MLB Player News

DeGrom (2-4) took the loss Monday, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out seven as the Mets fell 4-0 to the Padres.

The reigning NL Cy Young winner was in top form, firing 72 of 103 pitches for strikes and generating 19 swinging strikes, but rookie Chris Paddack was just that much better for San Diego. DeGrom now has his ERA down to 3.60, and he'll look to continue whittling away at it Sunday in a home start against the Marlins.

Hamels allowed three runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Monday, striking out seven and taking a no-decision in the loss to Miami.

Hamels left the contest in line for a win but Pedro Strop's ninth-inning meltdown cost him his shot to move to 4-0. He was spotted a 3-0 lead after the first inning but yielded a pair of runs in the third before allowing a solo shot to Jon Berti in the sixth. Hamels will put his 3.38 ERA on the line at home against the Brewers on Saturday.

Alcantara threw five innings Monday, allowing three runs on four hits and six walks in a win over the Cubs. He struck out five and took the no-decision.

On a positive note, Alcantara kept the Cubs off the board after yielding all three runs in the first frame, started by a two-run shot from Anthony Rizzo. The 23-year-old righty has allowed three or more runs in four of his last five outings, raising his ERA to 4.93. After striking out six batters and walking none in his 2019 debut, Alcantara owns a 21:21 K:BB over the last 30.1 innings. Still in search of his second win, he'll take on the Mets in New York on Saturday.

Houser will start Tuesday's game against the Nationals, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Houser last pitched Saturday against the Mets and tossed a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. He's started once and worked in relief once in 2019. The Brewers also want to get Freddy Peralta some work Tuesday, so it's possible Houser goes the first inning or two before giving way to Peralta.

Kelly (3-3) gave up seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two through four innings taking the loss against the Rays on Monday.

Kelly was knocked around with the big blow coming from a grand slam off the bat of Tommy Pham in the second inning. The right-hander continues to be plagued by the long ball, surrendering a home run in six of his seven starts. He has a 3-3 record with a 4.85 ERA and a 31:17 K:BB through seven starts this season. Kelly will make his next start Saturday against the Braves.

Velasquez (1-2) yielded five runs on five walks and four hits over four innings Monday, taking the loss against St. Louis. He struck out three and gave up three home runs.

It was easily the worst outing of the year for Velasquez despite starting the game with three shutout innings. He gave up a two-run shot to Yadier Molina in the fourth frame before allowing three runs in the fifth without recording an out. His 2.73 ERA rocketed up to 3.86 after the rough night. Velasquez will try to end the funk in Kansas City on Sunday.

Mikolas (4-2) tossed seven scoreless innings Monday, allowing three hits and striking out five batters while earning the win over Philadelphia.

All three hits off Mikolas were singles and no Phillie ever reached scoring position while he was on the mound. He also wiped out two of those singles by forcing double plays. It was his first scoreless performance of 2019 as well as his first start of the year without issuing a walk. He'll carry a 4.02 ERA into Saturday's home contest against Pittsburgh.

DeSclafani earned his second win of the season Monday against the Giants, allowing four runs (three earned) over six innings. He struck out eight while giving up four hits and two walks.

DeSclafani now has 44 strikeouts in 37 innings this season and has tallied eight Ks in back-to-back outings. With the Reds' offense finally waking up this weekend, perhaps DeSclafani and the other starters can benefit more if they keep pitching well. This actually was a little worse than his recent form, but after the Reds jumped out to a big lead in the first inning, it was more than enough.

Walker (elbow) threw four innings in an extended spring-training game Monday, Dawn Klemish of MLB.com reports. The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits, struck out four and didn't walk a batter.

This checks off another box on Walker's recovery-rehab list. Manager Torey Lovullo said the right-hander experienced normal fatigue following the session and was pleased with Walker's velocity and secondary stuff.

Matz received a cortisone injection in his left forearm and won't make his scheduled start Wednesday against the Padres, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

The Mets haven't placed Matz on the 10-day injured list just yet, but a move could come within the next few days, depending on how he feels. The lefty didn't travel with the team to San Diego. Wilmer Font could be in line for a spot start Wednesday.