MLB Player News

Strasburg (neck) is scheduled to meet with a specialist Monday before the next step in his rehab program is decided, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Since the All-Star break, Strasburg has experienced two setbacks in his recovery from the neck strain, so the Nationals will send him in for another medical evaluation. Washington is hopeful the checkup will provide an answer regarding why Strasburg is able to complete long-toss sessions without issue yet continues to experience recurring discomfort when he throws off a mound. The injury has kept Strasburg on the shelf since early June, and given the multiple setbacks he's incurred in addition to the extensive buildup time he'll require as he advances through a throwing program, he's likely multiple weeks away from returning from the injured list. Fantasy managers in shallower leagues with limited bench or IL spots available could be better off cutting bait with Strasburg at this point rather than waiting on his potential return.

DeGrom (forearm) threw off a mound Sunday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets haven't disclosed whether deGrom completed a true bullpen session, but even light throwing off the mound would mark the first time that he's toed the rubber since being shut down more than a week ago with right forearm tightness. Before making his return from the injured list, deGrom will likely need to complete at least one more bullpen session and face hitters in a live batting practice session or simulated game. He could return to make a start in next weekend's series versus the Reds in a best-case scenario, but it's more likely deGrom's absence stretches into August.

Gausman (9-4) allowed six earned runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out two across 4.1 innings, taking the loss to the Pirates on Saturday.

Gausman had his worst start of the season in a favorable home matchup against a weak Pirates team. He allowed a season-high eight hits, six earned runs and put up a season-low two strikeouts. The 30-year-old has struggled lately for his standards with a 4.97 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP over his last five starts. On the season, he still has a 2.21 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP with a 10.3 K/9 in 122 innings.

Freeland (1-5) lost Saturday's 1-0 contest against the Dodgers, allowing one run on five hits with six strikeouts in seven innings.

Freeland navigated a potent Los Angeles lineup and required just 89 pitches to endure seven strong innings, but he ended up the loser as Colorado managed just two hits against Los Angeles' staff. The lefty has lost three straight starts despite a solid 3.50 ERA over the stretch and will look to get back in the win column against San Diego next week.

Gonsolin (2-1) won Saturday's 1-0 game against Colorado, allowing two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.

Gonsolin was masterful against the Rockies on Saturday, allowing just a single runner past first base and requiring 81 pitches to get through 5.1 innings. The innings and pitch count are among season highs as Gonsolin works back into form. The righty owns a sterling 2.38 ERA through nine starts.

Castillo (4-10) earned the win over St. Louis on Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out nine across seven innings.

Castillo fell behind by a run in the second inning, but that ended up being the only score the Cardinals could muster against the right-hander in the contest. Castillo registered an impressive 23 swings-and-misses in the outing and finished with his highest strikeout total since May 18. He has allowed one or zero runs in six of his past eight outings, bringing his ERA down from 6.47 to 4.20 over that stretch. His next start is expected to take place in Chicago against the Cubs on Thursday.

Woodford (2-2) took the loss against Cincinnati on Saturday, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two.

The right-hander kept the Cardinals in the game through his five frames, but he was outgunned by Reds starter Luis Castillo. Woodford induced only six swinging strikes and tallied just two strikeouts, yet he retired eight of the final nine batters he faced and was able to limit the damage against him to three runs. He'll carry a 4.25 ERA into his next start, which is tentatively slated to come at home against Minnesota next weekend.

Walker felt a pinch in his left shoulder during a swing in Saturday's loss to the Blue Jays, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Walker struggled for the second consecutive start, as he allowed six earned runs on eight hits and two walks across four innings to take the loss. However, the bigger problem could be the injury he picked up during the outing. After the game, Walker downplayed the issue and would not tell reporters the nature of the injury. However, manager Luis Rojas disclosed the shoulder pain. At this point, there seems to be minimal concern from both the player and team, meaning Walker should still be able to make his next turn through the rotation if no further information emerges.

Burnes (6-4) allowed one earned run on four hits and two walks with six strikeouts through six innings to earn the win in Saturday's 6-1 victory over the White Sox.

Burnes was perfect his first time through the order in a dominant outing. While his six strikeouts may be just half of the clean dozen that he registered his last time out against the Reds, Chicago was thoroughly perplexed by his nasty cutter. Burnes, who takes pride in his all-world ability to find the zone, won't be pleased about walking in a run in the fifth inning. However, the two free passes he issued Saturday are the most he's allowed in a game since June 25.

Kelly (7-7) allowed two earned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out six across six innings to earn the win Saturday against the Cubs.

Kelly reached a turning point in his outing when he escaped a bases-loaded jam in the third inning having allowed only one earned run. From there, he allowed a leadoff home run to Willson Contreras in the fourth frame but then went on to retire nine of the last 10 batters he faced. Kelly has now earned five wins in his last seven starts, and in that span he's maintained a 2.62 ERA across 44.2 innings.