MLB Player News

Flaherty gave up one run on one hit and two walks over 1.2 innings during Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cubs. He had three strikeouts and did not qualify for the decision.

The right-hander's first start since the Cardinals resumed play last weekend was a short one, as the team limited him to 41 pitches in his first game action since July 24. Flaherty should continue to get stretched out toward his usual workload, but it figures to take a few starts following the multi-week hiatus. The 24-year-old's next outing lines up for Monday versus the Royals.

Paddack did not factor into the decision during Wednesday's win over the Rangers, allowing one run on four hits and a pair of walks while striking out five across six innings.

Aside from serving up a solo home run to Rougned Odor in the second inning, Paddack kept the Rangers in check. The 24-year-old, who has struggled with a weaker fastball this year, was coming off a rough start against the Dodgers last time out, so it was nice to see him rebound. He'll carry a 4.26 ERA and 1.14 WHIP into next week's matchup against Seattle.

Matz was removed from the starting rotation and will be available out of the bullpen for Thursday's game against the Marlins, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets left the southpaw's status in the rotation up in the air coming out of his ugly outing Saturday, and he'll move to the bullpen rather than start Thursday. Seth Lugo will take his spot in the rotation, though Matz could still see work Thursday since Lugo isn't close to being stretched out as a starter. Matz has surrendered 23 runs on 30 hits, including nine homers, through 23 innings this season.

Lugo will start Thursday's game against the Marlins and remain in the starting rotation going forward, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The 30-year-old appeared to have a solid hold on the closer's role with a 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB through 10.1 innings while converting three of five save opportunities, but he'll now shift into Steven Matz's spot in the rotation. Lugo has operated as a multi-inning reliever all season, but he hasn't reached the 20-pitch mark since July 27, so it figures to take some time before he gets fully stretched out for a starter's workload. The Mets haven't announced their plans for the back end of the bullpen, but Edwin Diaz is the likely candidate to operate as the closer, since he's bounced back with a 2.53 ERA and 24:5 K:BB this season.

Toussaint won't start during the upcoming weekend series against the Phillies.

It was reported earlier in the day that the 24-year-old would be taking the mound for Sunday's series finale, but Josh Tomlin will be starting instead. The Braves have two scheduled off days next week, so it's possible Toussaint is shifted to the bullpen until Atlanta requires the full complements of its starting rotation.

Oviedo allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four across five innings in the second game of the Cardinals's doubleheader against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

Oviedo made his major-league debut and provided valuable innings to the Cardinals. He limited the Cubs to only one extra-base hit and induced 16 called strikes to go along with 10 swinging strikes in 89 total pitches. Oviedo won't stick as a permanent member of the Cardinals' rotation, but he may called upon in similar circumstances given the number of doubleheaders on the team's schedule.

Mahle will pick up another start Sunday in St. Louis, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

With the Reds playing a doubleheader on Wednesday, the Reds had a need for a sixth starter. Mahle last pitched on August 12, essentially missing a turn by the time he pitches again on Sunday, so he might not be able to pitch much more than three-to-four innings.

Wright won't start as scheduled Wednesday against the Nationals since the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

The 24-year-old now won't start again until at least early next week since Max Fried, Robbie Erlin and Josh Tomlin are set to start this weekend for Atlanta, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Wright could start Tuesday against the Yankees, but the Braves may get creative with their rotation since they have two scheduled off days next week.

Castillo (0-3) was charged with four runs (three earned) on five hits over 3.1 innings in a loss to the Royals in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader. He struck out five and walked two.

Making his first start in eight days after the team's COVID-19 scare, Castillo was not particularly sharp. He needed 35 pitches to get through the first frame and ended up recording only 10 outs on 89 pitches. The right-hander has made two starts against Kansas City and two against Detroit and yet remains winless on the year. Everything checks out just fine in the peripherals and Castillo should still be considered a top-15 starting pitcher in the NL, even if he's been the third-best starter on his own team to this point. Next week he gets the Brewers in Milwaukee and then the Cubs at home.

Toussaint is scheduled to start Sunday against the Phillies, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Toussaint was originally lined up to start Saturday, but Robbie Erlin will get the ball instead as the Braves give the right-hander -- who has allowed nine earned runs over his last seven innings -- an extra day of rest.