MLB Player News

Gray allowed three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out two in 4.2 innings in Sunday's win over the Phillies. He didn't factor into the decision.

Gray has been inconsistent recently, as he's allowed at least three runs in four of his six starts since the All-Star break. The right-hander began Sunday's game with three scoreless frames but gave up three runs across the fourth and fifth innings. Across his last six outings, Gray has posted a 7.22 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 28.2 innings. He tentatively lines up to make his next appearance at home against the Marlins on Friday.

Smyly allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four in four innings during Sunday's win over the Nationals. He didn't factor into the decision.

Smyly picked up his first win in over a month with a quality start in his last outing, but he was unable to replicate his success Sunday. Although he allowed just one baserunner in the first two innings, he gave up three runs in the third inning to tie the game. The southpaw has allowed at least two runs in five of his six appearances since the All-Star break, and he's posted a 4.55 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 27.2 innings during that time. He tentatively lines up to start on the road against Baltimore on Saturday.

The Diamondbacks officially placed Kelly on the COVID-19 injured list Sunday.

Manager Torey Lovullo disclosed after Saturday's win over the Padres that Kelly had tested positive for the coronavirus, so the right-hander's move to the IL a day later was fully expected. Arizona recalled Sean Poppen from Triple-A Reno to provide a fresh arm out of the bullpen in the short term, but the team has yet to appoint a replacement in the rotation for Kelly, who will likely be sidelined for at least a week and a half while he waits to clear health and safety protocols.

The Padres placed Darvish (back) on the 10-day injured list Sunday, Bob Scanlan of Bally Sports San Diego reports.

As anticipated, Darvish will be forced to miss at least one more turn through the rotation after a bout with lower-back tightness cut his most recent outing Thursday against the Diamondbacks short. The banged-up San Diego pitching staff has few reinforcements on hand to replace Darvish, but Reiss Knehr -- who was recalled from Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move -- could be one candidate to pick up a spot start while the reigning National League Cy Young Award runner-up is sidelined.

The Padres are expected to place Darvish (back) on the 10-day injured list, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

After being removed from his 2.2-inning start Thursday against the Diamondbacks with lower-back tightness, Darvish hasn't made enough progress in his recovery to create much optimism that he'll be ready to make his next turn through the rotation. As a result, Darvish will likely be deactivated in the next day or two, becoming the latest in a long list of Padres pitchers to head to the IL. According to Acee, the Padres are exploring bringing in the recently released Jake Arrieta to bolster their dwindling rotation depth, but the club could look internally to fill in for Darvish when his next turn comes up this week.

The Brewers optioned Ashby to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday.

As anticipated, Ashby will head back to the minors after he was designated as the Brewers' 27th man ahead of Saturday's doubleheader with the Pirates. He picked up his third start of the season in the second game of the twin bill, tossing four scoreless innings en route to taking a no-decision in Milwaukee's 6-0 win. With Eric Lauer returning from the COVID-19 injured list to start Sunday's series finale and with Adrian Houser also closing in on a return from the COVID-19 IL, Ashby isn't expected to get any starting opportunities with Milwaukee in the near future.

The Brewers reinstated Lauer from the COVID-19 injured list ahead of his scheduled start Sunday against the Pirates.

Milwaukee optioned reliever Justin Topa to Triple-A Nashville and transferred reliever John Curtiss (elbow) from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL to clear room for Lauer on the 26-man active roster and 40-man roster. Lauer, who was sidelined for a week and a half after testing positive for the virus, owns a 3.50 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 69.1 innings across his 15 outings (11 starts) this season.

Corbin (6-12) was tagged with the loss Saturday against Atlanta after allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while fanning five across 4.2 innings.

The veteran 32-year-old hurler continues to struggle and has been unable to repeat the strong performances he's had in past years with the Nationals. In fact, his 6.04 ERA would rank as a career-worst mark for him, and he has been pitching awfully of late with four or more runs allowed in six straight appearances. He owns a 7.83 ERA during that six-game stretch.

Fried (10-7) earned the win Saturday against the Nationals after allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits while fanning seven across six innings.

Fried recorded his fourth straight quality start and has given up two or fewer earned runs in each of those contests, as the left-hander continues to thrive every time he steps on the mound. While Fried has been consistently good all season long, he seems to have reached another level over the last few weeks -- he owns a 3.26 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP while posting a 9.8 K/9 over eight starts since the beginning of July.

The Phillies reinstated Anderson (triceps) from the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Anderson spent just over the minimum amount of time on the IL with right triceps tendinitis, but his absence may have been long enough to cost him his spot in the rotation. After Anderson had served as the Phillies' fifth starter prior to going on the shelf, Matt Moore stepped into the rotation in his stead and tossed six no-hit innings in Saturday's 6-1 win over the Reds. Look for Moore to be rewarded with another start during the upcoming week, leaving Anderson to work out of the bullpen for the time being.