MLB Player News

Wood allowed five runs on six hits and struck out five over six innings in a no-decision versus Arizona on Tuesday. He did not walk a batter.

In back-to-back starts versus Arizona, Wood yielded nine runs in 10 innings. He's now given up at least four runs in each of his last three starts, bumping his ERA up to 4.22 with a 1.22 WHIP and 115:34 K:BB through 108.2 innings this season. His record remains at 9-3 entering his next start, tentatively scheduled for Sunday at home versus Colorado.

Flaherty (oblique) is scheduled to return from the 60-day injured list to start Friday's game in Kansas City, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mike Shildt previously suggested Flaherty would be an option to make his return during the club's ongoing series in Pittsburgh to begin the week. After further deliberation, however, the Cardinals will reintegrate their ace into the pitching schedule this weekend in Kansas City, where he won't have to bat for himself with the designated hitter available. In his final rehab start Aug. 6 at Triple-A Memphis, Flaherty built up to 75 pitches and four innings, so he's not expected to face any significant restrictions with his workload when he makes his first appearance with the Cardinals since May 31.

Cecconi has been shut down this season due to elbow soreness, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Cecconi was recently placed on the 60-day injured list, although no reason was given, which sounded ominous. However, the team does not consider the injury to be serious and expects the right-hander to pitch in Arizona Fall League. "He would be back sooner, but by the time he'd be back the season will be ending," farm director Josh Barfield said. "So we'll build him up for the fall league instead." Cecconi finished his season with a 4.12 ERA and 63 strikeouts over 59 innings for High-A Hillsboro.

Garrett didn't factor into the decision during Tuesday's 6-5 loss to San Diego, allowing five runs on eight hits and a walk with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

Coming off two straight solid outings, Garrett coughed up nearly as many baserunners as outs recorded and surrendered runs in three different innings. This was the rookie's first start allowing more than three runs and his spot in the rotation isn't secure, though the fact that the start came against a powerful offense bodes well for his prospects.

Ashby pitched two scoreless innings on two hits while striking out one in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cubs.

Ashby was great in two innings, a far cry from his MLB debut where he failed to get out of the first inning. However, a 90-minute rain delay stood in the way of him being able to go deeper into Tuesday night's game. The 23-year-old carries a 4.48 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with a 14.1 K/9 in 62.1 innings with Triple-A Nashville this season. He is likely first in line to receive future spot starts if the Brewers need an additional starter.

Nola allowed one hit and no walks while striking out seven across four scoreless innings Tuesday against the Dodgers. He did not factor into the decision.

Nola matched Max Scherzer in a pitchers' duel early in the game. However, his start was cut short by a lengthy rain delay. Even so, Nola got in enough work to show that he was in for a bounce-back effort after surrendering five earned runs across five innings in his last outing. Despite that stumble, Nola has allowed two or fewer earned runs in three of his last four starts after he struggled for the majority of a seven-start stretch from early June to late July. He'll look to stay on track to close the season and improve on his 4.35 ERA across 130.1 innings on the campaign.

Gray allowed two earned runs on three hits and three balls while striking out eight across five innings in the loss to Atlanta on Tuesday. He did not factor into the decision.

Despite not getting the win, Gray was able to fan eight. His only damage came on a two-run homer by Adam Duvall in the fourth inning. The 31-year-old carries a strong 11.6 K/9 in 86 innings. He has a 4.40 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP this season. His next start is scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.

Smyly (8-3) allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out seven across six innings, earning the win over the Reds on Tuesday.

Smyly allowed just four baserunners through six innings. The only damage against him came on a two-run homer by Aristides Aquino in the second inning. It was Smyly's first quality outing since June 25, but he hasn't lost in his last 12 starts. The 32-year-old carries a 4.41 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 92 strikeouts in 102 innings. His next start is scheduled for Sunday in Washington.

Hill will start Thursday against the Nationals rather than Wednesday as previously expected, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

The Mets are opting to swap Hill and Stroman's start days in order to keep the latter on normal rest. The shuffle sets Hill up to take the ball on six days of rest after he allowed just one unearned run across five innings in his previous outing against Miami.

GM Zack Scott said Tuesday "it would be a good thing" for the Mets to get Syndergaard (elbow) "back in September in a role where he can help the club in relief," Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Scott indicated in late July a relief role could be on tap for Syndergaard as he makes his return from Tommy John surgery, and the general manager strengthened that stance Tuesday. The right-hander has recently been throwing bullpen sessions, and returning as a reliever would shorten his rehab program compared to the buildup necessary for a starting role.