MLB Player News

Nola did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing four runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings against the Dodgers. He struck out five.

Nola pitched well for most of Wednesday's outing, but his streak of three consecutive quality starts was snapped after Chris Taylor tripled in the seventh inning and scored on Freddie Freeman's sacrifice fly. While Nola sports an unsightly 4.64 ERA, a solid 1.13 WHIP and 33:9 K:BB would indicate that positive regression is coming. He's currently lined up to face the Blue Jays at home in his next outing.

Stone did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks over four innings against Philadelphia. He struck out one.

It certainly wasn't the debut Stone would have imagined, but he was spared the loss as the Dodgers overcame a 5-0 deficit to beat the Phillies. Stone featured a fastball that averaged 93 mph, countered by an 82-mph changeup that he threw 43 percent of the time. It's uncertain whether the 24-year-old right-hander will get another start right away in the big leagues. Manager Dave Roberts said prior to Wednesday's outing that the team would take it "one step at a time" with Stone, per Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

Wright was pulled early from his start Wednesday against the Marlins with an apparent injury, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear at the moment what the specifics and severity of Wright's injury are, but the team will likely provide an update in the near future. The 27-year-old righty began the season on the injured list due to soreness in his right shoulder and has struggled since making his return April 11.

Houser (groin) is likely to make his season debut Sunday against the Giants, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It seems as though the only reason Houser isn't already officially being listed as Sunday's starter is because it's possible he might be needed before then. Colin Rea is expected to start Saturday before ceding his spot in the Brewers' rotation to Houser. Houser has been out all season with a groin injury, but he is ready to roll after holding a 3.07 ERA in four rehab outings.

Urena signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Urena was released by the Rockies last week after posting a 9.82 ERA and 2.24 WHIP across 18.1 innings this season. He'll report to Triple-A Rochester, where he'll join the rotation and wait for a call from the major-league club. Given the state of the rebuilding Nationals' roster, he'll probably get one eventually.

Pfaadt took a no-decision in his major-league debut against the Rangers on Wednesday, allowing seven runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and a walk across 4.2 innings.

The 24-year-old was called up from Triple-A Reno earlier Wednesday, and he was rocked in his first taste of the big leagues as Texas launched four home runs, including two off the bat of Josh Jung. Pfaadt totaled 218 strikeouts across 167 innings between the Double-A and Triple-A levels last year and has major strikeout potential, but he generated just seven swinging strikes versus the Rangers. Assuming he sticks in the rotation, the right-hander tentatively lines up for a matchup with Miami early next week.

Cubs manager David Ross was noncommittal Wednesday when asked whether Taillon (groin) might be activated to start Thursday versus the Nationals, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Ross ruled out the idea Monday, but that was before Taillon threw a successful 45-pitch simulated game Tuesday in Washington. "Oh, I don't know," the skipper said Wednesday at Nationals Park. "We'll see." Taillon, 31, has been on the injured list since April 20 because of a left groin strain.

Fried's next scheduled start will be pushed back from Thursday to Friday at home against the Orioles, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

It sounds like Atlanta just wants to give the left-hander an extra day of rest. The team has not yet decided who will start Thursday in Miami, as it wants to see how Wednesday's game plays out first.

Webb (2-5) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 7.2 innings against Houston. He struck out five.

Webb was excellent Wednesday, holding the Astros scoreless until Alex Bregman's two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning. The 26-year-old Webb has allowed two runs in each of his last three starts, pitching into the seventh inning in all three outings. He now has a 3.80 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 48:7 K:BB through seven starts (45 innings) to begin the season.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that Woodford will be available out of the bullpen beginning with Thursday's game against the Angels, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Woodford's demotion to the bullpen comes with Adam Wainwright (groin) in line to return from the 15-day injured list to start Saturday against the Tigers. Woodford had struggled to a 5.72 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB through 28.1 innings (six starts) this season for St. Louis.