MLB Player News

Pallante did not factor into the decision Monday against the Pirates, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out three.

Pallante was excellent in this one, firing six strong innings to earn his second quality start of the season. Unfortunately for the right-hander, the Cardinals mustered just one run in an eventual 2-1 loss. The 25-year-old started the season as a relief pitcher but has filled in admirably as a starter due to injury. In nine starts, Pallante has logged a 3.42 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 38:16 K:BB across 47.1 innings. He is currently lined up for a home start against the Rangers his next time out.

Diaz (1-1) allowed seven runs on nine hits and a walk over three-plus innings while taking a loss against the Royals on Monday.

Diaz gave up one run through two innings before Kansas City's bats caught fire. He allowed three runs in the third inning and was charged with three more in the fourth after giving up three straight hits to open the inning. Diaz had coughed up just two runs over 12 innings to begin his MLB career before Monday's brutal outing. His ERA jumped to 5.40 across three starts. As of now, he's lined up for a home matchup with the Pirates.

Myers (6-4) took the loss Monday against the Cubs, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

Despite matching his career high in strikeouts with six, a mark he's reached four times in his last six starts, Myers was saddled with the loss in this 87-pitch outing. The Milwaukee rookie has impressed of late, pitching to a 1.95 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 41:12 K:BB across 50.2 innings since the beginning of June. DL Hall (knee/forearm) and Joe Ross (back) could return soon as they continue rehab assignments at Triple-A Nashville, but Myers appears locked into a rotation spot. The 25-year-old currently lines up to face the Marlins at home in his next start this weekend.

Busch went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Monday's 3-1 win over the Brewers. He also stole a base.

Busch tallying two hits isn't surprising, as he's batting a solid .270 this season and .313 this month. However, the stolen base is a bit more unusual, as it was just his second of the year and first since May 10. Even without being a threat on the bases, Busch has been a solid fantasy asset, and he should continue to produce given his regular role in the heart of the Cubs' lineup.

Keller came away with a no-decision Monday against the Cardinals, allowing one earned run on six hits and two walks while striking out three in seven innings.

The lone blemish on Keller's line was a solo home run by Nolan Gorman in the fifth inning, the only extra-base hit of the night for the Cardinals. The right-hander matched a season low with just three strikeouts, but he logged his 11th quality start in what has been a strong campaign for the 28-year-old. Keller owns a 3.34 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 108:32 K:BB across 121.1 innings this season. He will look to keep things going in his next start, currently scheduled for this weekend in Arizona.

Smyly (3-5) tossed 1.2 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Monday against the Brewers. He allowed one hit and didn't record any walks or strikeouts.

Cubs starter Javier Assad didn't allow any runs over his 3.1 innings of work, but he also issued six walks and threw 76 pitches, which forced Smyly into the game early. The veteran lefty continued his strong recent form and lowered his ERA to 2.79. Chicago has stuck with Assad and Kyle Hendricks at the back of its rotation, though both pitchers have had their struggles this season and could be bumped for Smyly if the team decides to make a change.

Happ went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Monday's 3-1 victory against the Brewers.

The Chicago outfielder slugged a 377-foot solo shot off Tobias Myers in the sixth inning for his 16th homer of the season. After a hitless weekend in 12 at-bats against Arizona to open the second half, the long ball was a welcome sight for Happ. Across 67 plate appearances this month, the switch hitter is batting .271 (16-for-59) with five homers, 11 runs scored and 15 RBI. Happ is locked in as an everyday player for the Cubs, playing left field and hitting cleanup.

Neris picked up the save in Monday's 3-1 win versus Milwaukee, pitching a scoreless inning with no strikeouts. He allowed one hit.

The veteran reliever pounded the zone in this outing, firing 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes, and he secured his 103rd career save. Neris has turned in nine consecutive scoreless outings dating back to June 22. Over that time, he's been a fantasy stalwart, gathering four saves and 12 strikeouts across eight innings. Given his recent run of success, Neris could be a trade target at next week's July 30 deadline and lose his easy path to saves.

Bednar pitched a scoreless ninth inning to notch his 18th save of the season Monday against the Cardinals, allowing one hit and zero walks while striking out one batter.

Bednar allowed a two-out single to Paul Goldschmidt but he promptly struck out Nolan Gorman to secure the win for Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old has rebounded from a tough start to the season, logging a 2.45 ERA and converting all seven of his save chances since June 1. Bednar still owns a 4.98 ERA on the season, but his 1.08 WHIP is more reflective of his performance.

Benson went 2-for-2 with a solo home run and two stolen bases in a 4-1 win over Atlanta on Monday.

Benson went yard in the third inning and then stole second and third base in the fifth. Even so, he was pinch-hit for against a southpaw in the ninth. On the season, the 26-year-old is hitting a miserable .194 but has contributed 11 home runs and 13 steals across 299 plate appearances while starting against most right-handed pitchers.