MLB Player News

Eflin pitched 6.1 scoreless innings against Miami on Wednesday, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out four batters in a no-decision.

Eflin was excellent in the outing, preventing the Marlins from putting on more than one baserunner in any inning. The right-hander notched his third straight quality start and was very efficient with just 69 pitches over 6.1 frames but had to settle for a no-decision since Miami starter Jesus Luzardo was nearly unhittable. Eflin lowered his season ERA to 3.40 with the standout start, and he's already set a career high with 13 victories. He's bounced back well from a three-inning, six-run dud against Cleveland on Aug. 13, posting a 1.47 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB over 18.1 frames over his subsequent three starts.

Dunning allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four batters over four innings in a no-decision against the Mets on Wednesday.

All of the damage against Dunning came in the second inning, when he gave up three runs, two of which came on back-to-back long balls by Daniel Vogelbach and DJ Stewart. Though Dunning put up a zero in each of his other frames, he needed 74 pitches to get through four innings and didn't make it to the mound for the fifth. The right-hander began August by posting a 2.18 ERA and 29:4 K:BB over 20.2 frames across his first three starts, but he ended the month much less positively, allowing 10 runs while recording a 14:9 K:BB across 11 innings over his past three appearances.

Cole (12-4) earned the win over Detroit on Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over six innings.

Cole wasn't overpowering in the effort -- he recorded a modest nine swinging strikes and seven punchouts -- but he walked away with his second straight victory following a rough four-inning, six-run loss to Boston on Aug. 19. The right-hander collected his league-leading 20th quality start, with seven of those coming in his nine outings since the All-Star break. Cole also ranks third in the AL in strikeouts (188), second in ERA (2.95) and fourth in WHIP (1.04).

Pfaadt dropped to 1-7 after allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings in Wednesday's 7-0 loss to the Dodgers.

Pfaadt had gotten his season on track in August, but the month ended on a sour note. He gave up two-run home runs to Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward in the third inning, and Max Muncy added a two-run double in the fourth. Pfaadt gave up 16 runs (15 earned) over 33.2 innings across his six starts in August. The rookie is now at a 6.21 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 64:22 K:BB through 71 innings over 14 starts this year. He's tentatively lined up for a home start versus the Rockies next week.

Freeland dropped to 5-14 while allowing seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and a walk while striking out three over 5.2 innings in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to Atlanta.

Facing baseball's most powerful offense at Coors Field was always going to be tricky for Freeland. He ended up with a sour end to a mediocre August in which he went 1-3 while allowing 25 runs (24 earned) over 33.2 innings across six starts. The poor month elevated his ERA from 4.79 to 5.18, and he has a 1.47 WHIP and 89:38 K:BB over 140.2 innings this season. Freeland is projected to make his next start on the road in Arizona.

Vines (1-0) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out five over six innings to earn the win in Wednesday's 7-3 victory over the Rockies.

Making his major-league debut at Coors Field, Vines had few issues with the Rockies' lineup. The runs against him came on an Ezequiel Tovar single and a Hunter Goodman sacrifice fly. Vines had a 2.86 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB over 28.1 innings with Triple-A Gwinnett after recovering from a shoulder injury, so his success isn't all that surprising. The rookie right-hander could have a chance to stick in Atlanta's rotation beyond Wednesday. If he does, he could pitch at home versus the Cardinals next week, though Atlanta may use Monday's off day to push him to the back a few days instead.

Wentz tossed five innings as the bulk pitcher in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Yankees. He allowed four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six.

The six strikeouts were nice, but Wentz was largely ineffective once again, pushing his season ERA to 6.65, which would be the worst in the majors if he qualified. Three home runs accounted for most of the damage, and he's now allowed 21 long balls this season in 89.1 innings. Wentz may continue to get some chances as a starter or bulk reliever down the stretch, but he can be avoided in fantasy given his struggles.

Corbin (9-12) took the loss Wednesday, allowing six runs on 10 hits and a walk over five innings in a 7-0 loss against the Blue Jays. He struck out five.

Corbin had been pitching well coming into Wednesday's start, posting a 2.12 ERA over his previous three outings. The Blue Jays got to him early, scoring twice in the first inning, eventually handing Corbin his first loss since July 24. Overall, the left-hander now sports a 4.90 ERA with a 1.50 WHIP and 109:48 K:BB across 27 starts (154.1 innings) this season. Corbin will look to get back on track in his next start, currently scheduled for next week at home against the Mets.

Bassitt (13-7) earned the win Wednesday, allowing three hits and a walk over eight scoreless innings against Washington. He struck out three.

It was a rebound performance from Bassitt after he was tagged for four runs over 5.2 innings in a loss to Cleveland in his prior start. The 34-year-old right-hander had been somewhat inconsistent recently, pitching to a 5.09 ERA in his previous three starts coming into Wednesday (17.2 innings). Overall, Bassitt sports a 3.81 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP and 151:52 K:BB across 28 starts (165.1 innings) this season. He's currently in line for a road matchup with the A's in his next start.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday that Henry (elbow) still has not started his throwing program and he may be "past the point of no return," Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Lovullo said last week that there was a chance Henry returns in a bullpen role before the end of the season, but his chances appear to be fading. If Henry isn't able to begin his throwing program within the next few days, it's certainly possible the D-backs shift their focus to getting Henry ready for the start of spring training next year.