MLB Player News

Wood (back) threw this week on back-to-back days for the first time in a few weeks and is showing some improvement, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The Reds appear to be noncommittal about his return date, however, saying they are waiting to see how Wood responds to the increased workload before determining his next step. It's possible that it's not just that his return is pushed back, but his role might change, especially with Tyler Mahle pitching well right now.

Lyles (1-0) allowed one run on three hits while striking out 10 and walking only one across six innings in a victory against the Cubs on Wednesday.

The only real blemish against Lyles was a homer allowed to Jason Heyward in the fifth. The other two hits he yielded were singles. Lyles has been incredible to open the season, posting more than a strikeout per inning and an ERA below 1.00. Overall, he is 1-0 with a 0.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 11 innings (two starts). Lyles' next start should be against the Tigers.

Darvish (0-2) allowed five runs (four earned) over 5.1 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Pirates. He gave up five hits and struck out four.

Darvish was victimized by two home runs, including a two-run shot off the bat of Starling Marte in the third inning. This was the righty's longest outing of the season so far, but once again, he did not look like the ace the Cubs thought they were getting last offseason. Darvish will take a disappointing 7.50 ERA into his next start, which is lined up to come Monday against an exploitable Marlins lineup.

Mahle allowed one earned run on two hits and four walks while striking out seven across five innings Wednesday against the Marlins. He did not factor into the decision.

Mahle's overall line was impressive, with the only run he allowed coming on a solo home run by Neil Walker. His seven strikeouts were also encouraging as he racked up 12 swinging strikes on 89 pitches. However, after walking no batters in his first start, Mahle struggled with his control. Coming off a 4.3 BB/9 mark in 2018, he'll need to find the strike zone on a more frequent basis to experience consistent success in a starting role.

Flaherty (1-0) gave up one run on three hits with no walks while striking out eight through six innings in a win over the Dodgers on Wednesday.

Flaherty earned his first win of the season as he delivered an eight-strikeout performance. The 23-year-old has a 1-0 record with a 2.93 ERA and 18 strikeouts through 15.1 innings this season. Flaherty will get his next start Tuesday at Milwaukee.

Maeda (2-1) gave up five runs on seven hits with one walk while striking out five through 5.1 innings in a loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Maeda had a solid outing until giving up a single, triple and a home run in the sixth inning that ultimately ended his night. The silver lining: the right-hander only allowed one walk after giving out six free passes in his first two starts. The 30-year-old has a 4.76 ERA with 15 strikeouts through 17 innings this season. Maeda will make his next start Tuesday against the Reds.

Syndergaard (1-1) gave up four runs on five hits with no walks while striking out seven through seven innings in a win over the Twins on Wednesday.

Syndergaard was dominant through seven innings but didn't record an out in the eighth as he allowed three earned runs to end a solid performance on a sour note. The right-hander has a 1-1 record and 4.74 ERA with 20 strikeouts through 19 innings this season. Syndergaard will get his next start Monday against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Paddack had his start bumped from Thursday to Friday against the Diamondbacks, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

The Padres want to provide Paddack with an additional day of rest, so Pedro Avila will be called up from Double-A Amarillo for the spot start. Paddack has 11 strikeouts and has allowed only one run on three hits across 8.2 innings during his first two starts.

Ryu (groin) threw from flat ground Wednesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

It's encouraging to see Ryu throwing already, as he landed on the IL earlier in the week with a groin injury. The southpaw is expected to throw from flat ground again later in the week before potentially progressing to a bullpen session from there.

Taillon (head) threw from flat ground Wednesday and is on track to start Sunday against the Nationals, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Taillon was struck on the head by an Anthony Rizzo line drive during his most recent start, but he's shown no signs of a concussion and remains on track to make his next start on schedule. Through three starts this season, the right-hander owns a 3.00 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB in 15 innings.