MLB Player News

Flexen has been named the starting pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Rockies, Marc Carig of Newsday reports..

Flexen made his first major-league start Thursday against the Padres, surrendering three earned runs on five hits and four walks with two strikeouts over three tough innings. Despite his poor performance, the 23-year-old will be granted another start, this time in the brutal pitching environment of Colorado.

Lively will have his next start at Triple-A Lehigh Valley pushed back a few days after he was hit in the back of his left knee by a line drive Friday, Michael Blouse of the Allentown Morning Call reports.

Lively has pitched well since he was sent back to Triple-A. He's 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA and a 22:6 K:BB in 23 innings during the month of July. Jake Thompson is currently getting a look in the Phillies' rotation, but if he fails to capitalize on his opportunity, the Phils could turn to Lively or Zach Eflin to take Thompson's spot.

Eflin allowed one run on four hits over six innings Saturday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He struck out seven and walked two.

Eflin is 0-2 with a 4.18 ERA and a 30:9 K:BB in 28 innings since coming back from elbow inflammation that cost him about a month of playing time. Jake Thompson is currently getting a look in the Phillies' rotation, but if he fails to capitalize on his opportunity, the Phils could turn to Eflin or Ben Lively to take Thompson's spot.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Thompson will remain in the rotation for now, Gordie Jones of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Thompson earned another start after working five scoreless innings Friday as a last-minute fill-in for Jeremy Hellickson. The 2012 second-round pick has struggled at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season but started to turn things around in July by making better use of his changeup. He'll face the Angels in his next start.

Greinke (13-4) allowed one run on four hits and a walk and struck out nine through seven innings in a win over the Cardinals on Saturday.

Greinke reached nine strikeouts for the fifth time this season, but just the first since May 22. He has now recorded quality starts in four out of five outings and has earned the win in five straight decisions. Greinke's ERA is down to 2.84 as he is finally giving the Diamondbacks the ace they envisioned when they snapped him off the market.

Hendricks allowed a single run on six hits while striking out three batters through five innings during Saturday's win over Milwaukee. He didn't factor into the decision.

Hendricks has been handled cautiously through his first two starts since returning from the disabled list, but he's pitched well. The Cubs are 12-3 out of the All-Star break, and Hendricks should see his leash lengthened moving forward, so everything is trending in the right direction for the righty. Hendricks lines up for a tape-measuring matchup against the Nationals at Wrigley Field in his next start.

Eickhoff (2-7) allowed three runs, one of which was earned, on five hits and three walks while striking out three over five innings in a no-decision Saturday against the Braves.

Eickhoff allowed a pair of runs in the first inning before leaving the game with a 3-1 deficit, but the offense scored in the ninth inning to take him off the hook for a potential loss. He's held opponents to two or fewer earned runs in four of his last five starts, and despite a 4.56 ERA, he's been a solid fantasy option during that stretch. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Angels.

Marquez (9-4) allowed two runs on three hits while striking out 10 to earn the win Saturday against the Nationals.

Marquez held the Nats scoreless until he was touched up for a pair of runs in the sixth inning, but the offense provided him four runs, helping him earn his ninth win of the year. He's won four straight decisions while allowing three or fewer runs in each of his five July starts. Additionally, he's fanned at least nine batters in three straight games, and he's been a rare Colorado starting pitcher to show consistent fantasy relevance. He'll make his next start Friday against the Phillies.

Cueto (finger) will make a rehab start Monday for High-A San Jose, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Giants were initially hoping to bring him back to the majors Monday, his last chance to start before the trade deadline, but it just wasn't meant to be. Look for Cueto to return sometime during next weekend's series against Arizona instead.

DeGrom (12-4) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out 10 over six innings to take the loss Saturday against the Mariners.

Despite a solid outing, a lack of run support cost deGrom a shot at his 13th win. He's allowed just six earned runs over his last four starts to lower his ERA from 3.65 to 3.29, and he continues to be a high-end fantasy option. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Rockies.