-
Zebby Matthews SP | MIN
Twins' Zebby Matthews: Yields two homers in no-decision
Matthews allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five over 3.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Wednesday.
Matthews gave up solo home runs to Taylor Ward and Nolan Schanuel in this contest. This was just the second time Matthews has walked multiple batters over six major-league starts, but he's also been tagged for eight homers. He is at a 7.11 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 27:5 K:BB through 25.1 innings. His next start is tentatively projected to be at Cleveland.
-
Justin Steele SP | CHC
Cubs' Justin Steele: Throws off mound
Steele (elbow) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.
This marks the first time Steele has thrown off a mound since he landed on the injured list last Wednesday, and he's slated to throw another bullpen session over the weekend. Assuming everything goes smoothly, the 29-year-old lefty could be cleared to face live hitters sometime next week and appears to have a good chance to pitch again before the end of the season.
-
Davis Martin SP | CHW
White Sox's Davis Martin: Falls to 0-4
Martin (0-4) took the loss Wednesday against the Guardians, allowing five runs on six hits and a walk over three innings. He struck out four.
Martin gave up a pair of runs in the first inning before the Guardians put up three in the third. While the 27-year-old Martin has yet to earn a win this year, he'd been pitching well prior to Wednesday, posting a 3.12 ERA in his previous five outings (26 innings). His ERA now sits at 4.14 on the season with a 1.35 WHIP and 39:16 K:BB across 41.1 innings. Martin's currently lined up for a road matchup with the Angels next week in his next start.
-
Matthew Boyd SP | CHC
Guardians' Matthew Boyd: Strikes out nine Wednesday
Boyd didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the White Sox, allowing four runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out nine.
All four runs against Boyd came in the third inning, though three were unearned following an Andres Gimenez throwing error. While 4.1 innings marked the shortest outing for Boyd this year, he was able to record a season-high nine strikeouts. Overall, the left-hander is 2-1 with a 2.18 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 35:7 K:BB across six starts (33 innings) since returning from Tommy John surgery in mid-August. Boyd's currently lined up to face the Twins at home early next week in his next outing.
-
Sean Manaea SP | NYM
Mets' Sean Manaea: Another strong outing
Manaea didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Blue Jays, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out eight.
Manaea's now gone at least 6.2 innings in six straight starts, posting a 3.07 ERA in that span (41 innings). The left-hander is 11-5 on the season with a 3.35 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 171 strikeouts (23 shy of a career high) across 164 innings. Manaea's currently lined up to face the Nationals at home next week in his next outing.
-
Merrill Kelly SP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly: Managing hamstring cramps
Manager Torey Lovullo said Kelly was lifted from Wednesday's start due to right hamstring cramping, but the right-hander is expected to make his next turn through the rotation, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.
Kelly allowed three earned runs over four innings before being lifted from Wednesday's contest, but he doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious injury. The 35-year-old's next turn through the rotation tentatively lines up for Monday in Colorado, and he should be expected to take the mound then unless the hamstring issue lingers.
-
Martin Perez SP | ATL
Padres' Martin Perez: Placed on paternity list
The Padres placed Perez on the paternity list Wednesday.
Perez is allowed to be away from the team for up to three games, and the Padres will push back his next scheduled start from Friday to Sunday while he spends time with his family, per Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune. While Perez is away, Tom Cosgrove will come up from Triple-A to give San Diego additional bullpen help.
-
Zack Showalter SP | STL
Cardinals' Zack Showalter: Ends season on shelf
Single-A Palm Beach placed Showalter on its 7-day injured list Aug. 16 with an unspecified injury.
Showalter, 20, posted a 2.62 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 59 strikeouts over 34.1 innings before being shut down with the injury. The Cardinals appear committed to developing him as a reliever, as he had made each of his 24 appearances out of the bullpen this season.
-
James Paxton SP | BOS
Red Sox's James Paxton: Retiring after season
Paxton (calf) said Wednesday that he plans to retire after the season, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.
Paxton is currently on the 60-day injured list due to a tear in his right calf and won't be able to pitch again during the regular season, though he could be able to return for the postseason if the Red Sox are able to secure a wild-card spot. Either way, 2024 will mark the 35-year-old's final season in professional baseball, putting an end to his 11-year career. He'll finish with a career 3.77 ERA and 1.25 WHIP alongside 1,005 strikeouts through 951 innings.
-
Merrill Kelly SP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly: Exits start with possible cramping
Kelly was removed from Wednesday's start against the Rangers in the fifth inning with an undisclosed injury, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
The Diamondbacks should provide an update on Kelly's condition after the game, but he has dealt with cramping multiple times in the past and was seen shaking his leg during a visit from the trainer. Kelly struck out three and was charged with two runs over four-plus innings before being removed.