MLB Player News

Malone has yet to start for Low-A Bradenton due to a finger blister, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

It's a minor issue, so the 20-year-old's start to the season shouldn't be pushed back too much. Malone last pitched in 2019 at rookie ball, making six appearances.

DeGrom (side) played catch Friday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

DeGrom was placed on the injured list Tuesday, meaning he's set to miss his second turn out of three in the rotation due to a side issue. An MRI revealed no injury or even inflammation, and the Mets appear optimistic that he'll return when first eligible next Friday. The fact that he's still able to throw reinforces that idea, though the Mets haven't officially set a date for his return.

DeSclafani (3-1) pitched five shutout innings Thursday, allowing a hit and a walk with five strikeouts to earn the win over Pittsburgh.

DeSclafani was effective but only threw 76 pitches (49 strikes) in the outing. After the game, manager Gabe Kapler reported DeSclafani wasn't feeling 100 percent, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports. Kapler added there's no long-term concern, which should clear DeSclafani to make his next start next week in Cincinnati. The right-hander has a 2.14 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 41:11 K:BB across 46.1 innings.

Strasburg (shoulder) will make one more rehab start before being activated from the injured list, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports. "We won't activate him until he gets through another round," manager Davey Martinez said Thursday.

The Nationals have yet to determine whether Strasburg will throw another simulated game Sunday or be sent to a minor-league affiliate for the rehab start, a decision complicated by COVID-19 protocols, but either way his return to the big-league roster seems imminent. He's expected to throw 75-80 pitches, and the right-hander would then line up to start at home against the Orioles on May 21, replacing Erick Fedde in the rotation.

Kelly (2-4) lost Thursday's start against Miami, throwing 6.1 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts as Arizona fell 5-1.

Kelly only allowed one run through the first five innings but slowed down the third time through the order before being removed in the seventh. Despite a 5.24 ERA, he's allowed three runs or less in each of his last five starts.

Castillo (1-5) was charged with the loss against the Rockies on Thursday after surrendering eight runs on 10 hits and a pair of walks while striking out three across 3.2 innings.

There isn't much positivity to pull away from this one. Castillo simply couldn't pull it together at hitter-happy Coors Field. He has now allowed four or more earned runs in five of his eight starts this season while serving up 18 earned runs over his last three starts against the Rockies. The right-hander will look to turn things around Tuesday against the Giants.

Rogers (5-2) picked up the win in Miami's 5-1 victory over Arizona on Thursday, going six innings and allowing one run on four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.

Rogers needed only 87 pitches to get through six and earn his fifth win in what has been an encouraging sophomore season. He's been one of the best values in fantasy this season and can step up his game by working deeper into starts, as he's only lasted more than six innings once in eight games.

Burnes (2-3) allowed one earned run on five hits and one walk while striking out nine, taking the loss to the Cardinals on Thursday.

Burnes struck out 58 batters to start the season before issuing his first walk in the fifth inning to Tommy Edman, breaking Kenley Jansen's modern-day record for most strikeouts to start a season without allowing a walk. Unfortunately, Burnes was handed the loss after just one run allowed in five innings as the Brewers' offense once again failed to provide any run support. The 26-year-old has a 1.57 ERA in six starts and the Brewers have only managed to win two of them. He has the best K/9 amongst starters in baseball with 15.2.

Keller will start Sunday against the Giants, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Keller was originally slated to start Saturday's game but will still draw a matchup against the Giants after moving back one day. He'll look to bounce back from a poor outing his last time out, when he allowed seven earned runs across only 3.1 innings to the Reds.

Anderson was originally projected to start Friday, but he will now start Saturday instead, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Assuming injury isn't involved, Anderson will still draw the same matchup against the Giants. Anderson has been a pleasant surprise early on this season, maintaining a 3.05 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 41.1 innings through seven starts. Miguel Yajure was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Friday's game.