MLB Player News

Strider struck out 12 in six scoreless innings while allowing two runs on two hits Thursday in a 3-2 loss in extra innings against St. Louis. He did not factor into the decision.

Strider struck out eight batters in the first three innings and allowed just one baserunner over the next three frames. The 23-year-old has found his stride of late, allowing one run on eight hits while compiling a 30:3 K:BB in 18 innings over three starts. His next start will likely be early next week against the Mets.

Liberatore struck out four in four shutout innings while allowing three hits and three walks Thursday in a 3-2 win in Atlanta in extra innings. He did not factor into the decision.

Liberatore was effectively wild, throwing just 41 of 74 pitches for strikes, and was able to pitch around trouble to hold Atlanta scoreless. The rookie has held opponents scoreless three times through six starts in the big leagues and allowed at least four runs the other three times. At Triple-A, the 22-year-old had a 61:17 K:BB through 58 innings but since joining the Cardinals his control has suffered and he has a 22:14 K:BB in 24.2 innings.

Hendricks underwent an MRI on his right shoulder Thursday that revealed no structural damage, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

This news eliminates the possibility of surgery to correct the shoulder issue, which likely would have sidelined Hendricks for the rest of the season. There's no timetable for his return, though the team expects to update Hendicks' status once it finishes the weekend series in Los Angeles.

Falter was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after starting Thursday's game against the Nationals.

Falter threw four innings while allowing two earned runs on six hits and a walk in a no-decision. He also struck out six, his highest mark in any outing in the majors this season. Falter will remain a candidate to work in long relief or make spot starts for the Phillies throughout the season, but for now he'll head back to the minors.

Stroman (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the injured list and start during the Cubs' weekend series against the Dodgers, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Stroman threw a bullpen session Thursday and apparently felt well after the activity. Drew Smyly (oblique) is also expected to be activated from the injured list this weekend, which likely means that two of Matt Swarmer, Adrian Sampson and Mark Leiter will lose their rotation spot. Stroman has yet to get on track this season, as he has a 5.32 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 47.1 frames.

Smyly (oblique) is expected to be activated from the injured list either Saturday or Sunday to make a start against the Dodgers, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Smyly threw a bullpen session Thursday and apparently felt well coming off the activity. Though he made only one rehab start, Smyly told reporters he anticipates being able to throw roughly 85 pitches. Smyly is a candidate to replace Justin Steele -- who is awaiting the birth of his child -- on Saturday, or the team could opt to shift its rotation and start Smyly on Sunday.

Steele did not travel with the team to Los Angeles while he awaits the birth of his child, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Steele has not officially been placed on the paternity list yet, but he will not make his scheduled start Saturday against the Dodgers. The team has not announced a replacement, though Drew Smyly (oblique) is among the top candidates.

Smyly (oblique) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Smyly is following a similar rehab plan to Marcus Stroman (shoulder), and the duo threw bullpen sessions in front of the Cubs' training and coaching staffs Thursday. Smyly has already made one rehab start with High-A South Bend, so the team could opt to activate him soon and limit his pitch count. Alternatively, he could be sent back to the minors to complete at least one additional outing prior to rejoining the big-league rotation. Clarification on Smyly's status should come in the next couple days.

Stroman (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

He recently rejoined the team after one rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, and the bullpen session could be the final step before the right-hander returns from the injured list. Stroman will continue to be evaluated after Thursday's session, and there should be more details regarding his status within the next few days.

Sanchez (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Sanchez resumed mound work in mid-June and has continued to throw side sessions over the last several weeks. The right-hander isn't expected to be cleared to pitch in 2022, but it's encouraging to see him continue to throw off a mound.