MLB Player News

Urias (16-7) earned the win over San Diego on Saturday, tossing seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

Urias loaded the bases in the first inning but was able to get out of trouble by striking out Jake Cronenworth to end the frame. He needed 25 pitches to make it through that inning but threw only 58 pitches over his final six frames, with the only runs he surrendered coming on a pair of solo home runs by Manny Machado. Urias registered his 16th victory, and he has a shot to reach the 20-win mark for the second straight season. The left-hander is tied for second in the league in victories and leads qualified National League hurlers with a 2.30 ERA.

Urena pitched 5.1 innings against Arizona on Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out five batters. He did not factor in the decision.

Urena allowed just a fourth-inning run and didn't give up any extra-base hits, but Colorado's offense wasn't able to get on the board until after he departed in the sixth frame. It was nonetheless a nice bounce-back performance for the right-hander after he was punished for seven runs (six earned) over 5.1 frames in his previous start. Urena's home park and vulnerability to blow-ups make him difficult to roster in fantasy, though he's pitched at least five innings while giving up three or fewer runs in four of his past seven outings.

Brubaker allowed three runs on six hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out three over six innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Saturday.

Brubaker cruised through four innings, but he allowed a solo shot to Brendan Donovan in the fifth and a two-run blast to Albert Pujols in the sixth. This was Brubaker's second quality start in his last four outings and his eighth such effort of the year. The 28-year-old right-hander has a 4.36 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 140:51 K:BB through 138.1 innings across 26 starts on the year. He's lined up for a road start versus the Mets next week.

Flaherty allowed three runs on six hits and four walks while failing to record a strikeout in five innings in a no-decision versus the Pirates on Saturday.

Flaherty struggled with both control and command, which saw him issue multiple walks for the fourth time in five outings. He also gave up multiple home runs -- a solo shot to Rodolfo Castro and a two-run blast to Jack Suwinski -- in this contest. Flaherty threw 46 of 87 pitches for strikes, so it appears he is operating on nearly a normal workload after throwing 91 pitches in his return from the injured list Monday. The right-hander has struggled to a 4.50 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and 12:14 K:BB through 18 innings on the season as he tries to get back up to speed in the majors. His next outing is projected to be a home start versus the Reds next week.

Stroman (3-7) took the loss Saturday, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings against the Giants. He struck out four.

All of the damage was done in the second inning, with San Francisco scoring four runs on four hits, a walk and a balk. Three of the four hits Stroman allowed in the frame went for extra bases, including Joey Bart's two-run home run. Stroman has a 3.91 ERA this season but only three wins in 21 starts. As a low-strikeout pitcher, he's susceptible to getting BABIP'd on occasion.

Anderson (0-3) took the loss Saturday, allowing two runs on a hit and three walks while striking out five over four innings versus the Brewers.

Anderson stretched out to 84 pitches (49 strikes), but he walked multiple batters for the second straight outing. This loss can't be fully pinned on the veteran right-hander -- the Reds mustered just one hit and two walks for the whole game. Anderson has a 9.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 11:9 K:BB through nine innings over four appearances with the Reds. With two doubleheaders on the slate next week, expect Anderson to remain in the rotation again, likely for a tough road start in St. Louis.

Webb (13-8) earned the win Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits over seven innings against the Cubs. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Webb turned in a couple clunkers early in the second half, but he's returned to form, posting a 1.75 ERA in his last six starts. The 25-year-old is tied for sixth in the National League with 13 wins, and his 2.88 ERA for the season ranks sixth among qualified starters in the NL. Webb lines up for a home start against the Dodgers next week.

Houser (6-9) allowed a run on a hit and two walks over six innings, earning the win Saturday versus the Reds. He did not strike out a batter.

Houser amassed just three whiffs on 82 pitches, instead pitching effectively to contact. The lone run against him was on a TJ Friedl sacrifice fly in the third inning. Houser has looked better after a brief stint in the bullpen -- he's allowed four runs (two earned) over 11 innings in his last two appearances, both starts. He has a 4.61 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 65:39 K:BB through 91.2 innings across 19 outings (18 starts this year. The right-hander is projected for a home start versus the Yankees next weekend, and his rotation spot should be fairly safe with Eric Lauer (elbow) and Freddy Peralta (shoulder) on the injured list.

Lauer was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation Saturday.

The injury forced Lauer to exit his previous start Wednesday against the Rockies after giving up seven runs and recording just eight outs. He received "very encouraging" MRI results the next day according to manager Craig Counsell, but he'll nonetheless miss at least his next two turns in the rotation. Whether or not he has a chance to return when first eligible Sep. 23 remains to be seen. Trevor Kelley was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Ashby (shoulder) will throw off a mound Sunday or Monday but is not being stretched out to start, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Ashby hit the injured list with shoulder inflammation in late August. While he's making progress towards a return to action, he wouldn't have time to make many appearances if he had to go through a full build-up process as a starter. Instead, the Brewers are valuing getting him back as soon as possible, albeit in a relief role. The decision makes sense giving the timing of the injury but robs Ashby of most of his fantasy value.