MLB Player News

Sanchez (0-1) took the loss and allowed two runs on two hits and a walk, striking out two in 2.1 innings in a 6-1 loss Sunday against the Mets.

Sanchez limited the damage to a two-out, two-run home run to Pete Alonso in the first inning. Zach Eflin was added to the COVID-19 injured list Sunday, resulting in Sanchez being recalled for the spot start. While the lefty was optioned to Lehigh Valley six days ago, he did not make an appearance at Triple-A. It's no surprise that he turned in a short start Sunday, as he had been used in a long-relief role with the Phillies over the first month and hadn't been stretched out.

Marquez (0-3) took the loss during Sunday's 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Diamondbacks, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks with seven strikeouts in six innings.

Marquez surrendered the bulk of the damage during a three-run second inning when he permitted three hits and a walk to put Colorado in an early 3-0 deficit from which it couldn't recover. It's been tough sledding early for the 27-year-old, who posted only his second quality start in snapping a four-turn streak of allowing at least four earned runs. Though he currently possesses a career-worst 6.47 ERA and 1.69 WHIP, a 3.60 xFIP suggests better performances lie ahead. Marquez will look to round into form next weekend against Kansas City.

Gallen (2-0) earned the win during Sunday's 4-0 shutout of Colorado, allowing five hits with seven strikeouts in seven scoreless innings.

Once Gallen escaped the first inning with runners on second and third he breezed through the rest of the game, firing 61 of 92 pitches for strikes. The 26-year-old has been on a tear to begin 2022, permitting just three runs in 28.1 innings across five starts on the season for a league-leading 0.95 ERA in addition to a second-best 0.71 WHIP. Gallen has rebounded nicely from a down 2021 and will go for win number three against the Cubs next weekend.

Gibson (3-1) earned the win in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader versus the Mets after giving up two runs on six hits with three strikeouts and zero walks across six innings.

The right-hander generated only four swinging strikes but still managed to outduel Max Scherzer in Sunday's matinee. Gibson issued five walks his last time out and walked multiple batters in each of his previous four starts, so it was encouraging to see he gave out no free passes. He has a 2.94 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 29:12 K:BB over 33.2 innings this season and projects to pitch on the road against the Dodgers next weekend.

Mahle allowed two runs on one hit and three walks over five innings in Sunday's win over Pittsburgh. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Mahle had lost his previous four starts and was in line to make it five before the Reds' offense took over in the sixth inning. The only damage against him was Michael Perez's two-run shot in the second inning. Mahle needed 106 pitches (63 strikes) to get through five frames. He'll carry a 6.46 ERA into a rematch in Pittsburgh next week.

Strasburg (neck) is scheduled to pitch a two-inning simulated game this week at the Nationals' spring training facility in Florida, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Manager Dave Martinez said Sunday that he wants Strasburg to build up his pitch count a bit more before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, so the 33-year-old seems likely to remain in Florida for at least another week. The Nationals have been bringing Strasburg along slowly as he works his way back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, which cut short his 2021 season. Since he'll presumably require multiple rehab starts before returning from the 10-day injured list, Strasburg appears unlikely to make his 2022 Nationals debut until June.

Steele will start Sunday's game against the Dodgers, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The 26-year-old was originally scheduled to start Saturday before having his outing pushed to Monday, but he'll now take the mound Sunday after Marcus Stroman (undisclosed) was a late addition to the injured list. Steele has struggled through his first five starts of 2022 with a 5.50 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and 16:1 K:BB over 18 innings.

Stroman (undisclosed) was placed on the injured list Sunday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The move doesn't include an injury designation, which likely means Stroman's absence is related to COVID-19. Assuming that's the case, the 31-year-old can be activated as soon as he clears the MLB's testing protocols. He was scheduled to start Sunday against the Dodgers, but Justin Steele will instead take the mound for the Cubs.

Woodford allowed an unearned run on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts in 3.1 innings in Saturday's 13-7 loss to the Giants.

Woodford was again called upon for a multi-inning assignment after Steven Matz yielded eight runs in two innings. Woodford proceeded to turn in a quality relief appearance. The right-hander continues to see mostly mop-up duty, but he's pitched to a 2.25 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB across 12 innings in his six appearances.

Castillo (shoulder) will be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Monday against the Brewers, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old made his final rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday, and he'll remain on a five-day pitching schedule while coming off the injured list. Castillo threw 76 pitches across 4.1 frames in that outing, so any workload limitations should be minor despite it being his first start of 2022.