MLB Player News

Strop (2-2) picked up the win in relief Sunday against the Cardinals. He pitched 1.2 innings without allowing a hit or a walk, and he struck out one.

With Kyle Hendricks only going four innings, Strop and four other Chicago relievers had to pick up the slack. Strop's strong performance lowered his season ERA to 2.79, and he also has 22 strikeouts across 19.1 innings.

Szapucki (shoulder) covered 4.1 innings in a start Sunday for Low-A Columbia, surrendering three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three.

Making his season debut after he was sidelined in spring training due to a shoulder impingement, Szapucki was understandably rusty in his return to the mound. The lefty is regarded as the top pitching prospect in the organization, but injury concerns have probably downgraded his stock in dynasty formats relative to where it was at heading into the season. If he's able to steer clear of further injuries for the rest of 2017 and routinely flash his plus fastball and curveball during his subsequent starts, Szapucki could regain some appeal from prospect hounds.

Gsellman is scheduled to start one of the doubleheader games Saturday against the Braves, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.

The Saturday start could be Gsellman's last in the majors for a while, as the Mets are set to welcome back Steven Matz (elbow) and Seth Lugo (elbow) from the disabled list by next weekend, both of whom are expected to retain rotation spots ahead of the 23-year-old right-hander. While Gsellman has pitched well his last three times out against the Padres, Brewers and Pirates, he's still carrying a 5.53 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 57 innings this season, which may be enough to convince manager Terry Collins to give Lugo a look as the fifth starter.

Fields gave up two solo home runs over two-thirds of an inning Saturday.

This was easily the 31-year-old's worst outing of the season, as it was the first time he gave up more than one earned run in 23 appearances. Fields still owns a 1.57 ERA on the year, but his 3.20 FIP -- due to an inflated 94.4 percent strand rate -- indicates a regression could be coming in the near future.

Hoffman was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and will draw the start against the Padres on Sunday.

Hoffman receives the major-league promotion in order to fill the spot in the rotation that opened up following Tyler Anderson's placement on the 10-day disabled list with left knee inflammation. He'll draw an attractive matchup against the light-hitting Padres during his first run through the rotation.

Jansen pitched a scoreless ninth inning to collect his ninth save of the season during Saturday's win over Milwaukee.

Jansen has converted all nine of his save opportunities and has also collected three wins to go along with his elite 1.17 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 15.7 K/9. Pitching for a contender helps his outlook, and Jansen has also now gone 23 innings without issuing a walk.

Torres (2-4) blew his third save of the season by allowing five runs -- four earned -- on three hits and two walks in the ninth inning of Saturday's loss to the Dodgers.

The 34-year-old veteran's ERA climbed from 3.10 to 4.20 with Saturday's implosion. He's pitching in high-leverage situations, but it might not be the best fit for his skill set. Additionally, his 7.2 K/9 and 1.57 WHIP aren't moving the fantasy needle either.

Gsellman (4-3) struck out six over 5.1 innings and allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks in a win over Pittsburgh on Saturday.

This was Gsellman's third straight solid start since returning to the Mets rotation. He's allowed three or fewer runs each time out, winning his last two. Even though Gsellman has allowed just six earned runs over his last 18.1 innings (2.98 ERA), Mets manager Terry Collins has already said the pitcher is the odd man out of the rotation once Steven Matz (elbow) and Seth Lugo (elbow) return from the disabled list next week. Gsellman might have to wait for another injury to get back in the rotation.

Bracho was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Bracho was brought up Thursday to serve as an extra bullpen arm, but didn't make any appearances during his short stint in the big leagues. He returns to Reno, where he has posted a dazzling 1.62 ERA and 29:6 K:BB over 14 relief appearances this season and converted three saves in four opportunities. Look for Bracho to be top candidate for another promotion should a bullpen spot open up in the future.

Hoffman will start Sunday's game against the Padres in place of Tyler Anderson (knee), Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Anderson is bound for the 10-day DL with left knee inflammation, so Hoffman may be in line for multiple starts if he can impress Sunday. The 2014 first-round pick showed his potential by posting a 3.29 ERA over 13.2 innings for the Rockies earlier this season, numbers he will look to improve upon as he makes his ninth career big-league start. Hoffman lasted just 2.2 innings in an outing against San Diego last season, allowing seven runs (none earned) and six hits while throwing 84 pitches.