MLB Player News

Alcantara (4-12) took the loss Wednesday as the Marlins were shut out 5-0 by the Reds, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk over six innings while striking out eight.

The right-hander served up a three-run homer to Aristides Aquino in the first inning, dooming him to his sixth straight losing decision thanks to another ineffectual performance from the Miami offense. Alcantara hasn't recorded a win since June 21, but Wednesday's outing was the first time he hasn't walked multiple batters since June 27. He'll carry a 4.22 ERA and 116:72 K:BB through 155.2 innings into his next start Tuesday in Pittsburgh.

DeSclafani (9-7) picked up the win in Wednesday's 5-0 victory over the Marlins, giving up two hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings while striking out eight.

The right-hander was simply dominant, not allowing a runner into scoring position while firing 71 of 110 pitches for strikes. DeSclafani will take a 4.05 ERA and 139:42 K:BB through 135.2 innings into his next start Monday, at home against the Phillies.

Keller (1-3) struck out eight but allowed eight runs on 11 hits with one walk across four innings while taking a loss against the Phillies on Wednesday.

The rookie was impressive again in the strikeout category, and while he mostly kept the ball in the park, he still allowed five extra-base hits. Giving up hard contact isn't really new for Keller, who's allowed a .362 average against him this season. He has shown glimpses of upside, but his overall big-league numbers are awful -- 8.62 ERA, 1.98 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 31.1 innings this season. Keller will look to get on track at home against the Marlins on Tuesday.

Velasquez (6-7) allowed two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts across five innings to earn a victory against the Pirates on Wednesday.

Although it wasn't a great start, this was a nice way for Velasquez to rebound after giving up seven runs in his last outing. He continues to have a strong 2.94 strikeouts-to-walks ratio, and opponents are hitting just .251 against him. However, keeping the ball in the park has been an issue, as Velasquez owns a 2.1 HR/9. That's helped lead to a 4.86 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 103 strikeouts in 96.1 innings this season. Velasquez will make his next start at the Reds on Tuesday.

Manager Dave Roberts said May is expected to pitch Sunday at Arizona, but the team has yet to decide on a starter, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

May covered 5.1 innings during Monday's loss to the Padres and was expected to slide into a bullpen role as the Dodgers move back to a five-man rotation, but Sunday's uncertain pitching plan leaves the window open for another starting opportunity. The 21-year-old may end up simply being used as a reliever Sunday, but that won't be known for sure until the Dodgers announce their starter.

Stripling (biceps) will be activated off the 10-day injured list Sunday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Stripling threw three innings during an Arizona Summer League game Tuesday and is set to rejoin the Dodgers when rosters expand Sunday. The 29-year-old is slotted to work out of the bullpen in a long-relief role for manager Dave Roberts.

Brubaker (forearm) has resumed throwing, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said the team is encouraged by Brubaker's progress. The right-hander is throwing roughly 5-to-6 times per week and is hoping to throw off a slope in the coming weeks. He looks on track to be fully healthy by the time spring training arrives.

Flaherty (8-7) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits with one walk and seven strikeouts across six innings while taking a loss against the Brewers on Wednesday.

The right-hander pitched well, but even with one of his runs unearned, he gave up two earned runs for the first time in more than a month. The loss also snapped his three-game winning streak and gave him his first defeat since July 7. Flaherty's numbers are still very strong, though, as he has a 3.31 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 178 strikeouts in 152.1 innings this season. He will make his next start at home against the Giants on Monday.

Eflin is scheduled to start Sunday against the Mets, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Eflin was originally scheduled to get the ball Saturday, but the Mets opted to push him back to allow Jason Vargas to start on normal rest. The 25-year-old Eflin will be plenty rested for Sunday's series finale, as he last took the mound Saturday against the Marlins, allowing two runs across six innings while striking out two to earn the victory.

Lyles (9-8) struck out nine while allowing one run on six hits with one walk across 5.1 innings to earn a victory against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Before the trade deadline, Lyles hadn't struck out at least nine batters in a start since May 17, but he's now reached nine punchouts twice in his last four outings. He's also yielded just one run in his last 11.1 innings. Overall, Lyles owns a 4.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 122 strikeouts in 114.2 innings with the Pirates and Brewers this season. He is scheduled to pitch next against the Astros on Tuesday.