MLB Player News

Flaherty tossed seven innings and gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk while striking out six for Triple-A Memphis in the club's 6-2 win over Omaha in Game 1 of a doubleheader.

Since minor-league doubleheaders consist of a pair of seven-inning contests, Flaherty was officially credited with his first complete game as a professional, despite not covering nine frames. The right-hander now owns a 2.25 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 22:3 K:BB across 20 innings through his three outings with Memphis, providing ample evidence that he's ready for a spot in the big-league rotation. Unfortunately for Flaherty, all five of the St. Louis starters are healthy at the moment, and neither Adam Wainwright nor Miles Mikolas has performed poorly enough for manager Mike Matheny to contemplate a shakeup at the back of the rotation.

Burnes is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB in 17.1 innings over three starts with Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Burnes was effective in his first two starts, but he was downright dominant in his third Thursday, tossing 6.1 scoreless frames while allowing just four runners on base and striking out nine batters. Burnes is pitching at the Triple-A level for the first time and the Brewers have a lot of candidates to fill spots in the big-league rotation, but he is the club's top pitching prospect and could easily work his way into the conversation at some point this summer -- particularly if he is able to keep his numbers anywhere close to what they are currently.

Wentz tossed five scoreless innings Thursday for High-A Florida in a 3-2 loss to St. Lucie, scattering three hits and striking out six.

Occasionally overlooked in a Braves system flush with high-upside pitching prospects, Wentz is doing his best to stand out from the crowd through the early part of 2018, posting a 0.64 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB through his first 14 innings at High-A. The 20-year-old left-hander spent all of last year with Low-A Rome despite his success, and the organization has no reason to rush him up the ladder, but if he continues dominating the Florida State League then a midseason promotion to Double-A could be in the cards.

Musgrove (shoulder) successfully completed one bullpen session Thursday and is expected to throw another one Sunday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The Pirates are anxious to unveil one of the key trade pieces they received in exchange for Gerrit Cole, but they first want to make sure he's healthy. Musgrove could go on a short rehab stint provided Sunday's bullpen session goes well, putting a timetable for his return in early May.

Taillon (2-1) allowed five earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out three across 1.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Phillies.

The Phillies jumped on Taillon in the second inning as Rhys Hoskins started the trouble with a solo home run. Later in the inning, Cesar Hernandez hitting a single with the bases loaded to drive in three more runs. While Thursday's start was not his finest effort, Taillon had been off to a strong start this season. For now, there's little reason to believe this is more than one bad performance.

Greinke (2-1) got the win over the Giants on Thursday, giving up just one earned run on three hits with two strikeouts and a walk over seven strong innings in Arizona's 3-1 victory.

Greinke had a bloated 5.29 ERA in three starts coming into this one and while his 4.13 mark is still higher than fantasy owners are used to, he now has a sparkling 1.00 WHIP and a 23:2 K:BB through 24 innings, so look for the ERA to decrease accordingly as he logs more innings. If there is any knock to be had on this solid outing, it would be that the two strikeouts were below his usual standard, but that shouldn't be a cause for concern unless it develops into a recurring trend.

Anderson (2-1) got the win in Milwaukee's 12-3 blowout of the Marlins on Thursday, giving up three earned runs on five hits over 5.1 innings, striking out three and walking two.

Anderson was aided by a strong showing from his offense against Miami, but he was still effective in earning his second win in five starts to begin the season. Anderson hasn't been posting elite strikeout totals so far this year but he's posted very solid ratios with a 3.25 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 27.2 innings and opponents are hitting just .206 off him over that timeframe. So far, he looks poised to build on last season's breakout campaign that saw him post a 2.74 ERA in 141.1 innings, but it would hardly be surprising to see his ERA increase by a run from last season's mark if he doesn't begin to miss bats at a greater clip in the near future.

Despaigne was removed from Thursday's game against the Brewers with a forearm strain, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The versatile reliever suffered the injury in the sixth inning Thursday after giving up two earned runs and recording two outs. A strained forearm is always a concerning injury for a pitcher, but Despaigne will likely be sent for further testing before the Marlins make a decision on the next step for him.

Asher was designated for assignment on Thursday.

The Brewers made the move after acquiring Tyler Saladino from the White Sox. Asher, who was claimed by the Brewers on Tuesday, did not make a single appearance with the club during his time in the organization. He'll now be subject to waivers again and could return to the Brewers if he's not traded, or if he goes unclaimed.

Walker will undergo Tommy John surgery Wednesday in New York, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Walker was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his right elbow after exiting his start over the weekend with forearm tightness. He'll miss the reminder of the 2018 season and will begin the 2019 season on the disabled list as he works his way back.