MLB Player News

DeSclafani (9-8) allowed four runs on three hits with two walks and eight strikeouts across seven innings while taking a loss against the Phillies on Monday.

A lot of things went well for DeSclafani in this one, but the same thing continues to plague him -- home runs. DeSclafani has allowed fewer long balls lately, but he's still tossed up a career-high 27 homers and owns a 1.7 HR/9 this year. If it wasn't for all the long balls, DeSclafani would possess a much higher fantasy ceiling. Instead, he is 9-8 with a 4.10 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 147 strikeouts in 142.2 innings this season. DeSclafani will face the Diamondbacks at home in his next start Sunday.

Smyly (3-6) allowed one run on four hits with three walks and eight strikeouts across 5.1 innings while earning a victory against the Reds on Monday.

Even though he couldn't finish the sixth, this was still major improvement for the southpaw. Smyly had yielded 20 runs in his last 25 innings (7.20 ERA) and won just one of seven outings with the Phillies coming into the night. Of course, that's still better than what he was doing with the Rangers. Smyly is 3-6 with a 6.65 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 98 strikeouts in 94.2 innings with the Rangers and Phillies this season. He will pitch next at the Mets on Saturday.

Soroka (11-3) allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts across five innings while earning a victory against the Blue Jays on Monday.

The right-hander finished an inning shy from posting his seventh straight quality start, but he still captured his first victory since July 14. Soroka won 10 of his first 16 starts of the year, but since then, he's settled for six no-decisions and suffered two losses, so it was certainly nice to see the rookie back in the win column. He owns a 2.53 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 119 strikeouts in 152.2 innings this season. Soroka will be looking for his 12th win during his next start Sunday against the Nationals at home.

Quantrill (6-6) gave up eight runs on 10 hits and one walk while striking out four through five innings to take the loss against the Diamondbacks on Monday.

Quantrill allowed six runs in a disastrous second inning and allowed two more runs in his last frame of work. After posting a 1.79 ERA in his first seven games after the All-Star break, Quantrill has followed those performances with two eight-run outings. The 24-year-old has a 4.57 ERA with 75 strikeouts through 15 starts this season. Quantrill is scheduled to make his next start Monday against the Cubs at Petco Park.

May (neck) will undergo further concussion testing, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

May passed his initial concussion test after taking a line drive to the head Sunday, but the Dodgers want to send him for some additional tests to confirm he's free of any symptoms. He's also dealing with neck soreness but manager Dave Roberts said Monday that the rookie is doing well and has avoided a serious injury.

Freeland (groin) is expected to return from the injured list before the end of the season, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Freeland was placed on the 10-day IL on Aug. 22 with a left groin strain, but he was cleared to resume throwing off the slope of a mound just four days later. It's unclear at this point when he'll advance to throwing off a full mound, but the Rockies are confident he'll be ready to return from the IL at some point within the next few weeks.

Manager Bud Black said Marquez (arm) has an "outside chance of pitching again" this season, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Marquez is on the injured list with right arm inflammation, and it doesn't sound like the Rockies are expecting him to return this season, though Black didn't completely rule it out. With the team already eliminated from the playoffs, there's no reason to push the right-hander, who owns a 4.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 175:35 K:BB across 28 starts (174 innings) this season.

May is dealing with neck soreness after getting hit with a line drive Sunday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

May thankfully avoided a concussion after the ball struck him in the head. He was previously diagnosed with a head contusion and apparently also has a neck issue as well, but the injuries don't appear to be overly serious.

Hill (forearm) is set to face live hitters Friday or Saturday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Hill was able to toss another side session Monday without any issues, so the next step in his rehab will be to face live batters. He was placed on the injured list June 20 with a left forearm strain and continues to target a mid-September return. The Dodgers are expected to give Hill an opportunity to reclaim a starting role once he's activated, with the veteran lefty and Julio Urias likely vying for the final spot in Los Angeles' four-man rotation in the postseason.

Manager Dave Roberts said Maeda will pitch out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Maeda was originally scheduled to start Tuesday against the Rockies, but Julio Urias will get the ball instead while Maeda moves to the bullpen for the stretch run. The 31-year-old owns a respectable 4.14 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 147:47 K:BB through 26 starts (137 innings) this season but will transition to a relief role ahead of the playoffs.