MLB Player News

Lauer (2-2) yielded three runs on eight hits in five innings, taking the loss against Arizona on Sunday. He struck out five batters.

After six shutout innings in his 2019 debut, Lauer has given up 12 runs over his last three outings, raising his season ERA to 4.91 in 22 innings. His biggest mistake Sunday was a two-run shot off Ketel Marte's bat in the third inning. Lauer will look to get back in the win column at home against the Reds on Saturday.

Marquez (2-1) got the win in a complete-game, one-hit shutout against the Giants on Sunday, striking out nine and walking none in a 4-0 victory for the Rockies.

Marquez bounced back from a rough outing in his last start in spectacular fashion, posting one of the best stat lines any pitcher has managed so far this season. He almost had a perfect game but was denied history by a base hit from Evan Longoria that marked the only baserunner the Giants could muster against him. The right-hander is off to an excellent start -- except for his previous trip to the mound that saw him give up five runs against the Braves -- as he's now sporting a 2.00 ERA, a microscopic 0.70 WHIP and a 25:6 K:BB over 27 innings. He's slated to take the hill next against the Phillies on Saturday.

Greinke (2-1) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk, earning the win over San Diego on Sunday. He struck out six and gave up two homers.

It was by Greinke's best start of the 2019 season after a fairly rough start. The only two tallies he allowed came off solo home runs from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manuel Margot, who hit a leadoff shot. He'll look to keep the momentum rolling against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

Manager Brian Snitker announced Sunday that Toussaint will enter Atlanta's starting rotation, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Sean Newcomb was demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett earlier Sunday, and Toussaint was the likeliest replacement following his stellar six-inning relief effort Saturday. The Braves have yet to officially announce their specific rotation plans, but the 22-year-old figures to start either Thursday against the Diamondbacks or Friday against the Indians.

Senzatela (knee) joined the Rockies on their road trip and could be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Monday's game against the Padres, John Hickey of MLB.com reports.

With Tyler Anderson (knee) unlikely to be ready to return from the IL when first eligible Monday, Senzatela and Jeff Hoffman appear to be the top candidates to fill the opening in the rotation. Senzatela and Hoffman last pitched for Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday, with the former covering two innings and the latter pitching four frames in relief. The Rockies' decision to give Senzatela the smaller workload of the two may have been an attempt to keep him fresh for Monday, when both pitchers would be pitching on only three days' rest.

Manager Dave Roberts said Ryu (groin) would throw an "aggressive" bullpen session Monday consisting of about 40 pitches, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ryu didn't experience any renewed discomfort with his strained left groin after he resumed throwing off flat ground a few days ago, so he'll take the next step forward in his recovery by getting on the mound. Given that he's only been sidelined since April 8 with the injury, he may not need a rehab assignment before returning from the 10-day injured list if his bullpen session goes well. Whenever he gets activated, Ryu will likely bump Julio Urias out of the rotation.

Soroka could be a candidate to make a spot start for the Braves in Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

The Braves have opened up two spots in their rotation over the last two days by sending struggling starters Kyle Wright and Sean Newcomb to Triple-A Gwinnett. Touki Toussaint, who was dynamite in relief of Newcomb in Saturday's win over the Mets, will likely claim one of those spots, while the other will be filled when Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) is back from the injured list. Since Foltynewicz isn't on track to return before Saturday, however, the Braves will require a spot starter either Thursday or Friday (at Cleveland). Since Soroka last pitched at Triple-A on April 12, it would make sense for the Braves to turn to him Thursday, when he would be available on five days' rest. If Soroka does in fact get the call and impresses in the outing, he could stick around for further starts.

Toussaint is expected to enter the Braves' rotation Friday in Cleveland, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

The Braves' decision to demote struggling starter Sean Newcomb to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday clears an opening in the rotation for another arm, with Toussaint seemingly representing the top option. After Newcomb failed to escape the second inning in Saturday's game against the Mets, Toussaint grabbed the win in relief while striking out seven over six innings and surrendering an unearned run on four hits and two walks. Toussaint's poor control can occasionally lead to some crooked stat lines, but his plus curveball will give him plenty of strikeout upside even if there's more volatility with his ERA and WHIP.

Hill (knee) is scheduled to throw four innings or about 60 pitches during his first minor-league rehab start Wednesday, which will come at High-A Rancho Cucamonga or Triple-A Oklahoma City, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Hill completed a 46-pitch simulated game Friday followed by 15 pitches in the bullpen, clearing the way for his rehab assignment. The 39-year-old figures to need at least one additional rehab start if all goes well, which could allow him to return to the Dodgers before the end of April.

Lyles will make his next start Friday against the Giants, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Lyles initially lined up to pitch Wednesday in Detroit, but with two off days this week and Chris Archer beginning to serve his five-game suspension, the Pirates decided to shuffle their rotation a bit. Lyles has been fantastic through his first two starts with a 0.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB across 11 innings.