MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Pepiot will remain in the rotation for at least one more start, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 24-year-old took a no-decision Tuesday in Milwaukee after giving up three runs over 4.2 innings and appeared headed for the bullpen with Dustin May (elbow) returning from the injured list this weekend. However, Pepiot will stick in the rotation for at least one more turn and perhaps more as Roberts contemplates a six-man rotation. Pepiot has a 4.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 29:20 K:BB across 25.1 frames through his first six big-league outings.

Keller (shoulder) was able to play catch Wednesday without any discomfort, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Keller's ability to do some light throwing one day after being pulled early in his start against the Red Sox is a good sign, but an upcoming bullpen session will be the real test of his health. If Keller's right shoulder presents no issues when he attempts to throw off a mound Thursday or Friday, he should be ready to make his next turn through the rotation Sunday against Cincinnati.

Smyly allowed two runs on four hits across 5.1 innings and did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Nationals. He had no walks and struck out four.

Smyly pitched well, though he needed 100 pitches to retire 16 batters and therefore got the hook after allowing a one-out double in the sixth inning. The lefty has now allowed two runs or fewer in his last three outings, which has helped him lower his ERA to a solid 3.67. Smyly isn't the most exciting fantasy option and doesn't always go deep into games, but he's been useful lately. He's scheduled to start again as part of a doubleheader Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Flaherty (shoulder) will make his next rehab start Sunday with Double-A Springfield, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The right-hander threw 52 pitches over three scoreless innings during Tuesday's rehab outing with Springfield, and he'll remain with the affiliate for his next start. If Flaherty requires another rehab start after Sunday, it would put him on track for early-September activation.

Interim manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Kikuchi will transition to a relief role, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The 31-year-old has surrendered 14 runs (11 earned) over 17.1 innings since the All-Star break and has a 5.25 ERA for the season, and the Blue Jays have seen enough with him in the rotation. Mitch White will step into the rotation Saturday against the Yankees with Kikuchi now in the bullpen.

Lucchesi (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A St. Lucie on Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lucchesi has been recovering from Tommy John surgery since June 2021, but he was recently cleared to face hitters and will now be able to begin a rehab assignment. The southpaw will presumably require a fairly lengthy ramp-up process, although it's possible he'll be able to return slightly sooner than expected if the Mets choose to bring him back as a reliever.

Malone (shoulder) underwent surgery Tuesday to repair damage to his labral tissue, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Malone has dealt with right shoulder issues over the last few months and was ultimately placed on the 7-day injured list in mid-June after experiencing soreness. The right-hander's season is over, and his absence could end up stretching into the 2023 season. Malone has tossed just 27 innings in the minors since being drafted in the first round in 2019.

Mahle is scheduled to undergo a precautionary MRI after he exited Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Tigers in the third inning with what the Twins described as right shoulder fatigue, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. He struck out one batter and allowed zero hits and one walk over 2.1 scoreless innings and didn't factor into the decision.

Manager Rocco Baldelli said the MRI will reveal if anything is structurally wrong with Mahle's shoulder, but initial examinations of the right-hander revealed nothing overly concerning. Baldelli noted that Mahle is experiencing some acute pain, so even if the MRI comes back clean, the 27-year-old will still need to prove he can throw without discomfort and with his normal velocity to avoid a trip to the IL. He tentatively lines up to make his next start Tuesday in Houston.

Alexander was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

Alexander made two relief appearances for the Brewers after being called up last week, and he tossed 3.2 scoreless innings. However, he'll head back to the minors after Trevor Kelley was recalled from Nashville on Wednesday.

Skubal, who has already been ruled out for the rest of the 2022 season, underwent successful flexor tendon surgery on his left elbow Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The 25-year-old was ruled out for the season last week and was set to visit a specialist in Los Angeles, who apparently determined that surgery was necessary. A typical recovery takes nine months, so Skubal is likely to miss significant time to begin the 2023 campaign. The lefty made 21 starts for Detroit this season and finished with a 3.52 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 117:32 K:BB across 117.2 innings.