MLB Player News

Strasburg (neck) is making a rehab start for Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

He is coming off a stellar rehab outing at Single-A in which he struck out six over five no-hit innings. It's possible this could be Strasburg's final tuneup before joining the big-league rotation.

Cobb is dealing with a left hamstring issue but is optimistic he can avoid a stint on the injured list, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

It was originally reported that he was scratched from Friday's scheduled start with a back issue. Cobb said his left hamstring tightened up earlier this week in Philadelphia and he had sharp pain that kept him from sleeping that night. He said he feels better now but it's unclear when he will make his next start.

DeSclafani (ankle) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

DeSclafani was transferred to the 60-day injured list in mid-May, and he'll be ineligible to return to game action until at least late June. However, he began throwing bullpen sessions in early May, and it's encouraging to see him continue throwing off a mound. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to face live hitters.

Williamson has a 3.97 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 48:25 K:BB across 45.1 innings for Double-A Chattanooga.

The 24-year-old lefty never ran into significant control issues when he was in the Mariners organization, but this year has been different. Williamson's issued at least three walks in five of his nine starts, but on the bright side, three of those came in his first four outings of the season. Across his last five games, he's put up a 2.48 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB over 29 innings, which is closer to what the Reds expected from him. If he can find a way to keep the walks in check consistently, he should move up to Triple-A at some point this summer.

Cobb was scratched from Friday's scheduled start against the Marlins due to back tightness, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Cobb showed improvement during Sunday's start against the Reds and allowed two runs while striking out eight in six innings, but he'll be unable to take the mound Friday. He's considered day-to-day, but it's not yet clear when he'll be able to make his next start. John Brebbia will start Friday's matchup as the Giants utilize a bullpen game against Miami.

Walker (3-1) was the losing pitcher Thursday against the Dodgers, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out two over 5.2 innings.

Walker held Los Angeles scoreless for four frames before yielding his first run in the fifth. The right-hander gave up another run with two outs in the sixth and was subsequently lifted for a reliever. The Mets couldn't get anything going offensively in the contest, resulting in Walker's first loss of the campaign. He's been solid overall this season, allowing three runs or fewer in all but one start. Walker is expected to next take the mound next week in San Diego.

Gonsolin (6-0) earned the win over the Mets on Thursday, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing two hits and one walk while striking out five.

Gonsolin has been outstanding without being overpowering this season, and he made easy work of one of the league's best offenses Thursday, allowing only three baserunners while fanning five. The right-hander pitched exactly six innings for his fourth straight outing, and he has picked up a win while notching a quality start in three of those contests. Overall, Gonsolin has yet to give up more than two runs in any appearance this season and is tied for the MLB lead with six victories. His 1.59 ERA ranks third in the majors, and he'll look to keep rolling in his next start, which is expected to take place in Chicago against the White Sox next week.

Matz (shoulder) will require at least one rehab appearance prior to rejoining the Cardinals' rotation, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Matz is scheduled to throw side sessions Thursday and Sunday, but he'll be forced to miss at least one more turn through the rotation since he'll make an appearance with a minor-league affiliate. The Cardinals haven't yet revealed who will step in as a starter next week, but manager Oliver Marmol listed Andre Pallante, Zack Thompson, Johan Oviedo, Packy Naughton and Jake Woodford as candidates for a spot start.

Gomber (2-6) took the loss against Atlanta on Thursday, allowing nine runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings.

Gomber got out of the first inning allowing only a walk, but Atlanta got to him for four runs over the next two frames. He hurled a scoreless fourth before serving up a grand slam to Travis d'Arnaud in the fifth that sealed his fate. Gomber recently had a promising month-long run, tossing five quality starts across six appearances between April 23 and May 22. His past two outings have been disastrous, however, as he's allowed a combined 17 runs over 6.1 innings. That has pushed his season ERA up to 6.54 and removed him from fantasy consideration in almost every format. Gomber is slated to take the mound in San Francisco next week.

Liberatore was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Liberatore made his third major-league start Thursday against the Cubs and allowed four runs in 3.1 innings to take the loss. The southpaw has had an inconsistent start to his big-league career with a 5.54 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 13 innings over three outings. However, the 22-year-old remains one of the Cardinals' top prospects, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the major-league club at some point. Liberatore's demotion could signal that Steven Matz (shoulder) will be ready to rejoin the rotation next week.