MLB Player News

Eflin (knee) completed a bullpen session Wednesday, and interim manager Rob Thomson hasn't ruled out the right-hander from making his next turn through the rotation Saturday in San Diego, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Thomson said Eflin would be put through a few more tests before the Phillies determine if the right-hander is ready to pitch this weekend. Efllin was removed two innings into his start last Sunday against the Nationals due to a lingering bruise in his right knee, which he had surgically repaired last fall.

Mets manager Buck Showalter said he expects Lugo (personal) to be activated from the paternity list prior to Friday's game in Miami, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

After being placed on the list Monday, Lugo will be away from the team for a third straight game Wednesday in Houston while he spends time with his wife and newborn child. Since players on the paternity list can spend a maximum of three days away from their teams, Lugo will likely be formally activated Thursday, which is an off day for the Mets.

Fried will make $6.85 million in 2022 after winning his arbitration case against Atlanta, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

While Fried and Atlanta were unable to reach an agreement prior to a hearing, the southpaw will make $250,000 more than the $6.6 million that the team offered. The 28-year-old has posted a 1.93 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 32.2 innings over his last five starts and projects to make his next start on the road against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Strider gave up six earned runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four over 3.2 innings in a 12-10 loss to the Giants in Tuesday. He did not factor into the decision.

Strider struggled against a veteran Giants team that chased him before he could even complete four frames. He had previously been effective for the Braves since being moved to the rotation last month, and he came in to face the Giants fresh off of an 11-strikeout performance against the Nationals on Thursday. Strider has electric stuff, including a fastball which averages 98 mph, but it remains to be seen if what is primarily a two-pitch repertoire (fastball-slider) will play effectively in a rotation role over the long term. He will look to bounce back in his next start, which tentatively lines up for Sunday at home against the Dodgers.

Desclafani gave up five earned runs on six hits -- including two home runs -- in a 12-10 win over the Braves on Tuesday. He struck out three and did not factor into the decision.

Desclafani's first start since April 21 did not go well. He was pelted by the Braves consistently, including home runs off the bats of Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson. Desclafani's workload was expected to be limited for this start due to him having just missed two months on the IL due to ankle inflammation, but his ineffectiveness could have led to him being pulled from the game anyhow. The 32-year-old right-hander is coming off a career season in 2021 with 13 wins and a 3.17 ERA over 167.2 innings. He should have a chance to get back on track in his next start against the Reds this weekend.

Contreras (2-1) picked up the win in Tuesday's 7-1 victory over the Cubs, giving up one run on four hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out three.

The rookie didn't flash the dominance he's capable of, but Contreras didn't need to as he got staked to a 5-0 lead by the end of the third inning. He has yet to complete six innings in a start, which limits his fantasy upside in formats that value categories like quality starts, but since moving into the rotation in late May, Contreras has delivered a 2.73 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 28:11 K:BB through 29.2 innings.

Keuchel went seven innings in an outing for the Diamondbacks' affiliate in the Arizona Complex League and could make a start this weekend for Arizona, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. He allowed three runs (two earned) with one walk and struck out 13.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo described the outing as "extremely good," while pitching coach Brent Strom marveled at the swings and misses on pitches in the zone. Beyond the veteran lefty making rookies look foolish, there are other signs that point to Keuchel joining the team's five-man rotation as soon as Saturday. Another potential candidate, Luke Weaver, who was roughed up in a start Saturday, did not throw a bullpen session Tuesday. That would have been the day to throw on a normal starter's routine. Instead, Lovullo confirmed Weaver will be available as a reliever in the coming days. The manager added the team is "targeting someone this weekend" to start against the Tigers without naming Keuchel. Adding to the speculation, Keuchel's minor-league deal includes three opt-out dates if he's not promoted, with the first coming Saturday.

Gallen allowed two runs on five hits and three walks with 11 strikeouts across six innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Tuesday.

Gallen was strong in this outing, though the three walks matched his season high. He gave up an RBI double to Ha-Seong Kim in the third inning and a solo home run to Eric Hosmer in the sixth. Gallen has logged quality starts in three of his last four outings, though he doesn't have a win to show for it in that span. He's pitched well in 2022 with a 2.92 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 71:19 K:BB through 71 innings overall across 13 starts. The right-hander is projected for a rematch at home versus the Padres next week.

Feltner allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits and zero walks over 3.2 innings during Tuesday's 9-8 loss to the Marlins. He had four strikeouts and didn't factor in the decision.

Colorado jumped out to a 4-0 lead, but Feltner fell apart during the fourth inning, as he gave up five runs on five hits and an error before being pulled with two outs. The 25-year-old threw 47 of his 71 pitches for strikes and didn't issue a walk for the first time in six starts this year, though he did hit a batter. Feltner has replaced Austin Gomber in the Rockies' starting rotation for now, but his rotation spot is hardly secure with a 5.46 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB through 29.2 innings this season.

Mahle (2-6) took the loss Tuesday against the Dodgers after surrendering four runs on 12 hits with four strikeouts and one walk over six innings.

Considering he allowed a season-high 12 hits, Mahle did well to limit Los Angeles to four runs and keep Cincinnati within striking distance. The right-hander's streak of four consecutive quality starts came to an end Tuesday, and he was charged with his first loss since giving up eight runs to the Cubs on May 24. Mahle tentatively lines up to pitch against the Giants on the road Sunday.