MLB Player News

Alcantara didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks, giving up two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings while striking out four.

The quality start was his first in over a month and his sixth of the season, but Alcantara was still on the hook for a loss until the Marlins put together a rally in the ninth inning capped by Harold Ramirez's walkoff sacrifice fly. The right-hander will take a 4.18 ERA and 84:55 K:BB through 118.1 innings into his next outing Wednesday, at home against the Twins.

Greinke didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Marlins, allowing one run on four hits and a walk over six innings while striking out five.

The right-hander gave up a run in the first inning and then shut down the Miami offense, retiring 11 straight batters at one point. Greinke was headed for his 11th win before Greg Holland blew a 2-1 lead in the ninth, and the Arizona ace will carry a 2.87 ERA and 128:18 K:BB through 141 innings into his next start Wednesday, on the road against the Yankees.

Marquez (10-5) secured the win after allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven over seven innings Friday against the Reds.

Marquez gave up a run in the first and second innings, but he managed to settle down and close out the night with five scoreless frames. He pounded the strike zone throughout his start, firing 69 of 94 pitches for strikes. The 24-year-old right-hander has now turned in back-to-back quality outings, surrendering four runs while fanning 12 over that stretch (14 innings).

Castillo (9-4) took the loss after yielding six runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six over five innings Friday night against the Rockies.

Castillo was hit hard from the very start, surrendering three runs in the first inning followed by three in the fourth prior to being lifted with a four-run deficit. He fired 61 of 97 pitches for strikes and threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the 25 batters he faced. Despite a rough outing, the 26-year-old has been impressive for Cincinnati this season, posting a 2.71 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with a 144:59 K:BB across 123 frames.

Quantrill will work as the starting pitcher Saturday against the Giants, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Quantrill served as the bulk reliever during his last outing Sunday, shutting the Cubs down over 5.2 innings of work. He'll be given an opportunity to start this time through the rotation, however.

Lopez (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Double-A Jacksonville, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Lopez landed on the injured list June 19 with a right shoulder strain but appears to be nearing his return to the majors. The Marlins haven't indicated whether the 23-year-old will require multiple rehab starts, but it wouldn't be surprising given his month-long absence.

Hamels (oblique) will make his next rehab start at Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Hamels is slated to make one more minor-league appearance prior to being activated either Aug. 2 or 3 against Milwaukee. He struggled with his command during his last outing in Triple-A, though the Cubs don't appear to be concerned about the veteran southpaw's ability to find the zone at this point. Hamels fired just 35 pitches during Tuesday's start, so he figures to work deeper into the ballgame Sunday.

Stripling (neck) is still having issues with his neck and remains questionable to make his scheduled start Tuesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Stripling was pulled from Wednesday's start after deciding to pitch through neck pain and may require additional time to recover. However, he's slated to toss a bullpen either Saturday or Sunday, per Plunkett, so if all goes well, he'll likely be cleared to take the hill Tuesday. The 29-year-old lines up to pitch at Coors Field, so it's not an appealing matchup for the right-hander, regardless of the injury.

Wheeler (shoulder) was activated off the 10-day injured list to start Friday's game against the Pirates.

Wheeler spent nearly three weeks on the shelf with right shoulder soreness, but he's ready to make his return to the starting rotation. The 29-year-old's next turn through the rotation lines up for Aug. 1, so Friday could be his last start with the Mets if he is traded in the coming days.

Lodolo struck out five batters over three innings in his debut at Low-A Dayton, allowing one run on three hits and a hit batter, Doug Gray of RedsMinorLeagues.com reports.

The Reds purposely held down Lodolo's pitch count, as has been the case since he was drafted in the first round this year after throwing 103 innings in college. He threw 30 of 43 pitches for strikes, with his fastball clocking in the 93-95 mph range. Read through the full article for a good scouting report on Lodolo.