MLB Player News

Fried (3-2) picked up the win in Monday's 5-2 victory over the Mets, giving up two runs on four hits over six innings. He struck out six without walking a batter.

The lefty continues to have pinpoint control. Fried boasts a minuscule 0.9 percent walk rate through five starts and 30 innings, leading to a 3.00 ERA and 0.87 WHIP, and the efficiency has allowed him to deliver three straight quality starts and three straight wins. While he'll eventually start issuing more free passes, that may not result in much regression in his performance -- his 94.5 mph fastball average is the highest of his career, while his 67.5 percent strand rate has been somewhat unlucky.

Lopez (3-1) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over 4.2 innings Monday, striking out seven and taking a loss against Arizona.

Lopez's 18.1-inning scoreless streak was ended almost immediately when he coughed up a two-run shot to David Peralta with one out in the first inning. The 26-year-old later allowed two more runs in the fifth, including another RBI from Peralta that knocked him out of the game. After allowing just one run through 23.1 innings to begin the year, Lopez saw his ERA climb to 1.61 in the loss. He's projected to take the mound in San Diego this weekend.

Gallen (1-0) allowed two runs on five hits over 6.1 innings Monday, striking out five and earning a win over Miami.

Gallen cruised through six shutout innings before running into some trouble in the seventh; he hit Avisail Garcia and Garrett Cooper before striking out Brian Anderson. Both Garcia and Cooper would come around to score with Noe Ramirez on the mound, ending Gallen's bid for a second straight scoreless performance. The 26-year-old owns a 1.27 ERA with a 19:4 K:BB on the year. Gallen is lined up to face the Rockies at home this weekend.

Matz (3-1) picked up the win Monday after he tossed six scoreless innings, allowing four hits while striking out four in the victory over the Royals.

Matz looked strong Monday, outdueling Zack Greinke in what was a 1-0 win. It was the second time this season he didn't walk a batter and his first quality start of the campaign. Matz has been a mixed bag this season, giving up 11 runs in seven innings across two starts but surrendering just one run over 16.2 frames in his other three outings. Matz now sports a 4.56 ERA and 1.44 WHIP heading into the second month of the season.

Ashcraft has a 1.99 ERA over 22.2 innings at Triple-A Louisville, albeit with a 1.71 WHIP. He has 18 strikeouts, but has allowed 10 walks, 28 hits and nine unearned runs, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

While it's natural to look for help from the minors to prop up the Reds' struggling rotation, Ashcraft isn't ready yet. "Graham Ashcraft is in Triple-A and not the big leagues because that's the best place for him," Krall said. "He needs to go through the development process and continue to get better there. He's had a couple of really good games. He's had a couple of games where he has been so-so."

Peterson will be recalled to start one half of Tuesday's doubleheader against Atlanta, though the Mets have yet to specify which game, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Peterson has made two starts and one relief appearance for the Mets this season, allowing just one run on nine hits in 14 innings of work despite an unimpressive 18.9 percent strikeout rate. Trevor Williams picked up the team's most recent spot start in late April, but it looks as though Peterson will be the preferred option Tuesday.

Sanchez (shoulder) has increased his throwing distance to 60 feet, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Manager Don Mattingly said early last week that Sanchez had resumed playing catch from 45 feet, and he slightly increased his throwing distance approximately a week later. The right-hander was in a ramp-up process over the first half of 2021 before ultimately requiring shoulder surgery last July. As a result, the Marlins will likely bring Sanchez along slowly, and a better timetable for his return is unlikely to be revealed until he's able to resume mound work.

Gutierrez is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday against the Brewers in Milwaukee, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gutierrez was initially lined up to start the series opener in Milwaukee on Tuesday, but an off day Monday allowed the Reds to reorder their pitching schedule. As a result, Tyler Mahle will move to the front of the order and start Tuesday, setting him up to make a second turn Sunday against Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Gutierrez will be limited to the one start Wednesday for this week, making him an unpalatable fantasy option in the majority of leagues.

Meyer gave up one run on six hits and one walk over 6.2 innings Saturday for Triple-A Jacksonville in a win over Charlotte. He struck out six.

It was the longest outing of Meyer's minor-league career to date, and it continued a run of dominance to begin the season that has seen the right-hander deliver a 1.71 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB through 26.1 innings over five starts. The Marlins' No. 2 fantasy prospect doesn't seem to have much left to prove in the minors, but he's not yet on the 40-man roster and the organization is going to be keeping a careful eye on his workload. Still, it's likely only a matter of time before the 23-year-old makes his big-league debut.

The Brewers designated Urena for assignment Monday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

He was moved off the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster to clear room for infielder Luis Urias (quadriceps), who was activated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. After earning a spot on the Brewers' Opening Day roster as a long reliever, Urena floundered over his four appearances out of the bullpen, giving up five runs (three earned) on seven hits and five walks while striking out three over 7.2 innings.