MLB Player News

Gausman didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Brewers after tossing five innings of two-run ball, allowing four hits and a walk while fanning seven.

Gausman gave up a two-run single to Lorenzo Cain in the second inning, but he was excellent the rest of the way. While he finished three outs away from posting another quality start, it's worth noting that Gausman has given up three or fewer runs in each of his last seven appearances while pitching at least five frames in five of those contests. He owns a career-best 2.52 ERA and 1.01 WHIP through 157 innings on the season.

Rogers (personal) was activated from the restricted list Thursday.

Rogers missed just over a month due to a family medical situation, but he recently completed two rehab starts and allowed four hits and three walks while striking out 12 in 8.1 scoreless innings at Low-A Jupiter. The southpaw lines up to return to the major-league mound during the Marlins' weekend series against the Phillies, and he's unlikely to face a significant pitch count since he tossed 71 pitches in Sunday's rehab start.

Contreras (forearm) allowed one run in two innings while pitching for Double-A Altoona on Wednesday. He gave up one hit, no walks and struck out three.

He threw 37 pitches (24 for strikes) in his first appearance since June 30. One of Pittsburgh's top pitching prospects, Contreras has registered a 2.44 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 68:11 K:BB in 48 Double-A innings. Most importantly, it appears he's moved past the forearm injury that caused him to miss two months of development.

Darvish (7-9) lasted just 2.2 innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits and a walk while striking out three.

Darvish pitched two clean innings before the wheels completely came off in the third. He was able to record the first out of the frame before surrendering four runs on four consecutive hits, which was capped off by a two-run homer from Josh VanMeter. The Diamondbacks scored two more in the frame, though one of the runs was unearned. Darvish has posted an ugly 7.57 ERA in nine starts since July 3, raising his ERA from 2.44 to 4.05 over that span. It's unclear if he's still affected by the back injury or if the crackdown on grip enhancers is causing him to struggle, but he certainly hasn't looked like himself over the past couple months. The 34-year-old will need to turn things around down the stretch if the Padres want a better chance of earning the second wild-card spot. His next chance to take the mound is tentatively scheduled for next week against the Angels.

Steele (3-2) completed five scoreless innings against Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out three to earn the win.

The left-hander was somewhat wild in the outing, throwing only 48 of 86 pitches for strikes and walking three batters. However, he held the Twins to a harmless single and allowed only one runner to reach third base. The performance was easily Steele's finest since moving into the rotation Aug. 10; over his first three starts, he posted a 6.39 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and an 0-2 record. His next turn is likely to come at home against Cincinnati early next week.

Gray (7-6) picked up the win in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, allowing two runs on two hits over five innings in a 12-2 victory, He struck out three without walking a batter.

Both hits off Gray left the yard for solo shots, but other than plunking Tommy Edman with a pitch, the right-hander kept the bases clear of traffic. The 31-year-old has won five straight decisions dating back to July 30, posting a 2.79 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 38:13 K:BB through 38.2 innings over that seven-start stretch.

Miley (11-5) took the loss in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, giving up five runs on 12 hits -- including three home runs -- and a walk over four innings. He struck out two.

The 12 hits and three homers were both season-worst numbers for the 34-year-old, while the outing was Miley's shortest since he lasted only three innings at Coors Field on May 14. Despite the stumble, he still sports a 2.97 ERA on the year with a 114:47 K:BB through 148.2 innings.

Brubaker (thumb) completed a side session Wednesday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Brubaker landed on the shelf with a bruised right thumb last week, but he may not remained sidelined for long since he didn't face a significant shutdown. The 27-year-old could rejoin the rotation within the next week if he continues to ramp up with no issues.

Mikolas didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Reds, giving up four runs on five hits and a walk over three innings. He struck out three.

The right-hander exited the game after 55 pitches (35 strikes) and was on the hook for his second loss of the season, but the Cards took the lead for good in the top of the fourth inning. Mikolas has completed five frames only once in three starts since coming off the IL, and he'll carry a 4.41 ERA and 14:5 K:BB through 16.1 innings into his next outing.

Smyly won't start during the four-game series against the Rockies that begins Thursday, and manager Brian Snitker said he's unsure how the left-hander will be utilized going forward, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Smyly last pitched Monday against the Dodgers and surrendered five runs in 4.2 innings, raising his ERA to 5.30 in eight outings since the All-Star break. Touki Toussaint will rejoin the rotation Thursday at Colorado, while Smyly's role is in flux after giving up seven homers in his past two starts.