MLB Player News

Nelson didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Phillies, allowing one run on three hits over six innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The right-hander was sharp once again, firing 56 of 82 pitches for strikes as he delivered his third quality start in 10 outings. Nelson's given up two earned runs or less in three of his four trips to the mound in May, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB through 21 innings. He'll look to keep rolling in his next start, likely to come at home early next week against the Rockies.

Ashcraft (2-3) took the loss Tuesday, surrendering seven runs on 10 hits over five innings as the Reds fell 8-5 to the Cardinals. He struck out five.

The second-year right-hander was taken deep twice by Paul Goldschmidt as part of the St. Louis barrage. Ashcraft has been tagged for at least seven runs in three of his last four starts, serving up five homers in 17.1 innings over that stretch and sending his ERA soaring from 2.00 to 5.57 during his disastrous May. He'll try to regain his footing in his next outing, likely to come on the road this weekend against the Cubs.

Allen (1-2) took the loss Tuesday, allowing four runs (three runs) on seven hits and a walk over six innings against the White Sox. He struck out four.

Allen was cruising through his first six innings, allowing just one run on a Yasmani Grandal home run in the fifth. However, he surrendered three hits and a walk without recording an out in the seventh as he took his second loss of the season. It's been an up-and-down rookie campaign so far for Allen -- he's been hurt by hitters generating a .350 BABIP against him, though he's managed to maintain a solid 3.31 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP and 33:9 K:BB through six outings (37.2 innings).

Wainwright (2-0) picked up the win in Tuesday's 8-5 victory over the Reds, coughing up five runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.2 innings. He struck out two.

Five of the hits off Wainwright went for extra bases, including Matt McLain's first career big-league homer in the third inning, but fortunately for the veteran right-hander the Cardinals' offense was firing on all cylinders. Wainwright has given up at least four runs in each of his four starts so far this season, and he'll carry an ugly 6.33 ERA and 10:6 K:BB through 21.1 innings into his next outing, likely to come this weekend in Cleveland.

Cease (3-3) earned the win Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings in a 4-2 win over Cleveland. He struck out three.

It's Cease's first win since April 10, though he's now logged quality starts in three consecutive outings, allowing five runs in that span (18.1 innings). He's found success recently despite a decline in strikeout rate -- he hasn't recorded more than six punchouts in a start since April 5, sporting a sub-par 19 percent K-rate since the beginning of May. Overall, Cease has a 4.60 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 60:25 K:BB over 11 starts (58.2 innings) this season.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Liberatore will be available in relief Tuesday night at Cincinnati, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

It's a bit odd that the Cardinals haven't simply installed Liberatore into their regular rotation mix given how sharp he looked in his first MLB start of the season last week against the Brewers, but they are short on bullpen options following Monday's extra-innings loss to the Reds. Liberatore appeared in relief Sunday versus the Dodgers and gave up two earned runs over one inning of work. If he's not used again out of the bullpen, he should get a starting nod later this week in Cleveland.

Maeda (triceps) threw another successful bullpen session Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Maeda told Hayes that he hit 88 mph with his fastball and was encouraged by that radar reading as he prepares to embark on a rehab assignment. He'll throw one more bullpen session before meeting up with one of the Twins' minor-league affiliates next week. If all goes well from this point forward, Maeda could return to the rotation in early-to-mid June. He's been out since April 29 with a right triceps strain.

The Dodgers transferred May (forearm) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

May landed on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to a right flexor pronator strain, and his move to the 60-day IL ensures he will be out through the All-Star break. Bobby Miller was selected from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill May's spot on the active roster.

The Dodgers promoted Miller from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday for his start against Atlanta, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 24-year-old righty has made four starts for Oklahoma City this season, recording a 5.65 ERA and 1.21 WHIP through 14.1 innings. While his numbers might not exactly jump off the page, he's demonstrated a knack for striking out batters at a plus rate, logging a 10.1 K/9 throughout his Triple-A career. To make room for Miller on the Dodgers' roster, Tyler Cyr (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list, and Dustin May (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day IL.

Cueto (biceps) was transferred Tuesday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

This is mostly just a procedural move to clear out a 40-man roster spot for outfielder Jonathan Davis, who was called up from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday. Cueto is making progress in his recovery from a right biceps injury, but there is no set timetable for his return. He's eligible for activation in early June.