MLB Player News

Lugo allowed two runs on six hits and struck out four without walking a batter over five innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Lugo rebounded from giving up eight runs over 3.1 innings against the Dodgers in his last start, but it was still his fourth outing in a row without a win. The right-hander was also tagged for his eighth home run in his last six starts. He's at a 4.16 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 94:21 K:BB through 97.1 innings over 18 starts this season. He's projected for a rematch at home versus the Diamondbacks in his next outing.

Taillon (7-7) took the loss Sunday, allowing eight runs on eight hits and two walks over three innings against Toronto. He struck out two.

Taillon had performed very well over his previous six starts, allowing only nine earned runs over 37.1 innings. However, he nearly doubled that total on Sunday. Outside of a three-run home run by Daulton Varsho, the Blue Jays mainly nickel-and-dimed Taillon with seven singles and a couple of walks. He'll have a chance for redemption next weekend in a home series against the Royals.

Pfaadt allowed three runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Sunday.

Pfaadt was able to avoid taking a loss as the Diamondbacks rallied from behind in the seventh and eighth innings. The rookie right-hander has given up eight runs over 17.1 innings across his three starts in August, and his 20:5 K:BB in that span is a sign that he's starting to get more comfortable in the majors. Pfaadt has a 6.91 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 50:16 K:BB through 54.2 innings across 11 starts this year. He's projected to face the Padres again in his next outing, with that start set to be in San Diego.

Freeland (4-13) allowed four runs on six hits and a walk while striking out one over five innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Dodgers.

Freeland has lost five of his last six starts, and he's given up at least four runs four times in that span. The southpaw has given up six home runs over three starts in August, with the light-hitting Miguel Rojas the latest to take him deep with a solo shot Sunday. Freeland is at a 4.94 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 77:36 K:BB through 124 innings over 23 starts this season. He's lined up to make his next start at home versus the White Sox.

Urias (10-6) earned the win Sunday over the Rockies, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out 12 without walking a batter.

The 12 strikeouts marked a season high for the southpaw. Aside from an eight-run disaster in Baltimore on July 19, Urias has been strong since the All-Star break. He's won three straight outings and is now at a 4.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 99:21 K:BB through 99.1 innings over 18 starts this season. Urias is projected for a home start against the Marlins his next time out.

Nelson was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Nelson had notable struggles in his last two starts. In both his start Aug. 5 and Aug. 11, he allowed six earned runs in three innings. The 25-year-old has had season-long struggles as well with a 5.47 ERA. The starter will head back to Triple-A Reno for the first time since last season. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks selected Bryce Jarvis from Reno.

Lively (pectoral) was sent to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday to begin a rehab assignment.

Lively is eligible to return rom the 15-day injured list Aug. 17, but the Reds are off that day, so the first game he could start would be Aug. 18 against Toronto. If Lively pitches in Sunday's game for Louisville, that would line him up to return Aug. 18 for a start on normal rest. Lively gave up 13 earned runs in his most recent start before going on the IL, and he had a 3.24 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 21 strikeouts in 25 innings in the five starts prior to that blowup outing.

Alcantara (5-10) earned the win Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over nine innings against the Yankees while striking out 10.

Alcantara was dominant Saturday, not allowing a runner to reach second base until the top of the seventh after the right-hander was called for a balk, advancing Billy McKinney from first. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner then allowed one run to come across in the frame before continuing his dominance over the final two innings to log his third complete game of the season. Alcantara also racked up a season-high 10 strikeouts in the contest and has now allowed one run or fewer in three of his last four starts.

Steele did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits over five innings against the Blue Jays while striking out seven.

Steele didn't have his best stuff Saturday, allowing at least one hit in four of his five innings of work and serving up a two-run homer to Whit Merrifield. The lefty had won each of his last four decisions coming in and has now allowed three runs in three straight outings to open the month of August. On a positive note, Steele did not issue a walk Saturday for the second time in his last three starts, and he's put together a solid 20:4 K:BB over that stretch.

Hill (7-12) took the loss against Arizona on Saturday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 3.1 innings.

Hill allowed four extra-base hits among the seven knocks against him, including a Christian Walker two-run homer. The veteran hurler was pulled after racking up 83 pitches through 3.1 frames, going just one out longer than in his Padres debut, when he allowed six runs over three innings. The pair of outings are Hill's two shortest among his 23 starts this season, so it goes without saying that he's not providing the rotation boost San Diego was hoping for when it acquired him at the trade deadline. Michael Wacha (shoulder) is slated to return Tuesday, but the Padres may need to continue to roll out Hill every five days since Joe Musgrove (shoulder) isn't likely to rejoin the rotation until at least mid-September.