MLB Player News

Morton allowed four runs on four hits and two walks with five strikeouts in five innings in a no-decision versus Arizona on Tuesday.

Morton lasted long enough to qualify for the win, but Atlanta's bullpen couldn't maintain the lead. Christian Walker took Morton deep for a two-run home run in the first inning, and Arizona was able to scrape together two more runs that were charged to the starter in the sixth. Morton has only completed six innings once this season, posting a lackluster 5.47 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 46:22 K:BB across 49.1 innings in 10 starts this year. He's projected to make his next start in Colorado this weekend, which is an unfavorable matchup.

Alexander will be promoted from Triple-A Nashville to start Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old inked a minor-league deal with Milwaukee during the offseason and will now receive his first opportunity in the majors. Alexander has pitched well through nine appearances for Nashville this season with a 2.64 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 33:12 K:BB over 47.2 innings. The right-hander could receive another look through the rotation with a strong performance Wednesday since Brandon Woodruff (ankle) and Freddy Peralta (lat) are both on the injured list.

Steele allowed three runs on three hits and four walks over five innings in an 8-7 win Tuesday over Milwaukee. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision.

Steele gave up three runs in the third inning on three hits and a walk. Through four innings, the lefty had thrown 89 pitches and walked a batter in each frame. Somewhat surprisingly, he came back out for the fifth inning and retired the side in order, finishing with a career-high 102 pitches thrown. The 26-year-old has completed five innings in only four of his 10 starts and has an alarming 23 walks in 40 innings.

Castillo (2-2) earned the win after he pitched six scoreless innings Tuesday, surrendering one hit and three walks while striking out 10 versus the Red Sox.

Castillo was dominant from the get go Tuesday, limiting the Red Sox to just four baserunners while punching out a season-high 10 batters. He has given up three or fewer runs in all five of his starts this season and has notched two quality starts in his last three outings. On the season, Castillo owns a 3.38 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 28 strikeouts over 26.2 frames. He's tentatively set to pitch again Sunday against the Nationals.

Lauer allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, three walks and a hit batsman in four innings of an 8-7 loss Tuesday against the Cubs. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision.

Lauer tossed 27 pitches in the first and 31 more in the fourth, allowing runs in each inning. All in all, he threw only 55 of 89 pitches for strikes. After issuing just eight free passes in his first seven starts, the lefty has walked seven batters over his last two starts, spanning nine innings. Despite the recent hiccup, Lauer still has a 2.49 ERA and 61:15 K:BB rate over 50.2 innings to start the season.

Wainwright struck out 10 in seven scoreless innings while allowing two hits and a walk in a 3-2 win Tuesday over San Diego. He did not factor into the decision.

Wainwright limited the Padres to just two singles, both by Luke Voit, and at one point retired 14 consecutive batters. He left the game in line for the victory but the St. Louis bullpen was unable to hold the lead. The 10 strikeouts were a season high and equaled his total from his previous three starts combined. The veteran had an excellent May, compiling a 1.69 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in 32 innings.

Snell allowed two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out six in six innings of a 3-2 defeat Tuesday in St. Louis. He did not factor into the decision.

Both runs against Snell came in the third inning as he allowed two walks, a double and a sacrifice fly. He settled down over the last three frames and retired the Cardinals in order each inning. It was the lefty's best start of the season and the first time he completed six innings. His next start will likely come early next week against the Mets.

Heaney (shoulder) is expected to report to Triple-A Oklahoma City this weekend for a rehab assignment, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Heaney threw live batting practice Monday and is now slated to begin a rehab assignment. The left-hander hasn't taken the mound for the Dodgers since mid-April due to left shoulder discomfort, so he could require a couple rehab starts in the minors before rejoining the big-league rotation.

Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Kershaw (pelvis) could begin a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The veteran left-hander threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Monday, and he's now on the cusp of returning to game action. Assuming he in fact reports to a minor-league affiliate this weekend, Kershaw is expected to throw at least three innings and could also require at least one additional rehab outing before rejoining the Dodgers.

Senzatela (back) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Marlins.

The right-hander landed on the shelf May 17 with a lower-back strain, but he'll rejoin Colorado's starting rotation after spending the 15-day minimum on the IL. Through seven starts this season, Senzatela has a 4.55 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and 11:8 K:BB across 29.2 innings.