mikolas (7-8) took the loss Sunday in Cincinnati, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings.

All six runs against Mikolas came in the third and fourth innings. He allowed singles to three of the first four batters and, following a sacrifice fly, Joey Votto tagged him for a three-run, two-out blast in the third. In the next frame, a walk and two singles led to two more runs. It was the first time Mikolas allowed more than three earned runs in a start since June 3. He's now given up six homers in his last 30.2 innings. His next start will likely be next weekend in Washington.

Mahle (4-7) earned the win Sunday over St. Louis, striking out five in six innings while allowing three runs on two hits and three walks.

Mahle took the mound for the first time since July 2 and did enough to get the win over the Cardinals. Outside of Paul Goldschmidt, Mahle held St. Louis hitless. It just so happened that both Goldschmidt hits were long balls, accounting for all three of the Cardinals' runs. Mahle was fairly efficient, needing only 79 pitches to complete the six frames, but also somewhat erratic, throwing only 47 of those pitches for strikes. Over his last eight starts, he has a 2.81 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 57:16 K:BB in 51.1 innings. He'll likely start next weekend against Baltimore in what could be his final start for the Redlegs.

Manager Dave Roberts said Heaney (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday against the Nationals, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 31-year-old has made only one start in the majors since mid-June, but he's poised to rejoin Los Angeles' rotation this weekend versus Washington. Heaney covered five innings during his final rehab start last Thursday, and Roberts previously indicated the left-hander could be limited to about 75 pitches per start, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Matz has been diagnosed with a torn left MCL, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Matz landed on the 15-day injured list with a knee issue Sunday and will visit with the team surgeon Monday to determine whether he'll require a procedure to address the issue. Manager Oliver Marmol didn't rule out the possibility of Matz returning to the field this season, but it seems likely that he'll be forced to spend more than the minimum of 15 days on the injured list. Marmol said that the team will be able to use a four-man rotation until early August since Dakota Hudson (neck) seems to be closing in on a return.

Matz was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a left knee sprain.

Matz exited Saturday's start with the injury and will be sidelined for at least a few turns through the rotation. It's unclear if the left-hander is expected to be available when first eligible to be reinstated Aug. 9. Matthew Liberatore is likely to rejoin the Cardinals as a starting option with the team now down Matz and Dakota Hudson (neck).