MLB Player News

The Reds optioned Ashcraft to Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

Ashcraft's latest stint in the Reds rotation lasted three turns, and he allowed 10 runs with an 8:6 K:BB over 15 innings. Nick Lodolo (finger) is expected to return from the 15-day injured list later this week, and the Reds have elected to keep Carson Spiers as their No. 5 starter over Ashcraft.

Keller (10-5) earned the win Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks over eight innings against the Mets. He struck out six.

The 28-year-old cruised to his second straight season with double-digit wins, allowing just one extra-base hit -- a two-run Brandon Nimmo homer in the sixth. Keller has been reliable since June 1, pitching to a 3.09 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 44:8 K:BB over 43.2 innings across seven starts. The Pirates right-hander is scheduled to make his last outing of the first half against the White Sox in Chicago this weekend.

The Nationals optioned Herz to Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

Unless the Nationals place another player on the injured list in a corresponding move, Herz won't be eligible to rejoin Washington for another 15 days. Though Herz was tagged for five runs (four earned) in 4.1 innings in his most recent start in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com suggests that the left-hander's demotion likely isn't a result of the Nationals being dissatisfied with his performance. Instead, Washington is likely just giving him some extra rest ahead of the All-Star break, with Herz being a candidate to rejoin the big-league rotation when a fifth starter is needed to begin the second half of the season. Washington recalled right-hander Joan Adon from Triple-A to replace Herz on the 26-man active roster and provide a fresh arm out of the bullpen in the short term.

The Nationals recalled Adon from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

Adon has made all but two of his 28 career big-league appearances as a starter, but he appears poised to work out of the Washington bullpen after he transitioned to a relief role at Rochester in late June. Over his five relief outings at Triple-A, Adon struck out five while allowing seven baserunners over 5.1 scoreless innings.

Wrobleski dropped to 0-1 after giving up four earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in Sunday's 9-2 loss to the Brewers.

In what was his big-league debut, Wrobleski had some impressive moments, which included touching 98 miles per hour with his four-seam fastball on one of his four punchouts. The lefty, who turns 24 later this week, pounded the zone and gave up a couple home runs on the day. His fastball averaged 95 mph, and he threw mostly cutters and sliders off the fastball while mixing in a few changeups. Manager Dave Roberts hinted after the game that while he was impressed with Wrobleski's poise and pitch efficiency, the Dodgers will make a move to call up a reliever to take Wrobleski's place on the roster before Tuesday's game against the Phillies. The Dodgers have five healthy starters besides Wrobleski, but Roberts noted that the young lefty will likely be back in the majors soon.

Nelson (6-6) got the win over the Padres on Sunday, allowing one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five over 6.2 innings.

Nelson strung together one of his best starts of the season while outdueling Dylan Cease to get the win. His only mistake was allowing a first-inning home run to Jurickson Profar, but he was able to shut out the Padres the rest of the way. Nelson has put together four quality starts in his last five outings and has compiled a 3.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 21:3 K:BB (28.1 IP) while also leading all Diamondbacks starters in innings pitched over that span. For the year, the 26-year-old owns a 5.08 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 54:20 K:BB in 79.2 innings and will look to have one more positive start before the All-Star break, which is set to take place against the Blue Jays in a weekend home series.

Cease (7-8) took the loss Sunday against the Diamondbacks, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out eight over seven innings.

All three runs scored against Cease came from the long ball. Corbin Carroll opened up the game with a solo home run and then Eugenio Suarez put the Diamondbacks ahead with a two-run blast in the seventh. Cease has now given up four homers over his last two starts and has given up 14 in 14 starts dating back to April 27. He has a 5.11 ERA over that span, though that also comes with an elite 11.7 K/9. For the year, the 28-year-old owns a 4.21 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 128:33 K:BB in 109 innings. He lines up to face Atlanta at home this weekend.

Gordon (0-1) was the pitcher of record in Sunday's 10-1 loss to the Royals, striking out four over 6.1 innings while allowing five earned runs on eight hits and no walks.

While the 26-year-old's final stat line wasn't especially pretty, Gordon showed plenty of positive signs in his MLB debut. After yielding four runs -- including a three-run home run to Maikel Garcia -- in the second inning, Gordon rebounded by retiring 11 consecutive batters. He was able to pitch into the seventh inning, but was pulled after 78 pitches following MJ Melendez's solo home run and Garcia's bunt single. Assuming Sunday's outing was enough to earn another start, Gordon would be in line to face the Mets in New York next weekend.

Oviedo (elbow) increased his throwing distance to 90 feet to begin July, MLB.com reports.

Oviedo is progressing in his return from Tommy John surgery and recently increased his throwing distance from 75 feet. He is expected to be ready to begin the 2025 season.

Birdsong did not factor in the decision during Sunday's loss to Cleveland. He allowed two runs on five hits and two walks over 4.2 innings while recording five strikeouts.

Birdsong kept the Guardians quiet until he coughed up a pair of runs in the fourth inning. He's recorded exactly five punchouts in each of his first three big-league starts and has yet to go deeper than five innings. Birdsong generated 13 swinging strikes, including five with his slider. He'll carry a 4.40 ERA into his next start, which is projected to be at home against the Twins.