MLB Player News

Taillon (elbow) will throw live batting practice Wednesday at the alternate site in Altoona, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Former Pirates beat writer Travis Sawchik, now of FiveThirtyEight, retweeted a video that Taillon posted, noting that he has shortened his arm action, similar to what Lucas Giolito and many Cleveland pitchers have done in recent years. This may provide optimism that Taillon can be the rare pitcher who successfully recovers from two Tommy John surgeries. He is not expected back until the 2021 season.

Manager Torey Lovullo said after Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Rockies that Kelly underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot from his right shoulder, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

Kelly was scratched ahead of his scheduled start Monday and placed on the 10-day injured list later that day with what the club labeled as a right shoulder impingement, but the blood clot may have been detected during follow-up examinations. Lovullo didn't provide an estimated timeline for Kelly's return, but given the nature of the 31-year-old's procedure, he's seemingly at risk of missing the remainder of the season. The setback is an unfortunate one for both the Diamondbacks and the right-hander, who had been one of the club's top pitchers this season with a 2.59 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 31.1 innings over his five starts.

Marquez didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's game between the Rockies and the Diamondbacks. He allowed three runs on six hits -- including two home runs -- and three walks while fanning five across five innings.

Marquez began the season allowing one run in each of his first two starts, and, even though he has allowed multiple runs in each of his last five outings, his numbers are inflated by an Aug. 20 performance against Houston when he surrendered 10 runs across five innings. He has allowed three or fewer runs in each of his other six starts this season, posting a 2.68 ERA in 37 innings when removing the aforementioned outing against the Astros.

Cueto didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's contest between the Giants and the Dodgers. He allowed six runs on eight hits -- including two home runs -- and a walk while fanning six across four innings.

Cueto lasted just four innings -- just like opposing starter Julio Urias -- but struggled heavily and needed 86 pitches just to labor through the first four frames. Cueto has been very inconsistent this season and has allowed four or more earned runs in three of his last six starts, but he was coming off back-to-back two-run performances. The veteran will try to bounce back in his next start, scheduled for Aug. 30 on the road against Arizona.

Urias didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's contest between the Dodgers and the Giants. He allowed four runs on six hits and three walks while fanning six across four innings.

Urias has not completed five innings in three of his last four starts, displaying the same struggles to pitch deep into games he's often demonstrated throughout his career thus far. He posted season-high marks for hits, earned runs and walks allowed in this game, although he also fanned a season-best six hitters. Urias' next start is scheduled for Aug. 30 at Texas.

Paddack (2-3) allowed six runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out seven over five innings in a loss to the Mariners on Tuesday.

As AJ Cassavell of MLB.com noted during the game, Paddack's fastball continues to be an issue. His average fastball velocity is actually up a bit, but he entered Tuesday's game with a .316 BAA on his fastball, with six home runs and a .772 SLG on 292 heaters thrown. The Mariners jumped on the fastball early and added a couple runs in the sixth, one after Paddack was pulled from the game. Paddack now has a 5.15 ERA, but there has been nothing from the team to suggest he may be injured. If we don't hear of anything on that front in the coming days, Paddack should take the ball Sunday in Colorado.

Lugo struck out five across three perfect innings but did not factor in the decision in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader versus the Marlins.

Lugo did well as well as anyone could hope in his first start of 2020. The 30-year-old, who hadn't started a game since 2018, lowered his ERA to 2.03 with a 0.75 WHIP and 16 strikeouts across 13.1 innings this season. It was his 10th appearance overall, but Lugo is expected to stick in the rotation going forward. His next start lines up for Sept. 2 in Baltimore.

Rogers pitched four scoreless innings, allowing a hit and five walks while striking out six in a no-decision versus the Mets in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader.

The 22-year-old Rogers hadn't pitched above the Double-A level prior to Tuesday's start. Outside of the wildness of his five walks, it was a respectable performance in a low-scoring contest. Rogers' time in the Marlins' rotation may be short -- once Sandy Alcantara, Caleb Smith or Jose Urena can return, it's possible Rogers returns to the alternate training site.

Wainwright allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four over seven innings in a no-decision against the Royals on Tuesday.

While he didn't come away with the win, Wainwright pitched fairly well, inducing 13 swinging strikes and getting through seven innings on 98 pitches. He has now given up a homer in back-to-back outings, but otherwise Wainwright has been a bright spot for the Cardinals, providing quality innings and valuable length since the team's COVID-19 outbreak. Overall, Wainwright has a 2.88 ERA and 16:6 K:BB in 25 innings. He lines up for a second start this week, Sunday versus Cleveland.

Castillo (0-4) was charged with three runs (two earned) on five hits over six innings in a loss to the Brewers on Tuesday. He struck out nine.

Castillo was quite good, but he was let down not only by his offense (again), but by his defense as well. Joey Votto misfired a throw to second base as he tried to turn two in the fourth inning, and that error led to the Brewers scoring all three of their runs in the game. Castillo is a perfect example of the limitations of win-loss record and ERA; he is winless with a 4.18 ERA, but Castillo has a 45:14 K:BB and only one homer allowed, fueling one of the best FIPs among MLB starters. The Reds will look to finally get him into the win column Sunday at home against the Cubs.