MLB Player News

Lugo will remain in a high-leverage rather than a strict ninth-inning role, but Mets manager Mickey Callaway suggested Sunday that the right-hander would see regular save chances going forward, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Callaway has been reluctant to brand anyone but Edwin Diaz as the team's closer, but after Diaz got bypassed for a save chance Saturday in favor of Lugo working a second inning, the writing was on the wall. He's certainly earned the opportunity to close -- since the beginning of July, Lugo has posted a stunning 0.51 ERA, 0.28 WHIP and 22:1 K:BB through 17.2 innings while compiling two wins, two saves and seven holds in 15 appearances.

Ryu (12-2) tossed seven shutout innings while allowing five hits and one walk with four strikeouts across seven innings to earn a victory against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Clearly, Ryu has recovered from his neck issue, as he dropped his ERA to a ridiculous 1.45. Opposing hitters are batting just .221, which is a great number, but even more impressively, Ryu has walked only 17 batters while striking out 121. In another year of power explosion, he's also allowed just 10 homers. Ryu, who will pitch next at the Braves on Saturday, owns a 0.93 WHIP and 121 strikeouts in 142.2 innings this season.

Marquez (11-5) struck out nine while allowing three runs on five hits with two walks across eight innings to earn the victory against the Padres on Sunday.

The 24-year-old allowed a solo homer in the second and third along with another run while recording a double play in the seventh, but his efficiency and the Rockies offense enabled Marquez to get through eight frames. He needed just 93 pitches to record 24 outs, which included nine punchouts, giving Marquez 23 strikeouts in his last 19 innings. The 24-year-old, who will pitch again Friday at home against the Marlins, owns a 4.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 163 strikeouts in 163 innings this season.

Castillo gave up three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out eight through 6.2 innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Sunday.

Castillo looked to be cruising until running into trouble in the seventh inning, eventually leading to his exit and a loss for the Reds. After dominating with his changeup in his last start, he collected another 10 swinging strikes and threw his changeup more than any other pitch. Castillo has a 2.69 ERA and 172 strikeouts through 24 starts this season. Castillo will make his next start Friday against the Cardinals at Great American Ball Park.

Hill (forearm) won't have enough time this season to build back up to a starting role, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

Hill has been on the shelf June 20 with a forearm injury, and skipper Dave Roberts noted Sunday that there just isn't enough time remaining in the season for him to build back up as a starter. The veteran southpaw remains hopeful that he'll be able to make a September return.

DeGrom yielded three unearned runs on four hits and a walk over five innings Sunday, striking out seven batters in the loss to Washington. He did not factor in the decision, though.

All three runs that deGrom allowed crossed the plate after a Pete Alonso throwing error in the first inning. He allowed just two hits after that unfortunate inning, both coming off the bat of Anthony Rendon. The reigning NL Cy Young winner now owns a 2.68 ERA and 189:36 K:BB this season. DeGrom will take the mound in Kansas City on Saturday.

Mikolas allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts across five innings during a no-decision against the Pirates on Sunday.

The Pirates offense tacked on two runs against the Cardinals bullpen and appeared poised to break their seven-game losing streak and give Mikolas his 13th loss. Instead, the Cardinals rallied in the seventh and eighth with Mikolas taking a no-decision. But he still allowed multiple home runs for the first time since May 24, and his ERA rose back above 4.00. Mikolas, who will pitch next at the Reds on Friday, is 7-12 with a 4.13 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 137.1 innings this season.

Lyles (7-8) yielded one run on three hits and four walks over seven innings Sunday, striking out nine and taking the loss against Texas.

Lyles held Texas off the board until a seventh-inning sacrifice fly. He was on his way to going 3-0 in three starts with Milwaukee since being acquired from the Pirates, but his offense couldn't get anything going against Mike Minor. The nine punchouts were his highest since May 12. In 17 innings since the trade, the 28-year-old right-hander owns a 1.59 ERA while allowing just two long balls. Lyles will take the mound in Washington next Sunday.

Mahle (hamstring) is expected to move to the bullpen when he is activated from the injured list, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

He tested his hamstring by running the bases Saturday and had a live batting practice session Sunday, throwing 20 pitches. He will throw a bullpen session at Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday and a rehab assignment will follow. With the addition of Trevor Bauer at the deadline and with the rest of the big-league starters pitching well, the plan will be for Mahle to work as a multi-inning reliever down the stretch.

Wacha will "likely" make a start in this week's series against the Reds, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Manager Mike Shildt wouldn't specify which game Wacha would start and wouldn't guarantee he would start this upcoming week, but it sounds like the righty will get another chance after having a start skipped this week. He has a 4.32 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 41.2 innings over his last 10 appearances.