MLB Player News

Mikolas did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing six runs on 10 hits and two walks over five innings in a 9-6 win over the Rockies. He struck out three.

Mikolas surrendered five runs in each of his first two starts of the season, and he didn't fare any better Tuesday at Coors Field. The right-hander threw 59 of his 89 pitches for strikes and surrendered three home runs, all of which went beyond 420 feet. Mikolas inked a two-year, $40 million extension with the Cardinals late in spring training, but early in 2023 he's been unable to replicate the 3.29 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 153:39 K:BB he posted in 202.1 innings last year.

Freeland didn't factor in the decision Tuesday against the Cardinals after giving up two runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out five and walked two.

The left-hander was unable to secure his third straight win to begin the season as Colorado's bullpen blew a four-run lead, but it was still another strong showing Tuesday. Freeland is off to an impressive start through three outings in 2023 with a 0.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB across 18 frames.

Wright struck out three and allowed four runs on four hits and four walks across seven three innings during Tuesday's 7-6 victory over the Reds. He did not factor in the decision.

After rehabbing a shoulder injury, Wright made his first start of the season but struggled with his command, leading to four walks and four earned runs in the third inning before being relieved. Despite the rough outing, the 27-year-old has a track record of success, finishing last season as the MLB leader in wins. Wright will have a chance to bounce back, taking a 12.00 ERA into his next start, tentatively scheduled for this weekend against the Royals.

An MRI revealed that Marquez has a right forearm strain but no structural damage, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Marquez was removed from Monday's start after five innings while pointing to his forearm, and while this all but confirms that the right-hander will be placed on the injured list, it's a positive development that he's avoided a more significant injury. The Rockies will likely announce a roster move involving Marquez's replacement before Wednesday's game.

Keller did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over six innings against the Astros. He struck out seven.

Keller gave up both of his runs on solo homers. Alex Bregman took him deep in the first inning, and Kyle Tucker connected off the right-hander an inning later. From that point on Keller was outstanding, but he just didn't get the run support necessary to factor into the decision. Keller now has a 3.57 ERA, 22:8 K:BB and 1.36 WHIP across 17.2 innings over his first three starts.

Woodruff will be placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to shoulder inflammation, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Woodruff reportedly wasn't recovering from his last start properly, so the Brewers erred on the side of caution and decided to place him on the injured list. If all goes according to plan, Woodruff won't spend more than the minimum amount of time on the IL. Janson Junk will be called up to take Woodruff's spot in the rotation and will likely start Wednesday.

The Brewers recalled Junk from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday, and he could be a candidate to start Wednesday's game in Arizona, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Unless he's needed out of the bullpen in Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Junk will be joining the rotation as a replacement for Brandon Woodruff, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Over his first two outings at Nashville, Junk has turned in a 0.90 ERA and 0.80 WHIP across 10 innings. Junk should be reasonably stretched out for Wednesday's start, but his poor track record in a limited sample of big-league action with the Angels in 2021 and 2022 makes him a risky streaming option.

Wainwright (groin) is expected to face live hitters Friday or Saturday, Jim Hayes of Bally Sports Midwest reports.

Wainwright made it through another bullpen session Tuesday, delivering two sets of 20 pitches, and is now ready to take the next step in his recovery from a groin strain. The current hope is the veteran right-hander will be able to make his 2023 regular-season debut sometime before the end of April, but he'll surely need a minor-league rehab assignment first.

Fried (hamstring) took part in fielding drills Tuesday and could return without making a rehab start, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Jumping into fielding drills seemed to be one of the final steps for Fried before making a rehab start, but it now seems that Atlanta could get its ace back earlier than expected. The 29-year-old lefty will resume covering first base Wednesday, at which point there could be a clearer picture regarding his return. He's first eligible to come off the injured list Saturday.

Verlander (shoulder) was still limited to flat-ground throwing as of Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Verlander has upped the intensity of these flat-ground workouts, but it will remain difficult to map out a timetable for his 2023 debut until he resumes throwing off a mound. Mets manager Buck Showalter said he doesn't expect the veteran right-hander to be ready during the Mets' upcoming West Coast road trip, which runs through April 23. Verlander landed on the injured list March 30 after being diagnosed with a low-grade teres major strain.