MLB Player News

Smith-Shawver didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Nationals, allowing two unearned runs on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out two.

A year ago at this time, Smith-Shawver was a teenager at Single-A just trying to harness his plus stuff and find the plate often enough to be effective. Friday, he made his first career big-league start and consistently dotted the inside corners of the strike zone with mid-90s heat while generating weak contact that his defense had some trouble corralling. The 20-year-old didn't show the dominance he'd displayed earlier this season as he made a rapid ascent through Atlanta's system, but that should come as he gets more comfortable in the majors. With Max Fried (forearm) and Kyle Wright (shoulder) out until at least the All-Star break, Smith-Shawver appears to be in line for a long look in the rotation, with his next outing potentially coming next week in Detroit.

Kelly (8-3) earned the win Friday, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks over 6.1 innings in a 11-6 victory over the Tigers. He struck out five.

Kelly has recorded a quality start in seven of his last eight appearances. During that stretch, he's secured seven wins while posting a 2.66 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 57:13 K:BB across 50.2 innings. The right-hander will look to stay sharp in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled to come during a four-game set versus Philadelphia.

Gray didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 loss to Atlanta, allowing one run on two hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander's control was erratic, to say the least -- he also uncorked four wild pitches -- but Gray limited the damage over his 96 pitches (56 strikes) against a dangerous offense and exited the game with the score tied 1-1. Gray will take a 3.00 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 61:37 K:BB through 72 innings into his next start, likely to come next week in Houston.

Hill (6-5) earned the win Friday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks over seven innings against the Mets. He struck out six.

Hill was dominant throughout the evening, throwing 72 of his season-high 119 pitches for strikes and inducing 11 swinging strikes. The veteran southpaw did not allow a runner past first base after the third inning. Hill has looked great over his last two starts, tossing 13.2 innings while allowing just three runs and striking out 12. The 43-year-old will be looking for his third consecutive quality start next week on the road against the Cubs.

Megill (5-4) took the loss Friday, allowing nine runs on eight hits and three walks over 3.2 innings against Pittsburgh. He struck out one.

Megill was rocked yet again, failing to make it out of the fourth inning as he was removed with two outs and runners on the corners. Friday's start marked the third time in his last four appearances where he allowed four or more earned runs. Over his last seven starts, the 27-year-old right hander has an ugly 6.12 ERA to go along with 20 walks in 32.1 innings. At the moment, Megill is lined up to start next week at home against the Cardinals.

DeSclafani (4-6) allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out two over six-plus innings, taking the loss versus the Cubs on Friday.

DeSclafani got through six scoreless innings before running into trouble in the seventh. Ryan Walker then allowed two inherited runners to score, which was enough to give DeSclafani the loss despite his quality start. This was just the second time he's gone at least six innings over his last six appearances. The right-hander has a 3.89 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 53:16 K:BB through 76.1 innings over 13 starts this season. DeSclafani is lined up for a road start in St. Louis next week.

Stroman (7-4) allowed two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out five over 6.2 innings to earn the win Friday over the Giants.

The four walks were a season high, but it was an otherwise strong performance once again for Stroman. He's on a five-start winning streak, allowing just six runs (five earned) over 35.2 innings in that span. He's now at a 2.42 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP and 73:31 K:BB through 85.2 innings over 14 starts this season. While his walk rate remains high, Stroman's been effective at navigating the free passes, which he'll try to continue doing next week versus the Pirates.

Gomber (4-5) allowed seven runs on 11 hits and two walks with one strikeout in four-plus innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Padres.

Gomber has covered just 10.2 innings over his last three starts, surrendering 15 runs in that span. The long ball did him in Friday, as the Padres generated five of their seven runs against him via homers. After another awful outing, Gomber's at a 7.57 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 39:27 K:BB through 60.2 innings on the season. He's projected for a road outing in Boston next week.

Lively (3-4) allowed seven runs on 10 hits and a walk over 6.2 innings Friday, striking out eight and taking a loss against St. Louis.

Lively coughed up three two-run shots in the ugly outing. After allowing just five runs through 22.2 frames to begin the season, he's been tagged with 12 runs in his last two starts. His ERA has spiked to 4.21, though he has a solid 37:9 K:BB through 36.1 innings. Lively is expected to take the mound in Kansas City next week.

Montgomery (3-7) yielded three hits and a walk over six innings Friday, striking out six and earning a win over the Reds.

Montgomery worked around minimal threats early in the contest before retiring the final 11 batters he faced. It was his first scoreless outing since April 8 and he dropped his season ERA to 3.88 through 72 innings. Montgomery forced 14 whiffs on 41 swings, tying his season best. The veteran southpaw has now turned in three straight starts with two or fewer earned runs allowed. Montgomery is currently expected to face the Giants at home next week.