MLB Player News

Cease allowed five runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out five batters over four innings in a no-decision against Atlanta in the first game of Monday's doubleheader.

This was Cease's worst outing as a Padre, as he pitched a season-low four frames and gave up a season-high nine hits. He had previously given up five earned runs in an outing, but that came over six frames against Philadelphia. Cease was uncharacteristically hurt by the long ball Monday -- after giving up just three homers across his first nine starts, he yielded a pair of home runs (though both were solo shots) versus Atlanta. It's a testament to Cease's effectiveness overall this season that he still holds a 3.05 ERA and 0.93 WHIP despite Monday's dud.

Gray (6-2) allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings to earn the win Monday over the Orioles.

Gray gave up a three-run blast to Gunnar Henderson in the sixth inning, but the Cardinals were able to maintain their lead after that. The long ball has become a problem for the veteran right-hander -- he's surrendered five homers while giving up 14 runs (12 earned) over his last 16.2 innings. He's still managed to win two of his three starts in that span. Gray is at a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 59:10 K:BB through 47 innings across eight starts this season. He allowed all of eight homers in 32 starts last year, so it's worth keeping an eye on whether Gray can keep the ball down better moving forward. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Cubs.

Weathers did not factor into the decision Monday against Milwaukee, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks over seven innings. He struck out eight.

Weathers generated 14 whiffs en route to his eight strikeouts, reaching that mark for the first time since punching out 10 on April 16 against San Francisco. The Miami lefty has thrown four consecutive quality starts, posting a 2.67 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 20:4 K:BB over 27 innings during that time. Weathers is currently slated to make his next start against Arizona on the road this weekend.

Ross (back) is expected to require a stint on the 15-day injured list, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ross was forced out of his start Monday against the Marlins after his back tightened up, and he was later diagnosed with a low back strain. The club will likely wait to see how he responds Tuesday before making an official roster move. Milwaukee is already thin when it comes to starting pitching, so the team will once again be forced to turn to their farm system for help. Aaron Ashby and Tobias Myers are candidates to enter the rotation if it's confirmed that Ross requires a trip to the IL.

Parker (3-2) earned the win Monday against the Twins, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out seven.

Parker tossed his second quality start of the season, requiring 94 pitches to complete the accomplishment. The rookie southpaw has impressed in his first 38 career innings, posting a 3.32 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 32:8 K:BB. Parker currently lines up to face the Mariners in his next start this weekend.

The Dodgers optioned Knack to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Knack filled in admirably Sunday in a spot start against the Reds, surrendering one run on three hits and one walk while fanning five over 4.2 innings. He'll be moved back to the minors to make room for Yohan Ramirez, who was acquired in a trade from the Mets earlier in the day.

May (elbow) has started throwing off a mound at the Dodgers' team facility in Arizona, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

May has been slowly working his way back from the surgery underwent on his right flexor tendon and UCL in July. The right-hander will progressively increase his workload on the mound before he'll likely throw live batting practice and ultimately go on an extended minor-league rehab assignment. The organization will likely be especially cautious in their approach to May's recovery, and his return to the majors is currently projected to come around the All-Star break.

Miller (shoulder) is expected to throw a simulated game Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Miller continues to make progress in his recovery after being sent to the 15-day injured list April 13 due to right shoulder inflammation. He successfully completed a bullpen session Saturday, and as expected, he's now been given the green light to toss a sim game. Miller will likely be sent out on a rehab assignment later in the week, assuming all goes well Tuesday.

Ross was removed from Monday's start against the Marlins after one scoreless inning due to back tightness, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Ross was reportedly dealing with some back tightness before Monday's start, but he felt good enough to give it a go after warming up. However, his back tightened back up during a 15-pitch first inning, and he's been officially diagnosed with a low back strain. Jared Koenig was called upon out of the bullpen following the right-hander's departure and will likely be asked to eat up a few frames.

Sheehan revealed Monday that last week's right elbow surgery was an internal brace procedure, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The internal brace procedure typically allows for a shorter rehab than a traditional Tommy John surgery, although Sheehan noted Monday that he's been told to expect the rehab to last 13 months. That puts the young right-hander out until around the All-Star break next year.