MLB Player News

The recovery of Diamondbacks southpaw starter Patrick Corbin from Tommy John surgery will take a step forward Monday when he starts for Class-A Advanced Visalia, per azcentral.com.

Corbin, who has only worked in extended spring training games to this point, has not pitched since 2013, when he blossomed to the tune of a 14-8 record and 3.41 ERA.

Many skeptics consider the Astros an early-season flash destined to fade. But the team could turn them into believers if they trade for Phillies ace Cole Hamels.

Such a deal remains a longshot, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reports. His $24 million annual deal could prove cost-prohibitive. But pairing Hamels with emerging ace Dallas Keuchel might make the Astros the favorite to win an American League West in which they currently own a 5 1/2-game lead.

"The goaL is a No. 1 or 2," said a person familiar with what Houston is seeking. General manager Jeff Luhnow amended that to include a 1-3 starter strong enough to pitch in a hypothetical postseason scenario.

The Astros and their rich farm system boast the talent to entice the Phillies, who are attempting to maximize the trade potential of Hamels. But Houston is also one of 20 teams on the list in his no-trade clause. It remains to be seen if he would waive it to pitch for a Houston team he likely didn't believe would emerge so quickly as a contender.

Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha earned a win on Thursday, giving up just one earned run on seven hits in seven innings while striking out five and walking none in his team's 7-1 victory over the Dodgers.

Wacha (8-1) took his first loss of the season in his previous outing, but he bounced back nicely on Thursday. He limited the potent Dodgers offense to just a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the sixth inning.

Wacha owns a 2.18 ERA and 47:17 K:BB ratio in 70 1/3 innings. He's in line to face the Rockies in Colorado on Tuesday.

Diamondbacks pitcher Robbie Ray didn't factor into the decision on Thursday, giving up six hits and one walk in five scoreless innings while striking out four in his team's 6-2 loss to the Mets.

Ray made a triumphant return to the majors on Thursday, having allowed just one run in six innings in a win in Colorado on May 6 in his only other major-league start. Though he held the opposition scoreless on Thursday, he needed a whopping 110 pitches just to complete five innings.

Ray owns a 0.82 ERA and 9:1 K:BB ratio in 11 innings. He's lined up to face the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Reds pitcher Anthony DeSclafani picked up a win on Thursday, giving up four earned runs on six hits and two walks in seven-plus innings while striking out none in his team's 6-4 victory over the Phillies.

DeSclafani (4-4) gave up a pair of runs in the first inning, but he was able to cruise through the next six innings without taking any damage. However, he then opened the eighth with a single and a walk before exiting, and both runners left on base would come around to score.

"I was glad I was able to put zeros on the board, keep the game close and give the team a chance to win," DeSclafani said, per MLB.com.

DeSclafani owns a 3.60 ERA and 41:27 K:BB ratio in 65 innings. He's scheduled to face the Phillies in a rematch in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

Nationals relief pitcher Sammy Solis (shoulder) threw about 35 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday and said he felt good afterward, the Washington Post reports.

Solis admitted that he was scared at first about his shoulder soreness. "But then dealing with physical therapists and trainers, that eased my mind a little bit," he said. "Just a little muscular soreness and fatigue, and I’m back and feeling good."

Solis is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. He's given up five earned runs in nine innings over five appearances with the Nationals.

After a successful session on Wednesday, Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg played catch again on Thursday, according to MASN Sports. 

Strasburg was placed on the 15-day disabled list last weekend due to a left trapezius strain. There isn't a timetable for his return at this time, though the fact he's been able to play catch two days in a row is encouraging. 

Strasburg is 3-5 with a 6.55 ERA in 10 starts. 

The Diamondbacks recalled starting pitcher Robbie Ray from Triple-A Reno to start Thursday against the Mets after placing Archie Bradley on the 15-day disabled list due to a shoulder injury.

The Mets are batting .249 with a .412 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers in 2015, per MLB.com.

Ray won his only start this season for Arizona, allowing one run in six innings during a 5-1 victory at Colorado on May 6.

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels, in a no-decision, struck out eight batters in Wednesday night's 5-4 win in 11 innings over the Reds.

Hamels has now struck out 17 batters in his last two games. Once holding a 4.14 ERA on May 2, Hamels has seen that fall to a 2.88 since. Against the Reds on Wednesday, Hamels gave up six hits and three walks. 

His next start is projected for June 8 when the Phillies and Reds play again.

The Mariners have acquired outfielder Mark Trumbo and Vidal Nuno from the Diamondbacks for catcher Welington Castillo, pitcher Dominic Leone, infielder Jack Reinheimer and outfielder Gabby Guerrero.  

Trumbo is hitting .259/.299/.506 this season. Trumbo figures to add power to a Seattle lineup that has been about average this year as the Mariners have a collective .395 slugging percentage.

"You look where we're at offensively and we're not doing exactly what I thought we'd do or what most people thought we'd do, and Trumbo is a guy that brings an awful lot to the table," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said, per MLB.com. "He's a big power hitter that will bat somewhere in the middle of the lineup and will be very good insurance for the ballclub." 

Late last week, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reported the Diamondbacks were potentially interested in dealing Trumbo, who has nine home runs and 23 RBI this season. 

Zduriencik said Trumbo can play either corner-outfield spot, as well as designated hitter and first base.

"We'll have a rotation system where he'll get his ABs along with Nelson Cruz and the other corner players," Zduriencik said. "That will still unfold. More than anything else, to bring the bat to this organization is what we're desiring to do."