MLB Player News

Hendricks (1-2) allowed two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six in six innings to earn the win against the Brewers on Friday.

Hendricks struggled mightily against Atlanta on Sunday, but he was much more effective Friday and got plenty of run support from the Cubs' offense to cruise to his first win of 2021. The right-hander began Friday's contest with five scoreless frames before giving up a pair of home runs and a double in the top of the sixth inning. However, he was able to finish the inning and recorded a quality start in a blowout win. Hendricks now carries a 5.68 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 19 innings across his first four starts of the year. He'll attempt to remain effective on the road against Atlanta on Wednesday.

Brubaker (2-1) yielded two runs on five hits over seven innings Friday, striking out five and taking the loss against Minnesota.

Brubaker was incredibly efficient Friday, tossing 55 of 79 pitches for strikes. The only runs to score on him came via the long ball, as he allowed a pair of solo shots to Willians Astudillo and Jake Cave. His offense was no-hit by J.A. Happ for 7.1 innings, so Brubaker was stuck with the tough-luck loss. The 27-year-old right-hander will carry his 2.01 ERA into next Friday's home matchup with the Cardinals.

Lugo (elbow) has begun throwing bullpen sessions, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lugo underwent surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow in mid-February. He was initially given a mid-May timeline and remains on that schedule.

Freeland (shoulder) threw off a mound Friday and will throw a full bullpen session Saturday, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Freeland suffered a shoulder strain exactly one month ago and was initially expected to miss at least a month. That estimate may not be too far off, but he still has some work to do as he builds his arm strength back up and doesn't have a clear timeline for his return to action.

Fried (hamstring) has been able to play catch but has yet to throw off a mound, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Fried has spent the required 10 days on the injured list but remains without a timeline to return to action. He was initially expected to miss just one start, but he'll wind up missing two at a minimum.

Contrary to previous reports, Soroka (shoulder) has not yet resumed throwing, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Soroka is past the end of the two weeks he was expected to be shut down for after suffering a shoulder setback in early April. It was reported earlier in the day Friday that he'd resumed light throwing, but that's in fact not the case. He remains without a timetable for his return.

Soroka (shoulder) has begun light throwing but remains without a timetable to return to the roster, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Soroka was getting close to a return from Achilles surgery when he suffered a setback with his shoulder in early April. He was shut down from throwing for two weeks. The fact that he's able to throw again is undoubtedly a positive, but he'll still have to build his arm strength back up before pushing for a return to game action.

Lucchesi was optioned to the Mets' alternate training site Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lucchesi's results through eight innings this season have been mixed, as he's allowed six runs but also owns a promising 11:2 K:BB. His demotion may be more a function of need than performance, however, as the Mets have two off days next week and won't need to use a fifth starter until May 4. Reliever Stephen Tarpley was recalled in a corresponding move.

Buehler gave up two runs on four hits while fanning nine across seven innings Thursday against the Padres. He didn't factor into the decision.

Buehler gave up a run in the fourth with an RBI single from Manny Machado that scored Fernando Tatis and surrendered another one with a solo shot from Trent Grisham in the sixth, but he was excellent the rest of the way. He's yet to allow more than two runs in any of his first four appearances and has kicked off the season with four straight quality starts. The right-hander is slated to take the ball next week at home against the Reds.

Keller allowed two earned runs on five hits and no walks while striking out five across five innings Thursday against the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision.

Keller took advantage of a relatively soft matchup Thursday to turn in a strong effort. He avoided handing out a free pass for the first time this season, though his problems with the long ball persisted when he served up a home run to JaCoby Jones. Keller has proven to be highly dependent on matchups so far this season, and his inconsistency is highlighted by a 7.16 ERA through 16.1 innings. He's currently projected to draw his next start against Kansas City on Wednesday.