MLB Player News

Ashby (1-3) allowed a run on five hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts in six innings in Monday's 3-1 win over the Cubs in the second game of a doubleheader.

Ashby posted his longest outing of the year, and it was one of his best, with the 12 strikeouts marking a season high. The lone run on his line was a Willson Contreras solo home run in the fourth inning. Ashby continues to pitch well since joining the rotation, and he now has a 2.70 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 51:22 K:BB across 40 innings in 11 appearances (five starts). He lines up for a home start versus the Padres this weekend -- he limited them to one unearned run in 5.2 innings in a May 25 start in San Diego.

Smyly was removed from his start in the second game of Monday's doubleheader against Milwaukee due to right oblique soreness, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

This certainly wasn't the news the Cubs were looking for, as oblique injuries often result in trips to the injured list, especially for pitchers. The club will likely re-evaluate Smyly in the coming days to determine whether he'll require a trip to the IL.

Smyly walked off the mound with the team trainer before the fourth inning of the second game of Monday's doubleheader against Milwaukee, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports. He struck out three and walked one in three scoreless innings prior to his departure.

Smyly tossed a few warmup pitches prior to the top of the fourth inning, and he was then spotted being walked off the diamond. The nature of the injury is not known at this time.

Webb tossed eight innings, giving up three runs on four hits while striking out 10 in the victory over the Phillies on Monday. He did not factor into the decision.

Webb was unable to limit the homers in this one, giving up three solo shots and tarnishing what was an almost perfect performance. Most notably, he entered the ninth inning with a 3-2 lead, but he allowed a game-tying home run to Kyle Schwarber to open the inning and was forced out of the contest. The 10 strikeouts were a season high for the right-hander and he has now given up three or fewer runs in four straight starts and all but one of his 10 outings in 2022. Webb now owns a 3.52 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 50 punchouts over 61.1 frames this year.

Gibson pitched six innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out four in Monday's loss to the Giants. He did not factor into the decision.

Gibson cruised through five scoreless innings before Wilmer Flores took him deep for a two-run shot in the top of the sixth frame, tying the game at 2-2. The three hits given up were his lowest in five starts and he has now rattled off three strong starts since surrendering six runs over 3.2 innings against the Dodgers on May 13. Over his last three outings, Gibson has posted a 3.24 ERA, lowering his season-long figure to 3.83 over 54 frames in 10 starts.

Kershaw (pelvis) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Per Ardaya, this marks the first time throwing off a mound for Kershaw since landing on the injured list with SI joint inflammation in mid-May. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Kershaw will likely toss one more bullpen session before progressing to a rehab assignment, assuming he avoids any setbacks over the next few days.

Small was optioned to Triple-A Nashville following the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

Small made his major-league debut as the starter in Monday's matinee, and he allowed two runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four in 2.2 innings. While it wouldn't be surprising to see the southpaw claim a more permanent rotation spot at some point this year, he'll head back to Nashville, where he's posted a 1.88 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 38.1 innings over eight starts this year.

Woodruff landed on the 15-day injured list Monday with a high ankle sprain, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Woodruff left his start Friday against the Cardinals with what was previously called right ankle discomfort. Prior reports suggested he could be ready to return for his next start, which was scheduled for Wednesday against the Cubs, but he'll wind up missing at least two turns in the rotation and potentially more, with the Brewers yet to set a target date for his return. The team will have to dip into its depth options to cover for Woodruff, as Aaron Ashby has already joined the rotation in place of Freddy Peralta (lat) and Ethan Small is starting the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

Woodford was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

In a move to open a roster spot for Monday's starter Packy Naughton, Woodford was returned to Triple-A on Monday. The right-hander was originally in the mix to start Monday's contest, but after he pitched three innings of one-run ball out of the bullpen Saturday versus the Brewers he was no longer in a position to toe the rubber against the Padres. He'll remain a favorite for a call up moving forward, potentially returning for Saturday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

Small had his contract selected by the Brewers and will start Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader versus the Cubs.

Small will make his major-league debut in the day game Monday. He's posted a 1.88 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 49 strikeouts over 38.1 innings with Triple-A Nashville this season and he could stick around as a sixth starter with the Brewers moving forward.