MLB Player News

Wright (1-4) allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over six innings as he earned the win Sunday against the Nationals.

Wright has struggled over most of his appearances this year as he was charged with losses in four of his five starts. Sunday's effort matched his longest start of the season. Although he wasn't particularly dominant, Atlanta's offense provided him with considerable support against Max Scherzer, allowing Wright to secure his first major-league win. With several other starters slated to return next week, Wright's next start should come Sunday on the road against the Mets.

Houser (1-5) allowed seven runs (two earned) on four hits and four walks while striking out five across four innings to take the loss Sunday against the Cubs.

Houser held the Cubs scoreless through three innings. However, a combination of poor control and shoddy defense resulted in seven runs crossing the plate over the next 12 batters Houser faced. Though it's hard to see in the overall line, there were promising aspects of the effort for Houser, as he generated 15 swinging strikes on 100 total pitches. Even so, it was another disappointing result, as Houser now has a 5.40 ERA with a 37:18 K:BB across 46.2 frames for the season. He's in line to take his next turn through the rotation Friday against Kansas City.

Martinez allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight over four innings in a no-decision against the Reds on Sunday.

It was a mixed bag for Martinez. The eight punchouts are great, but the Reds managed three extra-base hits off the right-hander, including a homer off the bat of Brian Goodwin. Martinez has now given up 13 hits in 7.2 innings (two starts) since his return from the COVID-19 IL. He built up to 90 pitches Sunday after throwing 80 in his first start back on Sept. 8. Martinez has a couple favorable matchups to close out the regular season (at PIT, at KC), but with an ERA north of 10.00 around all the missed time, he's difficult to trust and should be viewed as a volatile option.

Mahle allowed three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three over 2.2 innings in a no-decision against the Cardinals on Sunday.

Mahle issued early walks in each of the first three innings and manager David Bell did not have the stomach for it, as he lifted the right-hander after 77 pitches. It was a departure from what has been the norm for Mahle this season; he has generally displayed good control and command, especially lately, with a 0.93 WHIP and 2.7 BB/9 in his last four appearances entering play Sunday. Wins have been hard to come by on this team, but Mahle's done enough to remain in a starting role the rest of the season. He will look to be more efficient against the White Sox at home next weekend.

Webb allowed a run on four hits and a walk and struck out five over four innings in a no-decision in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader versus the Padres.

A Wil Myers solo shot in the second inning accounted for the lone run against Webb, who was covering for Kevin Gausman (elbow). Sunday was the first time Webb had allowed fewer than four runs in his last four starts. The 23-year-old has a 4.96 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 44 strikeouts through 45.1 innings this season. His next start is expected to be next weekend versus the Athletics.

Sanchez (3-1) allowed one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out four across seven innings to earn the win Sunday in Game 1 of the team's doubleheader against the Phillies.

Sanchez needed only 90 pitches to record 21 outs, with the lone run coming in the second inning. While he wasn't dominant in terms of strikeouts and walks, Sanchez generated 10 ground ball outs to stay out of danger. The 22-year-old rookie has allowed no more than three earned runs in any of his five starts while working at least six innings in each of his past four outings. The result is a 1.69 ERA with a 29:5 K:BB across 32 frames. He lines up to take his next turn through the rotation Friday against Washington.

Peterson (4-2) took the loss Sunday against Toronto, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks across five innings. He struck out two.

Peterson was coming off a rough outing against the Phillies in which he allowed five runs over just two innings. Though he took the loss Sunday, it was a much better showing for the left-hander. He allowed a two-run homer to Lourdes Gurriel in the second but managed to keep the Jays off the board over the next three innings. Peterson will take a 4.17 ERA and a 4-2 record into his start against the Braves on Friday.

Velasquez is slated to start Monday's game against the Marlins.

The Phillies had a doubleheader on tap Sunday in Miami, but rather than tabbing Velasquez for one of the starts, manager Joe Girardi opted to go with a bullpen game in the first contest before having Zach Eflin take the hill in the nightcap. With Zack Wheeler (finger) not expected to be ready to start again until later this week, the Phillies will still have a spot available in the rotation for Velasquez on Monday. Assuming Velasquez acquits himself well in the outing, the right-hander could pick up a second start later in the week against the Blue Jays, as the Phillies will have another opening in the rotation following Spencer Howard's (shoulder) placement on the injured list.

DeSclafani is scheduled to start the second game of Monday's doubleheader with the Pirates, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The Reds bypassed DeSclafani for a start this past weekend in favor of Tejay Antone, but the former will re-enter the rotation as Cincinnati kicks off its four-game series against Pittsburgh with a twin bill. Given that the Reds moved Sonny Gray (back) to the 10-day injured list Sunday, DeSclafani should be in a good position to stick in the rotation when Cincinnati pares its starting staff back down to five men beginning Wednesday. DeSclafani hasn't lived up to the sleeper potential he held heading into fantasy drafts, posting a 7.20 ERA and 1.76 WHIP through six starts.

Eflin (2-2) took the loss in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader versus the Marlins, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out four.

Eflin started off poorly, allowing the first five batters to reach base in the first inning. He settled in after giving up three runs in the first, but the Phillies couldn't get him off the hook. Eflin now has a 5.01 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 52:11 K:BB across 41.1 innings this season. His next start is expected to be Friday versus the Blue Jays.