MLB Player News

Houser exited his start Thursday against the Pirates with an apparent injury, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Houser came out after throwing 2.1 innings, though the cause of his discomfort was not clear. He surrendered three earned runs on five hits -- including a pair of homers -- and a walk. Milwaukee's rotation is getting healthier, but if Houser is forced to miss any time it would likely force Chi Chi Gonzalez to stick in the starting five.

Ashby (forearm) is lined up to start Saturday's game in Pittsburgh, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Ashby threw a bullpen session Wednesday that apparently went well, as the southpaw is slated to return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible Saturday. The 24-year-old struggled ahead of his absence, as he allowed 14 runs in 15 innings over his three starts prior to landing on the IL.

Gutierrez (elbow) will throw live batting practice Friday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gutierrez progressed to mound work last week, and he's now been cleared to face live hitters. After being shut down with a first-degree UCL strain in his right elbow earlier in June, the 26-year-old has recently made encouraging progress in his recovery.

Alexander appeared in relief Tuesday in the Brewers' 5-3 win over the Rays, recording two outs while allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit and two walks.

Alexander had started in each of his first five appearances with Milwaukee and posted a 3.21 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over those outings, but he looks as though he'll move to the bullpen after the Brewers welcomed Brandon Woodruff back from the injured list Tuesday. Milwaukee still has room in the rotation for a fifth starter while both Freddy Peralta (lat) and Aaron Ashby (forearm) remain on the IL, but Chi Chi Gonzalez looks like he'll take on that role rather than Alexander.

Urias (6-6) earned the win against Colorado on Wednesday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.1 innings.

Urias limited the Rockies to one run through five innings, but he slowed down in the sixth and was pulled after allowing three of four batters he faced to reach base. Nonetheless, the left-hander was given plenty of run support and picked up his third consecutive win. Urias had his streak of four straight quality starts snapped Wednesday, but he still hasn't given up more than three runs in any of his past five appearances. His 6-6 record is mildly disappointing after Urias went 20-3 last season, but it also speaks to the unreliability of pitchers' wins and losses as a measure of effectiveness -- Urias' 2.64 ERA through 15 starts this season is better than his 2.96 mark last year, and his 1.03 WHIP is nearly identical to his 1.02 WHIP from 2021.

Greene (3-9) took the look against the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out five over four innings.

Greene's moments of wildness cost him in the contest -- the first runner who scored against him got aboard on a hit-by-pitch, and both Cubs who crossed the plate in his fourth and final inning reached on a walk. There were also positive takeaways from the rookie's outing -- he racked up 13 swinging strikes among 80 pitches and averaged at least one strikeout per inning for the 11th time in his past 12 starts -- but those weren't enough to prevent him from taking his team-worst ninth loss. Greene has had his share of rookie bumps and bruises this season as evidenced by his won-loss record and 5.72 ERA, but there have also been encouraging signs such as his 11.3 K/9, which ranks fifth-best among qualified major-league starters.

Steele (3-5) earned the win over Cincinnati on Wednesday, pitching five-plus innings and allowing one run on six hits and three walks while striking out six.

Steele had some control issues in the contest, as he issued three walks and threw only 48 of 84 pitches for strikes. However, the southpaw was able to navigate his way to the win by inducing two double plays and surrendering only one extra-base hit. Steele held the Reds scoreless through five innings but was pulled after allowing three straight hitters to reach base in the sixth; that resulted in only one run, though, as Scott Effross didn't allow either of his two inherited runners to score after relieving Steele. Walks have been a major concern for Steele on the campaign -- he's issued multiple free passes in 11 of his 15 starts -- but he's managed to hang onto a spot in the Cubs' rotation by yielding three or fewer earned runs in 12 of the 15 appearances.

Marquez (4-6), who took the loss Wednesday against the Dodgers, exited the game due to a cut on his right thumb, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

The 27-year-old apparently sustained the laceration during a recent bullpen session, and it caused some issues Wednesday when throwing his fastball. Marquez surrendered five runs on five hits with two strikeouts and three walks over 3.1 innings before being lifted. Though it doesn't appear to be a serious issue, it's unclear if it will affect the right-hander's next turn through the rotation.

Alcantara (8-3) allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts in nine innings, earning the complete-game win over the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Alcantara spent much of the game pitching from behind, but Avisail Garcia gave the Marlins a lead with a two-run home run in the ninth inning. Alcantara was allowed to stay in the game, finishing it off with 117 pitches (76 strikes) to become the first pitcher in the the majors to toss multiple complete games this season. He hasn't pitched fewer than seven innings since May 6. The right-hander owns a sparkling 1.95 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 97:30 K:BB across 115.1 innings in 16 starts this year. The ace will look to keep finding success next week at home against the Angels.

Keller allowed five earned runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out four across four innings Wednesday against the Nationals. He did not factor into the decision.

Keller particularly struggled through the first two innings of the outing, allowing three earned runs as well as seven hits and two walks. Though he rebounded a bit from there, he wasn't able to work deep enough into the game to overcome his poor start. Keller had maintained a 2.96 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across his previous four outings, though he still owns a subpar 5.14 ERA across 70 frames on the season.