MLB Player News

Soroka is expected to be available for at least 90 pitches in his start Thursday against the Diamondbacks, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

As is often the case with young pitchers, Soroka's workload has been limited early this season with his long-term health in mind. Over his first two outings at Triple-A Gwinnett, Soroka -- who missed most of spring training with a shoulder injury -- tossed 49 and 70 pitches. He should be able to bump up that count Thursday in his 2019 MLB debut, but don't expect the Braves to keep him in for much more than 100 pitches. Even with the loose restriction on tap, Soroka could still work deep enough into the game to deliver value in DFS contests.

The Braves recalled Soroka from Triple-A Gwinnett ahead of his scheduled start Thursday against the Diamondbacks, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

With Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) due back from the 10-day injured list next week, Soroka may only be in line for a spot start, but manager Brian Snitker could rethink things if the 21-year-old right-hander impresses Thursday. At the very least, Soroka should make for an appealing streamer or cost-effective DFS arm after faring admirably in his first taste of the big leagues in 2018. Over his five starts with Atlanta last season, Soroka posted a 3.51 ERA and 21:7 K:BB in 25.2 innings.

Martinez (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session Friday before the Cardinals' game against the Mets at Busch Stadium, Andrew Wagner of MLB.com reports.

Martinez has a pair of successful bullpens under his belt already, and this upcoming Friday session will serve as the gateway to a simulated game if it goes off without a hitch. The sim game would unfold at the team's spring facility in Jupiter, Florida, a location that would make a subsequent rehab assignment with High-A Palm Beach a potential next step.

Gray (0-3) took the loss against the Dodgers on Wednesday by allowing three runs on two hits over six innings. He had nine strikeouts and two walks.

Gray was pitching a gem until the bottom of the sixth inning when a pair of walks -- including an intentional walk to Cody Bellinger -- came around to score on A.J. Pollock's three-run homer. The right-hander illustrated no issues from the left calf contusion that ended his previous start after four innings. The 29-year-old has a 2.79 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 22:6 K:BB over 19.1 innings and will look to grab his first win versus the Braves on Tuesday.

Buehler (2-0) earned the win against the Reds on Wednesday by giving up one unearned run on three hits across 6.1 innings. He struck out eight and walked one.

Buehler put forth his best start of the season as he allowed only two baserunners over six scoreless innings before the Reds were able to scratch out a run on two hits during the seventh. The 24-year-old has a 5.40 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB over 18.1 innings and will likely take the mound next week against the Cubs.

Williams allowed two runs on six hits with five strikeouts and one walk across six innings in a no-decision against the Tigers on Wednesday.

The Pirates have won all four of Williams' starts, but he is only 1-0 because most of them have been very tight games decided in the final innings. Despite the lack of decisions, Williams is pitching very well this season. He's posted a .225 batting average against and walked only five batters. As a result, his ERA sits at 2.59, and he owns a 1.03 WHIP with 17 strikeouts in 24.1 innings. His next start will be Tuesday at home against the Diamondbacks.

Gausman allowed two earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out 10 Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He did not factor into the decision.

Gausman controlled the strike zone well throughout his start, beginning 17 of the 25 batters he faced with a strike while also generating 13 called strikes and 19 swinging strikes. While he stumbled a bit in his last start, Gausman has looked strong in two of his first three outings, going seven innings in each and allowing a combined two earned runs. Overall, he's racked up 22 strikeouts while posting a 2.75 ERA and 0.76 WHIP across 19.2 innings this season.

Alcantara (1-2) allowed five earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out seven across six innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Cubs.

Alcantara stumbled in the second and third innings, during which he allowed all of his baserunners from the effort. While the overall line was poor, he was solid in his four other innings of work and racked up an impressive 20 swinging strikes. Still, he's in a rough patch, as across his last three starts he's allowed 13 earned runs while walking eight and striking out 13 across 15 innings.

Hamels (3-0) allowed three hits while walking none and striking out eight across seven scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Marlins.

Hamels took advantage of a weak Marlins lineup and faced the minimum number of batters through six innings. He did allow two hits in the seventh and escaped a bases-loaded jam to secure his scoreless effort. After stumbling in his first start of the season, Hamels has allowed only three earned runs while striking out 19 across 21 innings of work.

Wacha (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and a walk across six innings in a victory against the Brewers on Wednesday.

This was a nice bounce-back performance for the 27-year-old, who yielded seven runs and three homers in his last outing. Wacha only induced seven swinging strikes, but he showcased pinpoint control, earning 15 called strikes. Despite pitching very well twice and throwing a complete dud last time on the mound, this was Wacha's first decision of the year. He is 1-0 with a 4.64 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 24 strikeouts over 21.1 innings. His next outing will be against the Brewers again at home Tuesday.