MLB Player News

Morton (8-6) got the loss after he pitched 5.1 innings, surrendering four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven batters against the Giants on Wednesday.

Morton didn't have his best stuff again Wednesday, giving up four runs for the second straight outing and third time in his last four starts. After a hot stretch from June 17 to July 8, he's been inconsistent, allowing four or more runs in six out of 11 outings. Morton now owns a 4.17 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 187 strikeouts over 157.2 innings in 28 starts this season.

Cabrera (5-3) took the loss Wednesday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over 5.1 innings against the Phillies. He struck out four.

Cabrera allowed just three hits on the evening, but unfortunately for the 24-year-old, two of them left the yard, which was enough to saddle him with the loss. While Cabrera has allowed three or fewer earned runs in all but two of his 11 starts this season, only three have gone for six or more innings, likely the result of high pitch counts associated with free passes. His three walks Wednesday give him 30 on the season, compared to 63 strikeouts.

Gibson (10-6) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits with seven strikeouts over six innings against Miami.

After allowing four singles and a run in the bottom of the first inning, Gibson settled in nicely. He allowed just three hits and did not surrender a walk or a run over the next five innings to earn his 15th quality start and position himself to earn his 10th win. After allowing 11 earned runs over 6.2 innings in his last two starts, the effort Wednesday was a great sign for the veteran. He'll take a 4.45 ERA into his next start.

Freeland (9-9) got the win after he tossed 6.2 scoreless frames, allowing seven hits and three walks while striking out five versus the White Sox on Wednesday.

Freeland wasn't perfect Wednesday, but he was able to escape any damage against him in the contest, producing a scoreless outing for the first time since July 25. The left-hander has now compiled four consecutive strong outings, including back-to-back quality starts, surrendering four runs while striking out 18 batters over 23.1 frames during that span. The hot stretch has lowered his season ERA from 4.93 to 4.43 over 160.1 innings in 28 starts.

Gonsolin (forearm) threw a bullpen session Wednesday which manager Dave Roberts described as "encouraging," Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old was unable to throw at full intensity during his bullpen over the weekend, but he quickly returned to the mound Wednesday for a positive session. Roberts expects Gonsolin to return before the end of the regular season, but whether the right-hander comes back as a starter or reliever will depend on how well he's able to build up his workload in the near future.

Rodon (13-8) earned the win against Atlanta on Wednesday after giving up one unearned run across five innings, but he exited the contest due to a blister and a cracked nail on one of his fingers, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports. The left-hander struck out eight and allowed two hits and one walk.

Rodon threw 47 of 71 pitches for strikes through five innings before departing the contest, as the finger issues didn't diminish his effectiveness. The 29-year-old's next turn through the rotation tentatively lines up for Tuesday in Colorado, and manager Gabe Kapler believes Rodon will be good to go for that outing.

Grove was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and will start Wednesday at Arizona, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Grove has a 4.82 ERA across 9.1 frames in the majors this season and will rejoin the Dodgers on Wednesday for another spot start. In 14 appearances for Oklahoma City this year he has a 4.07 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 68:21 K:BB across 59.2 innings.

Lauer (elbow) threw on flat ground Wednesday, and manager Craig Counsell said the session was "very positive," Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The left-hander landed on the shelf with elbow inflammation over the weekend, and it's an encouraging sign he's throwing only a few days later. Lauer is eligible to be activated from the 15-day IL on Sept. 23, and it's possible he's available at that point or shortly thereafter based on his early recovery progress.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday that Cavalli (shoulder) has been cleared to resume a throwing program but isn't expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list before season's end, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Cavalli is scheduled to play catch Wednesday and is expected to gradually stretch out his throwing distance off flat ground over the next couple of weeks. If his right shoulder provides no complications while he takes part in long-toss sessions, Cavalli should get back on a mound by the end of September or the first week of October, but he likely won't have enough time to get his arm in condition for pitching in games. Cavalli should still be on tap for a normal offseason, and the 24-year-old righty will likely get every opportunity to stake his claim to a spot in the big-league rotation during spring training.

Lucchesi (elbow) is expected to cover around three innings in his next rehab start Friday at Double-A Binghamton or Triple-A Syracuse, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lucchesi, who is ramping back up following his June 2021 Tommy John surgery, has previously made six rehab starts between two affiliates, logging a 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB across 7.2 innings. He's nearing the end of his 30-day rehab window, but the fact that he has two minor-league options could result in him being sent to the Triple-A or Double-A club once he's formally reinstated from the 60-day injured list.