MLB Player News

Kershaw received treatment Monday morning for minor discomfort in his back, but he's not expected to miss his next start, ESPN reports.

Manager Dave Roberts insisted that the ailment did not impact Kershaw during Sunday's loss to the Pirates, in which he was touched up for four runs on nine hits across six innings. Roberts went on to call it an "off-and-on-issue" and stated emphatically that Kershaw would "absolutely" be on the hill for his next start Friday against Colorado.

The Phillies activated Velasquez (biceps) from the disabled list Monday, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Velasquez will start Monday and face Robbie Ray and the Diamondbacks in Arizona. His return bumps Adam Morgan out of the rotation and into the bullpen.

Kershaw was touched up for four runs on nine hits and two walks across six innings in Sunday's loss to the Pirates. He struck out four.

Kershaw was excellent aside from the second inning, when he allowed all four runs on five hits and a walk. Sunday's disappointing outing actually puts Kershaw's dominance in perspective, as the pair of walks represented a new season-high and he gave up more than two earned runs for just the second time. He will host the Rockies in his next start Saturday and should be a safe bet for a bounce-back performance.

Corbin was shelled for six runs on seven hits and five walks Sunday in just 4.1 innings versus the Rockies. He struck out one and did not factor into the decision.

Corbin simply couldn't find his command Sunday, as he tied a season-high in walks and threw a feeble 50% of his pitches for strikes. He had delivered quality starts in three of his previous four starts prior to Sunday, but his ERA still sits at an unimpressive 4.99 on the season. Corbin has yet to resemble his pre-Tommy John surgery self this season and will be a shaky fantasy play in his next start Saturday at home to the Giants.

Nola allowed five runs on 10 hits in just 3.1 innings in Sunday's start versus the Giants. He did not walk a batter and struck out four.

Nola taxed himself in the third inning when he allowed four runs on five hits, and he left the game after recording just one out in the fourth inning. He has allowed 22 runs in just 13 innings over his last four starts and has seen his ERA balloon nearly two full runs to 4.45. He will look to get back on track Saturday versus the Royals.

Cueto was roughed up for six runs on eight hits and two walks across six innings in Sunday's start versus the Phillies. He struck out just two.

Most of the damage against Cueto was done in the fourth and fifth innings, and he was chased from the game after allowing a home run to lead off the seventh. Control was not the issue, as Cueto threw 70 percent of his pitches for strikes, but he missed over the plate routinely and paid the price. Cueto has now allowed six runs on three separate occasions this season, but he has allowed two runs or fewer in 11 of his 12 other starts and still owns an impressive 2.42 ERA. He will have the opportunity to bounce back Friday versus the Diamondbacks.

DeSclafani (2-0) held the Padres scoreless over eight innings Sunday, scattering five hits while striking out five to get the win.

He wasn't missing many bats, as DeSclafani only generated six swinging strikes among his 117 pitches, but with San Diego failing to muster any offense against him, manager Bryan Price let him cruise as long as possible before entrusting Cincinnati's first shutout of the season to closer Tony Cingrani. DeSclafani should have a bigger challenge in his next start, though, on the road Friday against the Nats.

Hammel (7-4) allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over six innings while striking out three in Sunday's loss to the Marlins.

It was Hammel's ninth quality start of the year, but he wasn't quite able to keep pace with a dominant Jose Fernandez. Hammel's 2.58 ERA on the season is still by far the best of his career, though. He'll next take the mound on the road Friday against the Mets.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Ryu (shoulder) is not in contention to start for the Dodgers on Wednesday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

While the team hopes to have the southpaw back before the All-Start break, he's still in the process of building up his pitch count and requires more time on a rehab assignment. Brock Stewart and Carlos Frias appear the two favorites to receive the start, but more on the situation should come about in the next couple days. Meanwhile, Ryu will continue working in the minors with the hopes of rejoining the club after a couple more rehab starts.

Manager Clint Hurdle indicated that Cole (triceps) will take a "step forward" Sunday by throwing off a mound, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

It was originally believed Cole would be ready for activation from the disabled list when first eligible, but the recovery process has taken longer than expected. The Pirates' ace remains without a firm timetable, but that should begin to clear up as he moves further along in the process.