MLB Player News

Wheeler (6-2) took the loss Thursday in the second game of a doubleheader with Atlanta. He allowed six runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings.

It was a tough night for Wheeler, who gave up season highs in runs and walks while failing to make it through six innings for just the second time in 12 starts this year (both coming against Atlanta). The 35-year-old Wheeler's ERA now sits at 2.96 with a 0.92 WHIP and 94:18 K:BB across 76 innings. He'll look to bounce back in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in Toronto.

Smith-Shawver was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right elbow strain.

It initially seemed like Smith-Shawver was dealing with a foot/ankle injury after getting hit by a comebacker in the third inning, but the 22-year-old said he felt a pop in his elbow during the game, which could potentially signal a much more serious issue. Manager Brian Snitker said that the right-hander will travel back to Atlanta to undergo imaging but added that "it doesn't look good," per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Smith-Shawver has been a key contributor for Atlanta's rotation this year, but recent struggles have elevated his ERA to 3.86 to go with a 1.42 WHIP through 44.1 innings this year.

Sanchez did not factor into the decision in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader against Atlanta. He allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings.

Sanchez got off to a strong start, holding Atlanta scoreless through his first five innings. However, the southpaw would run into trouble in the sixth, when he'd ultimately allow two runs on three hits before leaving the game one out shy of a quality start. Overall, it was a step in the right direction for Sanchez after he allowed three runs on eight hits in just 4.2 innings during his last outing against the A's. His ERA now sits at 3.32 with a 1.31 WHIP and 70:22 K:BB through 11 starts (59.2 innings) this year. Sanchez is currently lined up to face the Blue Jays on the road in his next start.

Woodruff (ankle) struck out six and allowed one unearned run on five hits and no walks over seven innings in his rehab start Wednesday with High-A Wisconsin.

Woodruff took the hill Wednesday for his eighth rehab start and his second since resuming his assignment May 21 after a brief shutdown due to right ankle tendinitis. The right-hander's surgically repaired shoulder doesn't seem to be much of a concern at this stage, and after an efficient 74-pitch performance Wednesday, his ankle issue seemingly isn't causing him any problems either. Even so, the Brewers are still expected to have Woodruff make another rehab start next Tuesday with Triple-A Nashville, per MLB.com. If all goes well in that outing, Woodruff will likely be cleared to return from the 15-day injured list and slot into the Milwaukee rotation June 8 or 9 for what would be his first MLB appearance since Sept. 23, 2023.

Smith-Shawver was removed from his start in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against Philadelphia after getting hit in his lower right leg by a comebacker, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He struck out a batter and gave up two earned runs on three hits and one walk over 2.2 innings prior to his exit.

A 96-mile-per-hour line drive off the bat of Bryson Stott connected with Smith-Shawver's foot/ankle during the third inning. The 22-year-old righty attempted to remain in the game after getting hit but faced just one additional batter before manager Brian Snitker pulled the plug on him. Atlanta will presumably take a look at the young starter to make sure he didn't suffer any structural damage, and the team should offer an update on his status relatively soon.

Atlanta recalled Dodd from Triple-A Gwinnett to serve as the 27th man for Thursday's doubleheader versus the Phillies.

Dodd will be available as an option out of the bullpen for both contests of the twin bill but will likely head back to Gwinnett on Friday. After making 20 starts at Gwinnett in 2024, the left-hander has made the full-time transition to a relief role in 2025. Through 18 appearances at Triple-A this season, Dodd owns a 5.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 24:3 K:BB in 18 innings.

Rodriguez (shoulder) is expected to start in a game at the Arizona Complex League on Friday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Rodriguez is coming off a 55-pitch simulated game last Saturday and will get a chance to build upon that Friday in the ACL. The left-hander could rejoin the Diamondbacks rotation in time for next week's road series in Atlanta, although the team has not confirmed if additional starts (if any) may be required. That will likely be determined following Friday's outing.

Burnes will make his next start Sunday in the series final against Washington, per MLB.com.

Ryne Nelson had been expected to start Sunday, but he and Burnes will switch. This means Burnes will pitch on normal rest, while Nelson gets two extra days of recovery after throwing a season-high 84 pitches in Monday's win over the Pirates.

Williams (3-5) earned the win over Seattle on Wednesday, tossing six scoreless innings during which he allowed three hits and struck out two batters without issuing any walks.

Williams was masterful despite notching only five whiffs and two punchouts, as he allowed just three baserunners, two of which reached in the third inning. The right-hander probably could have gone deeper -- he tossed a mere 77 pitches (54 strikes) -- but manager Dave Martinez chose to go to the bullpen after six innings with the Nationals comfortably ahead by six runs. This was the first quality start of the season for Williams, who has had a rough campaign with a 5.69 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 55.1 frames.

Gordon (1-2) took the loss against the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks while striking out one batter over 4.2 innings.

Gordon fell behind quickly by allowing a run in the first inning, but Chicago was able to put just one additional run on the board (on a Pete Crow-Armstrong solo homer in the fourth frame). While Gordon notched just six whiffs and a single strikeout, he was effective in getting the ball over the plate, throwing a first-pitch strike to 14 of the 19 batters he faced and firing 56 strikes overall on 79 pitches. The right-hander gave up four earned runs over 6.1 frames against Detroit in his season debut May 8, but he's been steadier since then, allowing just four runs over 10.2 innings across his subsequent two starts against a pair of powerhouse offenses in the Yankees and Cubs. Ryan Feltner (back) is nearing a return from the IL, which could impact Gordon's spot in the rotation, but for the time being the latter is lined up for a road matchup against Miami next week.