MLB Player News

Darvish was placed on the 10-day disabled list with back tightness, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Darvish's back tightened up during his last start -- which could help explain his career-low two strikeouts -- and the 32-year-old will require a brief stint on the DL to get over the issue. The good news is manager Dave Roberts said the injury isn't a serious one, and the team expects him to miss just one start while on the shelf, according to Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA. This lines him up to return to action against the Brewers on Aug. 27. In the meantime, Edward Paredes was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take his place on the roster, while Brock Stewart is expected to fill in for Darvish in the rotation while he's sidelined.

Manager Dave Roberts said Darvish will probably require a stint on the disabled list to get over back tightness, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Darvish is apparently dealing with some lingering back tightness that crept up during his most recent start, so the Dodgers will play it safe with their newly acquired pitcher and give him some time on the DL to get better. It's unclear how long he'll be sidelined with the ailment, but he's set to miss at least one turn in the rotation before he's eligible for activation (Aug. 26). Brock Stewart is expected to fill in for Darvish in the rotation while he's sidelined.

Milone (knee) was activated from the 60-day DL on Saturday.

He posted a 4.95 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 20 innings (four starts) while rehabbing with Double-A Binghamton. Prior to his injury, Milone compiled a 7.91 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 33 innings, splitting time between the Brewers and Mets. He'll likely be limited to a mop-up role out of the big-league bullpen.

May has returned from an undisclosed injury at Low-A Great Lakes.

The 19-year-old righty has a 3.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 107 strikeouts in 115 innings (22 starts), and has emerged as part of the next wave of potentially impactful Dodgers pitching prospects. The most impressive aspect of his campaign has been his ability to pound the strike zone (5.0 percent walk rate), which is a rarity for hard-throwing 6-foot-6 teenage hurlers.

Flexen (2-2) took the loss against the Marlins on Friday, giving up three runs on five hits and four walks over 5.1 innings while striking out one.

While he was able to limit the damage, a lack of control or run support spelled doom for Flexen in this one. He has yet to complete six innings in any of his five big-league starts and has walked at least three batters in four of them, making him an extremely risky fantasy play heading into his next outing Wednesday at home against the Diamondbacks.

Eflin left his start Friday with discomfort in his right shoulder, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Eflin was due to be pulled after five innings anyway, having allowed six runs to that point. He said that his removal from the game was precautionary. The Phillies will have the righty examined Saturday.

Nicolino (2-1) struck out one and allowed one run on six hits over five innings to pick up the win in a 3-1 victory over the Mets on Friday.

The lefty was pulled after throwing only 74 pitches (55 strikes), but still lasted long enough to record his second straight win since being called back up to the majors. Nicolino will take a 4.11 ERA into his next outing Wednesday in Philadelphia.

Lively will be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday to start against the Giants, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Lively, who was 1-4 with a 3.80 ERA and a 17:13 K:BB in 42.2 innings with the Phillies earlier this season, will bump Mark Leiter to the bullpen. He's worth a look in deeper leagues, but there is plenty of risk given that he is a pitch-to-contact guy that does not have a strikeout pitch to get himself out of trouble.

Eflin (1-5) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks with two strikeouts over five innings Friday in a loss to the Giants.

Eflin has now allowed at least seven hits in each of his past six starts, a stretch in which he owns a brutal 9.46 ERA. The Phillies need anybody who can eat innings at this point, but it's hard to see a future for Eflin in the rotation given his performance thus far.

Marquez (10-5) allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk with six strikeouts over 5.2 innings but still took home the win Friday against Milwaukee.

Marquez gave up three homers, but he was able to use his pristine control to keep the bases clear and keep rallies from getting out of control. He has now allowed more than three runs in just one of his past nine starts, a stretch in which Marquez is a sharp 5-1.