MLB Player News

Webb is available in relief Thursday against the Cubs, but he will start Sunday against the Diamondbacks if he is not needed Thursday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The Giants won't use Webb unless they really need to during the day game at Wrigley Field. He was effective in his big-league debut last week, giving up one earned run while striking out seven in five innings to pick up the win against the Diamondbacks. With Shaun Anderson (blister) and Johnny Cueto (elbow) expected back fairly soon, Webb's run in the rotation may not last long.

Houser improved his record to 6-5 after limiting the Cardinals to three runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out six in 5.1 innings Wednesday in the Brewers' 5-3 victory.

Houser struggled in most of his initial starting chances this season, but the right-hander seems to be hitting his stride since re-entering the rotation in late July. He's now allowed exactly one earned run in three straight starts and owns a 2.54 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB in 28.1 innings over his last five turns. Neither Brandon Woodruff (oblique) nor Jhoulys Chacin (lat) is expected back from the 10-day injured list until at least mid-September. so Houser should enjoy some decent security in the Milwaukee rotation.

Wainwright (9-9) was the pitcher of record Wednesday in the Cardinals' rain-shortened 5-3 loss to the Brewers, giving up five runs on eight hits and four walks while striking out two in five innings.

Wainwright put the Cardinals in a 4-0 hole in the first inning they were never able to dig out from, with Mike Moustakas' three-run home run representing the brunt of the damage. The veteran righty has been a decent innings eater for St. Louis this season but hasn't offered much relief in the ratio categories, posting a 4.51 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 24 starts.

Ray (back) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Ray could rejoin the starting rotation soon if Friday's session goes without issue. The left-hander was removed from his last start Aug. 14 with what turned out to be back spasms.

Walker (elbow, shoulder) threw at 105 feet Wednesday, but he has no firm plans to throw a bullpen session, Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic reports.

Walker is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery he underwent in April 2018. As he was ramping up activity this past spring, the right-hander developed shoulder soreness and hasn't thrown off a mound since May. Time is running out in 2019 for him to help the Diamondbacks' starting rotation.

Buehler threw seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Wednesday, giving up five hits, striking out eight and walking none as the Dodgers picked up a 2-1 extra-inning victory.

He didn't get the win in a low-scoring contest, but Buehler was brilliant in blanking the Blue Jays over his seven frames and was unlucky not to get his 11th win of the season. It was a nice bounce-back effort from the 25-year-old after the Marlins knocked him around for five earned runs in his last start. Buehler continues to enjoy a standout season, as he now has a 3.16 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 174:26 K:BB across 148.1 innings.

Darvish did not factor into the decision during Wednesday's 12-11 win over the Giants, allowing seven runs (six earned) on seven hits while striking out eight over 5.1 innings.

After serving up a two-run home run to Evan Longoria in the first inning, Darvish found some of his own success at the plate with an RBI single in the second inning to give the Cubs a 3-2 lead. He settled into a better groove until the fifth, when Mike Yastrzemski broke through with another two-run shot. Darvish then allowed back-to-back homers in the sixth to Stephen Vogt and Kevin Pillar before getting pulled. On the bright side, the 33-year-old did not issue any walks for the sixth straight game. Darvish now owns a 4.43 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 176:51 K:BB and will look to bounce back in New York against the Mets on Tuesday.

Melville (1-0) allowed one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out four across seven innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

Melville was called up to make a spot start after Jon Gray (foot) was suddenly placed on the 60-day injured list. He turned in a strong effort, with a solo home run by Ketel Marte being his only big mistake of the contest. Of note, 13 of his 21 outs came on flyballs, a factor that may hold him back in home starts at Coors Field. It remains to be seen how the Rockies will use Melville going forward, as this was his first major-league start since 2017.

Smyly didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Red Sox, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks over 3.2 innings while striking out four.

The southpaw tossed only 44 of 84 pitches for strikes before getting the hook, and while the light rain that fell throughout the game may have played a part in Smyly's inability to get the ball over the plate consistently, it's not like his struggles are anything new. He now has a 7.45 ERA through four starts in August (19.1 innings), but with the Phillies lacking alternatives for the rotation, he'll next take the mound Tuesday, at home against the Pirates.

Stroman (hamstring) underwent an MRI after leaving Wednesday's game, and manager Mickey Callaway said the team is "not concerned" by the injury, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Stroman was removed from Wednesday's start after four innings due to left hamstring tightness, and that appears to be the extent of the injury. The 28-year-old could still end up missing a start depending how he feels over the next couple days, but he appears to have avoided a more serious injury.