MLB Player News

Kent will be used in bulk relief in Tuesday's game against the Tigers, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Kent's first seven traditional starts haven't gone well, as he's posted a 6.40 ERA and 27:23 K:BB in 32.1 innings, so the Nationals will try something new. Riley Cornelio will serve as an opener for Washington.

Ritchie will start Tuesday's game against the Reds in Atlanta.

Despite getting lit up for six runs over 4.2 innings in a start against the Cubs last Wednesday, Ritchie will stick around with Atlanta for another turn through the rotation. The 23-year-old righty has struggled with his control (13.7 percent walk rate) and with keeping the ball in the yard (11 home runs allowed over 62.2 innings) across 15 appearances (nine starts) with the big club this season.

Leiter (ankle/biceps) threw a bullpen session at Globe Life Field on Sunday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Leiter had been shut down for a couple of weeks after experiencing biceps soreness in his return from June ankle surgery. The right-hander felt good with the session and may throw another bullpen this week before the Rangers make a decision on his next step.

Williamson will start Tuesday's game in Atlanta.

After working out of the bullpen in each of his previous three appearances, Williamson will re-enter the rotation with the Reds placing Chase Burns (groin) on the 15-day injured list Sunday. Williamson had covered four-plus innings in two of those appearances while piggybacking Burns, so he should be sufficiently stretched out as he rejoins the rotation. Williamson could be in store for two starts this week, with another turn potentially coming in the season finale Sunday in Toronto.

Burnes is expected to start a game during the final series of the regular season against the Padres, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Burnes was roughed up by the Yankees on Sunday, allowing four runs on five hits, including three home runs. The right-hander has allowed five home runs and four walks over 10.1 innings since being activated off the injured list. Burnes is pleased with his secondary offerings, but the velocity of his signature pitch, the cutter, is down and not creating enough separation. He's tentatively scheduled to start Saturday on the road against the Padres.

The Dodgers optioned Sheehan to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.

Sheehan turned in another nice outing in bulk relief Sunday versus the Giants, fanning nine over 5.1 scoreless innings. However, the Dodgers evidently didn't have plans to pitch him again before the end of the regular season. Sheehan should be included on the Dodgers' NLDS roster in a bullpen role.

Nelson struck out two over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings in Sunday's win over the Yankees.

Nelson was summoned early in the game for a struggling Corbin Burnes, who was pulled after 2.2 innings and allowed four runs (three HRs). It was the second relief appearance for Nelson, who retired all four batters faced. As for Burnes, who has allowed five home runs and walked four over 10.1 innings in his three starts, there are no plans to replace him in the rotation, per Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Nelson will remain in the bullpen while Burnes is expected to take his turn during the final series of the regular season against the Padres.

Matthews (9-11) took the loss Monday, allowing five runs on eight hits and no walks over five innings against the Giants. He struck out nine.

Matthews got roughed up early, giving up four runs in the first two frames, though he still racked up his highest strikeout total since July 31. In four September starts, the right-hander has posted a 6.87 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB across 18.1 innings. Overall, Matthews owns a 4.90 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 116:39 K:BB in 130.1 innings (23 starts) and is tentatively lined up to make his final start of the regular season Sunday against the Rangers.

Tidwell left Monday's game against the Twins due to right elbow discomfort, Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Tidwell is expected to undergo further evaluation Tuesday morning to determine the extent of the injury. The Giants have already been eliminated from postseason contention, making it unlikely that the club rushes the right-hander back for one more start this season.

Tidwell left Monday's start against the Twins with an apparent arm injury, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. He allowed one run on three hits while striking out four over 3.1 innings prior to exiting.

Tidwell missed badly on his final pitch of the game in the top half of the fourth inning, prompting concern from the San Francisco dugout. He walked off the field with the team trainer after a brief evaluation. Tristan Beck was called upon in relief following Tidwell's departure.