MLB Player News

Buehler threw four innings in a no-decision against the Cardinals on Thursday, giving up five runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two as the Dodgers fell, 11-7.

Buehler was staked to an early 3-0 lead, but he couldn't hold it, as he gave up four of his five earned runs in the second inning. It's been a rough start to the season for the right-hander, as he's now given up five earned in two of his first three starts, giving him a bloated 8.25 ERA over just 12 innings. He'll look to get on track in his next start, which will likely fall Wednesday against the Reds.

Gray exited Thursday's start against the Marlins with a left calf contusion after just four innings.

The injury occurred on a comebacker in the second inning. Gray was able to pitch two more frames but was ultimately forced to leave the game. He had been pitching well prior to his early exit, striking out six in four scoreless innings while allowing just two hits. It's not yet clear whether his next start, which is expected to come Wednesday against the Dodgers, will be threatened by the injury.

Nicasio pitched two innings in Wednesday's 15-1 loss to the Nationals, allowing a pair of runs on four hits and a walk while striking out one.

It was certainly a poor outing, but Nicasio was far from the only Phillies pitcher to get knocked around. On the whole, he's been effective this season, as he hadn't allowed a run in any of his first three appearances, but his 4:3 K:BB isn't a particularly encouraging sign.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw (shoulder) would be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Monday's game against the Reds, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

Kershaw made his second minor-league rehab start Tuesday at Double-A Tulsa, tossing 81 pitches while striking out six over six innings of two-run ball. The Dodgers were apparently satisfied with how Kershaw's shoulder responded to the outing, so he'll re-enter the big-league rotation as the effective replacement for the injured Hyun-Jin Ryu (groin). Based on the workload Kershaw handled at Tulsa, he shouldn't face strict limitations with his pitch count in his 2019 debut, though it wouldn't be surprising if he showed some rustiness in his return to the majors.

Woodruff (1-1) took the loss Wednesday as the Brewers fell 4-2 to the Angels, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk over six innings while striking out seven.

The 26-year-old is still looking or his first quality start of the season after three outings and has a rough 6.00 ERA, but Woodruff's 20:4 K:BB through 15 innings suggests patience is in order. He'll next take the mound Tuesday at home against the Cardinals.

Ray allowed one run on two hits and one walk while striking out 10 over five-plus innings in Wednesday 5-2 loss to the Rangers.

Ray, who didn't allow a hit and fanned nine through the first five innings, failed to record an out in the sixth. He left with the tying run on after 95 pitches. Manager Torey Lovullo opted to go with the bullpen to preserve what was a 1-0 lead. "I just felt like his fastball was a little inconsistent and his velocity was dropping a little," Lovullo told Richard Morin of the Arizona Republic of the decision to remove Ray when he did. "He wasn't as crisp and as sharp as he was earlier in the game. Maybe it was a case where he was laser-locked in early, but from where I was his stuff was backing up a little bit." While Ray didn't get the win, this was the left-hander's sharpest outing of the season following two starts in which he walked a combined 10 batters. Ray is next projected to take the bump Tuesday on the road in Atlanta.

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.