MLB Player News

Cole (9-8) allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings to take the loss Saturday against the Padres.

Cole entered the fifth inning with a 1-0 deficit before Wil Myers connected on a two-run homer, leading to the hurler's eighth loss of the campaign. This was the first time he's allowed more than two runs in a start since June 30, and he's lowered his ERA by more than half a run since that time. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Tigers.

Castillo (2-5) was charged with four runs (three earned) on three hits over 6.1 innings in a loss to the Cardinals on Saturday. He issued five walks and struck out four.

The 24-year-old was wild at times -- he hit two batters in addition to the five walks -- as he seemed to battle mechanical issues early on. However, he was able to bail himself out throughout much of the night, thanks in large part to nine groundball outs. Castillo has posted strong numbers since he was called up despite a tough schedule, and he's looking like a viable option in most formats, although wins may continue to be hard to come by. He lines up for a home matchup against the Padres his next time out.

Gray (4-2) allowed just one earned run on six hits while striking out four over seven innings in Saturday's win against the Phillies.

Gray retired the first seven batters he faced and cruised without much difficulty from there, surrendering his only run on a double play in the fourth inning. The right-hander has been pleasantly efficient over his last three outings, posting a 2.84 ERA and an 18:2 K:BB in that stretch, so he looks to be back in full form after missing nearly two months with a foot injury. Despite his unimpressive 4.94 ERA this season, there's little doubt Gray is the ace of the Colorado rotation and he'll have a full week before his next scheduled start, Saturday against the Marlins.

Davies (13-5) tossed seven shutout innings on one hit and two walks while striking out two to earn the victory Saturday against the Rays.

Davies was locked up in a pitcher's duel, as he left the contest with a one-run lead, but the bullpen was able to preserve his 13th victory of the season. He's allowed just three earned runs over his last four starts to lower his ERA from 5.08 to 4.18, and during that time he's been an outstanding fantasy option. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Twins.

Lugo (5-3) allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Lugo held the Dodgers scoreless until giving up a pair of homers in the sixth inning, and in the process, he blew a three-run lead to keep him from potentially earning his sixth victory of the campaign. He's failed to log a quality start in any of his past three outings to raise his ERA from 4.05 to 4.55, and he's been an inconsistent fantasy option this year. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Phillies.

Hill (8-4) allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out eight across five innings in a no-decision against the Mets on Saturday.

Hill gave up three solo homers in the first inning before settling down over the next four innings, and although he left the contest with a 3-0 deficit, the Dodgers came up with enough runs to take him off the hook for a potential loss. This was the first time in over a month in which he's allowed more than two runs in an outing, and he now owns a 3.47 ERA to go along with a 1.19 WHIP. He'll make his next start Saturday against the Padres.

Freeland (left groin strain) was placed on the 10-day DL on Saturday.

He left Friday's start with the groin injury, and it will cost him at least one start. The Rockies already had six big-league starters on the active roster prior to this injury, so it seems likely that they will simply go with a strict five-man rotation until Freeland is healthy. Carlos Estevez was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move to serve as a fresh bullpen arm.

Strasburg (elbow) is progressing with his throwing program, but there is no firm timetable for his return to the rotation, Kyle Melnick of MLB.com reports.

Manager Dusty Baker said Saturday that he is unsure if Strasburg will need a rehab assignment before returning. With the Nationals holding a 13-game lead over the second place Marlins in the National League East, making sure Strasburg is ready for October is the primary concern, so look for them to proceed with caution.

Fried was recalled from Double-A Mississippi on Saturday.

The 23-year-old lefty entered the season as a high-risk/high-reward starting pitching prospect, but he really struggled after making the jump to Double-A (5.92 ERA, 1.51 WHIP), in part because he was dealing with a blister earlier this season. He has recently been making shorter starts, throwing between 45 and 65 pitches in his last three outings and allowing zero runs while striking out nine in 10 innings over that stretch. It seems like he will used as a multi-inning reliever initially for the Braves, and his success in that role will likely dictate how the Braves use him in 2018 and beyond.

Ray (concussion) threw from about 120 feet in the outfield prior to Friday's game against the Giants, the Associated Press reports.

Ray would have been in line to start Friday, but the Diamondbacks ended up calling up Anthony Banda from Triple-A Reno to fill the void in the rotation after Ray was forced to the 7-day disabled list upon taking a liner to the head in his previous outing last week. The fact that Ray traveled with the team and has already been cleared to resume baseball activities suggests that he's progressing nicely in his recovery from the concussion, but it's uncertain if he'll be able to make his next scheduled turn in the rotation. With an off day looming Monday, the Diamondbacks will have until the Aug. 12 game against the Cubs to determine if Ray is ready to go or if Banda will be needed again.