MLB Player News

Martinez, who has converted 17 of 18 save opportunities as the closer since Jordan Hicks (elbow) was sidelined, is expected to have an opportunity to compete for a rotation spot in spring training, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander's pitch arsenal has proven to be effective in late-inning, high-leverage situations, and Rogers reports that Martinez does enjoy filling the closer's role for now. However, working as a starter apparently remains his preference, as Martinez has continued to express a desire to have an opportunity to return to the rotation next season. The scenario shapes up as an interesting one for the Cardinals, given that Hicks isn't slated for a return until midseason in 2020, at the earliest. Therefore, if Martinez were to succeed in his bid to return to starting, alternative options such as Andrew Miller, John Gant and/or Giovanny Gallegos would likely be given run in the ninth inning for multiple months to open the campaign.

Walker (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports.

Walker played catch on the field in New York on Monday, and after throwing without any issue, he's been given the green light to toss a bullpen session. While it's good news that he's progressing through his throwing program, the Diamondbacks are unsure if he'll be ready to take the mound before the end of the 2019 campaign. Walker hasn't seen any big-league action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April of 2018.

Nola (12-5) allowed four runs on six hits with four walks and seven strikeouts across six innings while taking a loss against the Braves on Monday.

The 26-year-old has struggled with his control during his last two starts, and it's led to him yielding nine runs in the last 10 frames. He's walked seven hitters during that stretch, but despite those control issues, Nola has at least six punchouts in his last six outings. He owns a 3.70 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 207 strikeouts in 184.2 innings this season. Nola is scheduled to pitch next at home against the Red Sox on Saturday.

Hendricks (10-9) picked up the win against the Padres on Monday, giving up two runs (one earned) on seven hits over 5.2 innings, striking out five and walking one as the Cubs won 10-2.

Hendricks did his job in a game where he was spotted plenty of run support, cruising to his 10th victory to mark the third time in the last four seasons he's reached double-digit wins. He's suffered a couple of blowups recently, but it's been another strong campaign overall for the 29-year-old right-hander, who is sporting a 3.33 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 137:31 K:BB across 159.2 innings.

Quantrill (6-7) took the loss against the Cubs on Monday, giving up eight earned runs on 10 hits over 4.1 innings, striking out five and walking two in a 10-2 defeat for the Padres.

It was the third straight start in which the struggling right-hander has given up eight earned, a stretch that has seen Quantrill's ERA jump 3.32 to 5.12. The main culprit for Quantrill's struggles has been his inability to keep the ball in the yard, with 14 long balls to his name across 95 innings. He'll look to get on track in his next start, but he'll have to do it in a tough venue, with the Padres taking on the Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday.

Williams didn't factor into the decision against the Giants on Monday, giving up four earned runs on eight hits over 5.2 innings, striking out six and walking three as the Pirates eventually won 6-4.

Williams had fired three straight quality starts coming into the contest, but he couldn't quite keep it rolling against the Giants, missing the benchmark by one out and one earned run. He's been pitching better lately, but still sports lackluster numbers on the season, with a 5.21 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 102:37 K:BB over 131.1 innings. The right-hander's next start is currently tabbed for a Saturday road matchup against the Cubs.

Lyles allowed a run on four hits and three walks over 4.1 innings while striking out three batters in Monday's win over Miami.

Lyles didn't have his best command but was able to limit the damage. He held Miami scoreless until the fifth inning and lowered his season ERA to 4.38. He's now allowed two or fewer runs seven of his eight starts since being traded to the Brewers. He'll face the Cardinals on the road Saturday.

Lugo struck out four batters in two perfect innings Monday, earning the save over Arizona.

Lugo came in after seven dominant innings from Jacob deGrom and made quick work of the Diamondbacks for his first save of September. The 29-year-old lowered his ERA to 2.79 and hasn't allowed a run over his last 13 innings. With Edwin Diaz's struggles, Lugo should be in line for most of the save chances down the stretch.

Kelly (10-14) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks over six frames Monday, striking out five batters and taking the loss against the Mets.

Kelly allowed a pair of solo homers to Mets slugger Pete Alonso with an Amed Rosario RBI single sandwiched in between. It was his second straight quality start after he failed to make it out of the sixth inning in his previous four outings. The 6-foot-2 rookie will carry a 4.68 ERA into Saturday's home outing against the Reds.

DeGrom (9-8) allowed a run on three hits and a walk over seven innings Monday, striking out 11 batters and earning the win over Arizona.

Aside from a solo shot by Wilmer Flores, deGrom had the Diamondbacks completely dominated Monday. He lowered his ERA to 2.70 and bounced back after allowing four runs in each of his last two starts. The 31-year-old also owns a stellar 231:43 K:BB as he chases down a second straight NL Cy Young award. DeGrom will face the Dodgers at home Saturday.