MLB Player News

Velasquez allowed four earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven across five innings in the second game of the Phillies' doubleheader Thursday against the Blue Jays. He did not factor into the decision.

Velasquez allowed two home runs that accounted for three of the four runs against him. However, he was sharp in between, punching out a season-high seven batters while also turning in his longest outing of the campaign. Velasquez has made three of his four appearances this season as a starter, though without doubleheaders and the need for an extra starter, he will likely be relegated to a bulk-inning relief role for the time being.

Marquez (2-4) allowed 10 earned runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out five across five innings to take the loss Thursday against the Astros.

Marquez put together three scoreless innings, but was touched up for five earned runs in each of the other two frames. He allowed only one home run -- a three run shot to Abraham Toro -- but surrendered seven singles in all. With the tough home outing, Marquez's ERA ballooned from 2.25 to 4.38. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, currently projected to come at Arizona on Tuesday.

Wood (shoulder) will throw another simulated game Monday, Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA reports.

Wood tossed a three-inning sim game Tuesday, and, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, it is expected that he will be stretched to four frames during his next appearance on the mound. If all goes well Monday, the left-hander could return to the Dodgers' rotation soon thereafter.

The Cardinals recalled Woodford from their alternate training site ahead of Thursday's game against the Reds.

Woodford will remain in the majors after serving as the 29th man for Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cubs. In his lone appearance for the Cardinals this season, Woodford allowed three runs and registered three strikeouts in three innings.

Lugo's scheduled start against the Marlins on Thursday was postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Lugo's first start of the season will have to wait, as the Mets reportedly have a pair of positive COVID-19 cases, resulting in the postponement of Thursday's series finale. It remains to be seen how the Mets will adjust their rotation moving forward.

Manager Don Mattingly said Alcantara looked "really good" in his simulated game Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The skipper added that Alcantara -- who threw around 50 pitches -- is "moving in the right direction," though he didn't offer up a specific timetable for his return. Alcantara has been sidelined all month after testing positive for COVID-19 at the end of July.

Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Wacha has been sidelined since Aug. 9 with shoulder inflammation but appears close to returning. He threw a four-inning simulated game earlier in the week, and if everything goes well during Fridays' bullpen, it sounds like he could potentially slot back into New York's rotation as early as Sunday.

Wright was sent to Atlanta's alternate camp site Thursday.

Wright has struggled through four appearances this season, posting a 7.20 ERA, 2.20 WHIP and 12:16 K:BB across 15 innings. The Braves don't need a fifth starter until the end of the month, though it remains to be seen whether Wright or someone else -- possibly prospect Ian Anderson -- will get the ball when that time comes. Chris Martin was activated from the IL in a corresponding move.

Gomber (illness), who was activated from the COVID-19 injured list earlier in the day, fired 1.1 scoreless innings during a win over the Cubs in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday. He allowed no hits and two walks, hit a batter and recorded a strikeout.

Gomber's prior designation had not been due to a positive COVID-19 test on his part, so the left-hander wasn't facing any particular health challenges in his return. Gomber's control was a bit spotty after last having pitched July 28, but he was able to navigate his issues Wednesday to extend his season-opening scoreless innings streak to 4.2 frames (three appearances).

Sanchez will be added to Miami's big-league roster Thursday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Heyman added that Sanchez is a candidate to start against the Nationals this weekend. The top pitching prospect, who has reportedly been touching 100 mph with his fastball at the team's satellite camp, registered a 0.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 39:7 K:BB over his final eight starts (47.1 innings) at Double-A last year.