MLB Player News

Lodolo hasn't pitched more than four innings in a game since returning at the beginning of July from a blister problem on his pitching hand, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Time is running short if the Reds are hoping that Lodolo could provide a boost to their rotation for the stretch run. There's a chance that wasn't in the cards anyhow, but the next step will be to stretch him out longer, and then get him up to Triple-A Louisville, where he can rejoin fellow prospect Hunter Greene.

Velasquez (3-6) allowed five runs on six hits and a walk while striking out one in two innings to take the loss against the Pirates on Friday.

Velasquez recorded his shortest outing since May 21, as he was removed from Friday's game after he gave up three runs in the first inning and two in the second. The right-hander has now been charged with four losses in his last five starts dating back to the start of July, and he's posted a 12.23 ERA and 2.21 WHIP in 17.2 innings during that time.

Sanchez was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Sanchez made his first career start in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Nationals and allowed four runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one in one-third of an inning. He'll head back to the minors after the Phillies acquired several pitchers ahead of Friday's trade deadline.

Phillies manager Joe Girardi said it's "very possible" that Gibson starts Sunday's series finale in Pittsburgh, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Meanwhile, MLB.com also lists Gibson as the Phillies' probable pitcher for Sunday, so fantasy managers can probably count on him making his team debut this weekend. After becoming a first-time All-Star on the strength of an excellent first half with the Rangers, Gibson faltered in his final two starts before being traded Friday, working 11 innings between those outings while giving up 11 runs (10 earned) on 14 hits and 10 walks. The Phillies will likely need Gibson to rediscover his first-half form if they hope to chase down the Mets for the National League East crown.

Carrasco didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Reds, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out four.

Jonathan India greeted Carrasco with a solo homer on the first pitch he threw, but after that it was fairly smooth sailing for the right-hander as he made his long-delayed Mets debut. He was removed after 58 pitches (35 strikes), not surprising given that he didn't throw more than three innings in any of his rehab starts, but it was a very encouraging beginning to his 2021 campaign. Expect Carrasco to get stretched out further in his next outing, making him at least a candidate to qualify for a win if he gets a little more run support.

Gray (3-6) picked up the win Friday, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings in a 6-2 victory over the Mets. He struck out seven.

The right-hander celebrated not being dealt at the trade deadline by delivering his fifth quality start of the season and only his second since the beginning of June. Gray stumbled into the second half before rebounding Friday, coughing up 13 runs over eight innings in his first two starts after the All-Star break, and he'll carry a 4.26 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 96:29 K:BB through 76 innings into his next outing.

Gallen allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out eight over six innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Friday.

Gallen cruised through five innings before Chris Taylor led off the sixth with a home run. The Dodgers pushed home another run, and the right-hander was pulled after 100 pitches (64 strikes). It was Gallen's longest outing since May 7 -- he's dealt with elbow and hamstring in recent months. Gallen is expected to pitch next Wednesday at home against the Giants.

Toussaint (1-2) allowed seven runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts across 3.1 innings, taking the loss versus Milwaukee on Friday.

The right-hander was spotted a four-run lead after one inning, but he gave it all back in the third and continued to struggle in the fourth before Sean Newcomb relieved him. Toussaint had pitched well in his first two starts of the season, but Friday's outing was a disaster. He's yielded nine runs in 17 innings with a 20:4 K:BB, and he tentatively lines up to face St. Louis on the road next week.

Burnes allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with six strikeouts in four-plus innings Friday versus Atlanta. He did not factor in the decision.

The right-hander matched his season-high marks for hits and runs allowed in a start. Burnes was in trouble from the start as Atlanta hung four runs on him in the first inning before adding one more in the fifth. By then, Milwaukee had recovered to keep him out of the loss column. The 26-year-old's ERA rose to 2.46 with a 0.97 WHIP and 152:20 K:BB through 106 innings this year. He's pitched well enough to earn the benefit of the doubt that Friday was just a hiccup, but he lines up for a tough home matchup versus San Francisco during next weekend's series.

Lopez (shoulder) threw from 60 feet Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Lopez has been out for nearly three weeks with a rotator cuff strain. He's now starting to take steps in the right direction, but he has quite a few more to go through before he's back in game action.