MLB Player News

Wheeler did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings against the Marlins. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter.

Wheeler allowed a home run for a third consecutive appearance but still notched his 10th quality start of the year. The right-hander currently holds a 4.05 ERA, which would be his worst mark since 2017 when he made just 17 starts for the Mets, but his 119:22 K:BB over 104.1 innings remains elite. Wheeler doesn't face any competition for his spot in the rotation and figures to continue putting up top-tier strikeout numbers, but his next start won't come until after the All-Star break.

Hill (7-9) took the loss Friday, allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks over four innings against Arizona. He struck out three.

Hill continued his struggles Friday, as he has now allowed at least three runs in five straight starts. The southpaw's ERA of 4.78 would be his highest mark since 2013. The veteran's next chance to redeem himself is tentatively slated to be against the Giants at home after the All-Star break.

Darvish (illness) gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision versus the Mets on Friday.

A non-COVID-19 illness cost Darvish two starts, though he didn't go on the injured list. The right-hander was a little off in terms of quality in his return to action, but he saw a full workload with 100 pitches (58 strikes) in the outing. Darvish closes a disappointing first half with a 4.87 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 89:28 K:BB through 85 innings over 15 starts. He'll get another extended rest with the All-Star break before lining up for a road start in Philadelphia to begin the second half.

Verlander allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out two over six innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Friday.

Verlander has logged quality starts in four of his last seven outings. He struggled a bit early on Friday, but settled in and left with the game tied 3-3. The two strikeouts matched his season low, while he walked multiple batters for the sixth time in 12 starts. Verlander owns a 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 57:19 K:BB over 70 innings. He'll likely be in contention to start in a home series versus the Dodgers after the All-Star break.

Abbott (4-1) allowed six runs on nine hits and a walk over 4.1 innings Friday, striking out six and taking a loss against Milwaukee.

The Brewers jumped on Abbott for four runs in the first two innings. It was the first major hiccup by the rookie after he had allowed one run or fewer in five of his first six career starts. After a 17.2-inning scoreless streak to open his career, Abbott has given up 11 runs over his last four outings. He still owns an impressive 2.38 ERA with a 48:14 K:BB across 41.2 frames.

Burnes (7-5) yielded two runs on three hits and four walks over six innings Friday, striking out six and earning a win over the Reds.

The right-hander allowed just one baserunner through four shutout frames before Joey Votto belted a two-run shot in the fifth inning. Burnes has won consecutive starts for the first time since April, giving up four runs over 13 innings in those two wins after being tagged with 14 runs in his previous three outings. The 28-year-old righty lowered his ERA to 3.94 with a 102:39 K:BB through 107.1 frames this season.

Montgomery left his start Friday versus the White Sox due to a right hamstring injury, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Montgomery appeared to tweak his hamstring while delivering an errant breaking ball to Elvis Andrus in the bottom of the fifth inning and promptly departed the game. He wasn't going to pitch again until after the All-Star break either way, but the Cardinals will place him on the 15-day injured list if the injury requires multiple weeks of rest and rehab. The 30-year-old left-hander has been shaping up as a possible trade candidate for St. Louis in the final year of his current contract, holding a 3.23 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 96:27 K:BB in 18 starts covering 103 innings.

Montgomery was removed from his start Friday against the White Sox due to an apparent leg injury, Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Montgomery motioned to his right hamstring after throwing an awkward-looking pitch to Elvis Andrus in the bottom of the fifth inning. He walked off the field without much of a limp but clearly felt something on the delivery. The 30-year-old left-hander had allowed one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts through 4.1 frames against Chicago.

Syndergaard (finger) will soon head out on a minor-league rehab assignment, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Syndergaard passed his final side-work test Friday afternoon at Dodger Stadium with a successful three-inning simulated game. Out since early June with a finger blister, not to mention a 7.16 ERA, he'll have to show encouraging results on his rehab stint in order to earn another chance in the Los Angeles rotation.

Wainwright had an injection in his right shoulder Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Wainwright will be shut down for the next few days to see how his shoulder responds to the injection. It's unclear how the injection impacts his recovery timeline, but Wainwright is likely still looking at a lengthy IL stint.