MLB Player News

Lauer (3-1) gave up four earned runs on six hits and zero walks while striking out seven in five innings Saturday in Miami. He took the loss.

It's encouraging that in what might be his worst start of the season through six starts, Lauer still struck out enough batters to contribute something for fantasy. He has struck out 39 batters in 24.1 innings over his last four starts. This marked the first time all season he gave up more than one home run, as Jesus Aguilar, Jorge Soler and Brian Anderson all took him deep. Lauer lines up to face the Nationals at home next weekend.

Rogers (2-4) gave up one run on five hits and zero walks while striking out eight in 5.1 innings Saturday against the Brewers. He picked up the win.

Rogers' slider was the story in this one, as he got a career-high eight total whiffs on 15 swings against the pitch. This was the second start in a row where he threw his slider more than his changeup, which used to be his best pitch but has been more hittable this season. This was his first start without walking a batter since his last start of 2021. He lines up to face Atlanta at home next weekend.

Morton didn't factor into the decision Saturday against San Diego despite allowing just one run on two hits and a walk while striking out nine batters in six frames.

Morton had a disappointing start to the season, carrying a 5.65 ERA through his first six outings while failing to strike out more than five batters in a single start. He looked much more like himself Saturday and is now riding a streak of two straight strong performances, as he allowed just two hits in five scoreless innings in his previous start. The veteran righty will look to make it three good starts in a row next week in Miami.

Grove will be called up from Double-A Tulsa to make his major-league debut Sunday against the Phillies, either as the starter or as the bulk reliever following an opener, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

The Dodgers have a spot start available with Clayton Kershaw (pelvis) on the injured list. Grove has yet to pitch above Double-A, but he's impressed in five starts at that level so far this season, posting a 2.76 ERA and a 32.8 percent strikeout rate.

Stroman (undisclosed) played catch Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Stroman has been on the COVID-19 injured list since Sunday. His expected return date is unclear, but the fact that he's ready for some activity suggests he may not miss too much more time.

Strasburg (neck) threw two innings in a simulated game at extended spring training Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Strasburg has been out all year as he makes his way back from thoracic outlet surgery. It's a big step to see him throwing in a simulated game, but he still has several weeks to go before being activated from the injured list. He'll have to go through a full spring build-up process as he gradually increases his pitch count.

Steele (thumb) will start Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Steele was removed from his last start due to a left thumb issue, but he tested things out off the mound Friday and will be cleared to make his next turn through the rotation. Over his last five starts, the southpaw has posted a 6.88 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in 17 innings.

Corry (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list at High-A Eugene on Saturday.

Corry is likely to be out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder, so this is just a procedural move. He should be good to go fairly early on in 2023.

Perez struck out nine while giving up two runs on two hits and one walk over 5.2 innings for Double-A Pensacola on Friday.

The right-hander has yet to complete six innings in a start this season, but considering Perez just turned 19 a month ago, it's hard to criticize the Marlins for keeping a very careful eye on his workload. He's otherwise been dominating hitters 3-4 years older than him on average, and Perez leads the Southern League with 45 strikeouts against only eight walks through 28 innings. Miami will be in no rush to promote him, but if a spot opens up in the Triple-A rotation over the summer, it's wouldn't be a shock if Perez got the call.

Wainwright (illness) will start Sunday against the Giants, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Wainwright tested positive for COVID-19 last week but rejoined the Cardinals on Thursday and will take the mound in Sunday's series finale against the Giants. The right-hander threw a bullpen session, but it's possible that he has his workload monitored following his absence.