MLB Player News

Mahle (2-8) took the loss against the Angels on Tuesday, completing five innings and giving up four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four.

Mahle got off to a rough start when a deep fly ball to center field off the bat of Tommy La Stella rolled away and resulted in a leadoff inside-the-park home run, then fell further behind in the second inning after allowing a three-run shot to Luis Rengifo. Though the 24-year-old settled down to hold the Angels scoreless over his remaining three innings, the deficit proved to be too much to overcome for the Reds' offense. Mahle will carry a 4.35 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 84:20 K:BB into his next start, at home against Milwaukee on Monday.

Martinez, who is expected to take over primary closer duties in the wake of Jordan Hicks' season-ending UCL tear, could occasionally work two innings in that role, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The long-tenured starter began a transition to the bullpen last season following shoulder problems, and he's exclusively worked as a reliever at the big-league level during his truncated 2019 campaign as well. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak notes the possibility of Martinez returning to a starting role in 2020 exists, so there's an interest in stretching out the right-hander to a certain extent. As for the immediate future, manager Mike Shildt feels Martinez has both the physical and mental makeup to handle late-inning, high-leverage situations consistently. "Carlos is the guy for the natural progression for it," Shildt said. "It's not foreign to him. He's clearly capable of doing it. He's built for it, not only in his competitive spirit and his desire to seek big moments but in his ability to execute his pitches."

Ray (5-5) allowed three runs on four hits with three walks and nine strikeouts while taking a loss against the Dodgers on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old pitched very well, turning in his fourth quality start in his last five outings. But once again, that wasn't enough to win. During these last five appearances, Ray has just one win. Overall, he is 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 124 strikeouts in 94.2 innings. Ray will make his next start at the Giants on Sunday.

Davies (7-2) allowed six runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four across four innings to take the loss Tuesday against Seattle.

Davies worked through the first two innings without incident. That changed quickly in the third frame, however, when he allowed four consecutive extra-base hits -- capped off by a two-run homer by Daniel Vogelbach. Davies has now allowed at least three earned runs while failing to work more than five innings in each of his last four starts, causing his ERA to spike from 2.20 to 3.34. The amount of contact Davies allows -- he's struck out only 57 across 86.1 innings -- makes him a volatile option. He'll try to get back on track in a positive matchup Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Stripling allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts across three innings against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Making his first start since April 25, Stripling wasn't expected to last much longer than he did. Stripling is returning to the rotation because of the Rich Hill (forearm) injury, but he will likely need to build back up his arm strength before becoming useful in most fantasy leagues. Stripling is 3-2 with a 3.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 52 strikeouts in 52.2 innings this season. His turn in the rotation will come up again Sunday in Colorado.

Flaherty (4-5) allowed seven runs on nine hits with one walk and five strikeouts across 4.2 innings while taking a loss against the Athletics on Tuesday.

Everything was going pretty smoothly for Flaherty through four frames, but he couldn't make it through the fifth, and before he exited, Flaherty gave up six runs on six hits, including two homers. Home runs have been his biggest issue. Flaherty has allowed nine homers in his last 25.2 innings; that's a major reason why he hasn't captured a win since May 14. Flaherty is 4-5 with a 4.75 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 94 strikeouts in 85.1 innings this season. He will pitch next at Seattle on Tuesday.

Williams (2-2) allowed four earned runs on eight hits and no walks while striking out four across 6.2 innings to take the loss Tuesday against the Astros.

Williams held the Astros scoreless through three frames, but allowed two home runs in his final 3.2 innings of work to spoil what was shaping up to be a solid outing. His performance was certainly a step forward from his first start after being activated off the injured list, when he allowed seven earned runs. On Tuesday, he flashed familiar skills -- particularly his control -- and has now allowed 1.4 BB/9 across 65.2 innings, contributing to a 1.19 WHIP. He'll draw another tough test in his next start, currently scheduled for Monday against the Cubs.

Fried (9-3) allowed two earned runs on two hits and five walks while striking out eight across six innings to earn the win Tuesday against the Cubs.

Fried's eight strikeouts matched a season-best mark and were backed by an impressive 15 swinging strikes. That helped him overcome shaky control, as his five walks were also a season high. He wasn't punished for the free passes, as he allowed only one extra-base hit -- a double to Willson Contreras that drove in both of his earned runs. Fried entered Tuesday's contest with a 6.53 ERA in June, making the effort a welcomed bounce-back performance. He'll look to build off the start in his next turn, currently scheduled for Sunday at the Mets.

Wood (back) felt sore while stretching Tuesday and will visit a doctor instead of throwing his scheduled bullpen session, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Back issues and subsequent setbacks have kept Wood out of action all season. The extent of this latest setback should become clear once he hears from the doctor.

Soroka (forearm) felt lingering tightness after playing catch Tuesday, so the Braves don't yet know if he'll start against the Mets over the weekend, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Soroka was struck by a comebacker during his last start, and the bruise he suffered may wind up forcing him to miss his next turn, or at least delay his start. He'll throw off a mound Wednesday, at which point the Braves will have a clearer idea of the path forward.