MLB Player News

Cole (11-11) allowed four runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six batters through five innings while taking the loss Sunday against Cincinnati.

The 27-year-old righty has now allowed nine runs through 10 innings over his past two starts to push him up to a 4.13 ERA and 1.23 WHIP for the campaign. Cole lines up for two tough matchups to finish the season with starts against the Cards at PNC Park followed by Washington at Nationals Park. Considering his current form, Cole should probably be viewed as a risky option for his final two outings.

Flaherty will start Tuesday's game against Reds and could remain in the starting rotation for the remainder of the season, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Flaherty hasn't had much success in his first three starts with the Cardinals since being recalled on Sept. 1, as the 21-year-old has allowed nine earned runs over his first 13.1 big-league innings. Despite his early struggles, he may get the opportunity to finish the season in the starting rotation, as the Cardinals reported Sunday that Adam Wainwright (elbow) will be shifted to the bullpen following his activation from the disabled list this week.

Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak stated Sunday that Wainwright (elbow) will likely pitch out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season following his activation from the DL, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Wainwright is expected to come off the disabled list Tuesday, at which point he'll enter the Cardinals' bullpen for the remainder of the 2017 season. The 36-year-old struggled out of the rotation this season, posting a 5.12 ERA over his 23 starts. Wainwright's transition to the bullpen will open up an opportunity for Jack Flaherty to remain the starting rotation moving forward.

Wainwright (elbow) is expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list Tuesday against the Reds, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Wainwright reported Sunday that everything went well during his recent simulated game and that he's now aiming for a Tuesday return from the DL. He said that he'll work out of the Cardinals' bullpen upon his activation, with the date of his first start back in the rotation still to be determined.

DeGrom (15-9) earned the win after allowing one run on five hits and two walks in seven innings Saturday against the Braves. He struck out seven.

The Braves scored their only run on a Freddie Freeman solo homer in the sixth inning, but otherwise deGrom was stellar. He's now allowed just three runs and racked up 17 strikeouts in 13 innings over his past two starts after struggling in his two starts prior. The 29-year-old will look to finish his year strong having already set career highs in wins (15), innings (195.1) and strikeouts (228). He'll take a 3.55 ERA into his next start, which is scheduled for Friday against the Nationals.

Davies (17-9) landed in the loss column after allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out two batters in four innings Saturday against the Marlins.

It was a forgettable night for Davies, who hadn't allowed six earned runs in his previous six starts combined prior to Saturday. The outing was also his shortest of the season; the only other time he failed to pitch five innings was in his first start of the year. Still, he owns a league-leading 17 wins to go along with a respectable 3.89 ERA through 180.1 innings this season, so he should be kept in most lineups -- unless you're in dire need of strikeouts -- even with a matchup against the Cubs next on the docket.

Lively allowed two runs on two hits while striking out two batters Saturday against the Athletics. He didn't factor into the decision.

It's an unfortunate final line for Lively, who would have pitched deeper into the game had a two-hour rain delay not cut his start short. The 25-year-old had strung together three straight quality starts prior to Saturday's rain-shortened outing, compiling a 2.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB in 21 innings during that span. While he owns a fine 3.94 ERA through 77.2 innings this season, his fantasy value is limited by his 5.5 K/9 and the fact that he pitches for the lowly Phillies. His next start is expected to come Friday against the Braves.

Greinke (17-6) struck out eight over eight scoreless innings in a win over the Giants on Saturday.

Greinke has now allowed just six earned runs over 34.2 innings in his past five starts, as the veteran continues to provide high-end marks for fantasy owners. With a 2.33 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 at Chase Field this season, expectations should remain high for Greinke's final two home matchups against Miami and San Francisco.

Anderson (5-5) pitched six scoreless innings with three strikeouts during Saturday's win over San Diego.

This was a spot start for Anderson, but his strong showing could earn him additional starting consideration moving forward. Anytime a hurler goes six strong without allowing a run at hitter-friendly Coors Field, it's an impressive outing. Still, without an upcoming start scheduled, Anderson should be left to the waiver wire in the majority of fantasy settings. It's also worth noting that Colorado's final six games of the season are at Coors.

Lyles (1-3) allowed seven runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out just a single batter over four innings during Saturday's loss to Colorado.

This was just the third start of the season for Lyles, so considering it came at hitter-friendly Coors Field, he should have already been off the fantasy radar in most settings. With a 7.35 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 6.5 K/9, Lyles' prospects aren't favorable moving forward, either. He lines up to face the Rockies at Petco Park and the Giants at AT&T Park in his final two starts of the season.