MLB Player News

Lauer (4-4) earned the win Monday against the Pirates after tossing five scoreless innings, allowing three hits and fanning three.

Lauer took advantage of the fact that he was facing one of the weakest offenses in the National League to deliver one of his best outings of the campaign, but this shouldn't be much of a surprise, considering the way he's been pitching of late. Aside from pitching five scoreless frames, Lauer also tossed 54 of his 84 pitches for strikes and didn't walk anyone for the second time over his last three outings. He owns an excellent 1.44 ERA across his last six starts and hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of those contests.

DeSclafani allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits and a walk with five strikeouts in 4.1 innings, taking a no-decision versus Arizona on Monday.

The right-hander has had a bit of trouble with the long ball lately, yielding eight homers in his last seven games after giving up the same number in his first 15 starts of the year. With this rough outing, DeSclafani saw his ERA tick up to 3.28 with a 1.07 WHIP and 118:33 K:BB through 126.1 innings. It's a little concerning to see him struggle so much versus the bottom-dwelling D-backs, but he'll try to get back on track in Milwaukee this weekend.

Luzardo (3-4) picked up the win Monday, giving up three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings in a 6-3 victory over the Mets. He struck out five.

Making his Marlins debut after coming over from Oakland in the Starling Marte deal, Luzardo once again showed somewhat shaky control, tossing 47 of 84 pitches for strikes. However, a first-inning grand slam by Lewis Brinson gave him all the run support he would need. The southpaw has a 6.70 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 45:19 K:BB through 43 innings in the majors this season, but he's capable of much, much better.

Megill (1-1) took the loss Monday against the Marlins after giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits over five innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

He left a fastball to Lewis Brinson out over the plate with the bases loaded in the first inning, and Brinson drove it the other way out of the yard to put the Mets in a quick 4-0 hole. However, Megill rebounded after that to deliver four solid frames. This was the 26-year-old's worst start in the majors so far, but he still boasts a 2.68 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 43:11 K:BB through his first 40.1 innings. With Jacob deGrom (forearm) now not expected to return until September, Megill's spot in the rotation is fairly secure even if he continues to regress.

Gray didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 7-5 loss to the Phillies, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out two.

Making his Washington debut, Gray blanked Philadelphia for four frames before Odubel Herrera launched a solo shot off him in the fifth, and he tossed 47 of 71 pitches for strikes before exiting. The right-hander hadn't lasted longer than four innings in either of his appearances for the Dodgers prior to heading east at the trade deadline, so the reduced workload is likely just temporary, but keeping the ball in the park has been a challenge for him in the majors so far -- Gray has served up five homers in only 13 innings.

Suarez didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 7-5 win over the Nationals, walking one and striking out one over three hitless, scoreless innings.

Whether it's closing or starting, the 25-year-old southpaw continues to be brilliant. Suarez needed only 33 pitches (18 strikes) to record nine outs in his first start of the year, and he's been tagged for earned runs only once in 11 appearances since the beginning of July. On the season, he sports a 1.04 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 43:15 K:BB through 43.1 innings, but it may take another couple outings before he's stretched out enough to qualify for a win in his new role.

Flaherty (oblique) allowed two earned runs on four hits, a walk and a wild pitch over three innings in Triple-A Memphis' loss to Gwinnett on Sunday. He struck out five.

Despite the fact the Stripers got to Flaherty for a couple of extra-base hits, the right-hander's start was encouraging overall. Flaherty worked up to 58 pitches (38 strikes), and if he's able to up his workload in his next rehab appearance without any setbacks, it's conceivable he makes a return early in the second half of August.

Lopez (shoulder) threw from 90 feet Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander threw from 60 feet Friday and advanced to 90 feet Monday as he continues to ramp up his throwing program. Lopez will need to progress to mound work before a potential return timeline comes into focus.

Luzardo will be promoted from Triple-A Jacksonville to start Monday's game against the Mets, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander was acquired from the A's in exchange for Starling Marte last week, and he'll debut for his new team Monday. Luzardo struggled in the majors to start the season with a 6.87 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB over 38 innings. He served up 11 homers and was unable to find success as a starter and reliever, and he also posted a 6.52 ERA in the minors. Luzardo will now have a chance for a fresh start in Miami, with his first opportunity coming Monday against first-place New York.

Velasquez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right middle finger blister Monday.

Velasquez had given up 11 runs in 4.1 innings across his last two starts, and his blister may have contributed to his struggles. Once he's cleared to return, manager Joe Girardi said this weekend that Velasquez will move to the bullpen, while Chase Anderson will claim a spot in the rotation.