MLB Player News

Taillon (head) was examined by a doctor after exiting Monday's game against the Cubs. The right-hander checked out normal but will be reevaluated Tuesday.

Taillon was hit on the head by an Anthony Rizzo liner during the second inning Monday, and while he was initially able to stay in the game and finish out the frame, the right-hander didn't make it back out for the third inning. A trio of errors by Kevin Newman led to an extended second inning for Taillon (during which the Cubs scored six unearned runs), which could have also factored into his removal. Assuming he checks out OK on Tuesday, Taillon should remain on track to make his next start Sunday against the Nationals.

Senzatela (knee) covered five innings Saturday in a rehab start for Triple-A Albuquerque, yielding two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three.

With Senzatela tossing 70 pitches in the outing, it looks like he'll be ready to return from the 10-day injured list at some point during the upcoming week. The Rockies will require a spot starter Wednesday against the Braves, as Tyler Anderson (knee) will miss his normal turn through the rotation after being placed on the IL. Senzatela would only be available on three days' rest if he gets the nod Wednesday, so he would likely be subject to a limited pitch count in that scenario.

Parsons struck out one in a scoreless inning of relief to record his first hold of the season in Sunday's win over the Marlins.

Entering the game in the eighth inning with two on and none out to protect a one-run lead, Parsons needed only eight pitches to punch out the first batter he faced and then induce a double play. The 26-year-old is quickly earning manager Brian Snitker's trust, and Parsons' 6:1 K:BB through 5.1 innings suggests he's capable of handling a high-leverage set-up role for Atlanta.

Mikolas will start the Sunday installment of the two-game set the Cardinals will play against the Reds in Monterrey, Mexico next weekend, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Mikolas will first take the hill Monday versus the Dodgers at Busch Stadium for his third start of the campaign. The veteran right-hander has endured a rocky start to the new season, allowing eight earned runs on 12 hits and three walks across 10 innings over his first pair of outings. Keeping the ball in the park has particularly been an issue, as he's already given up a quarter of the 16 home runs he surrendered all of last season over 200.2 innings.

Urias yielded three runs on four hits and four walks in 3.2 innings in the Dodgers' win Sunday over the Rockies. He struck out two and took the no-decision.

The 22-year-old southpaw gave up all three runs in an ugly third inning. Along with the four walks, Urias threw just 44 of 74 pitches for strikes Sunday while his lack of command got the best of him. Fortunately, his offense stayed red-hot and gave him plenty of run support. He'll carry a 3.12 ERA into his home start against the Brewers on Friday, which figures to be his final outing before Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) replaces him in the rotation, per Pedro Moura of The Athletic.

DeSclafani (0-1) allowed six runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and one walk across 4.1 innings in a loss to the Pirates on Sunday.

A Pirates offense that has largely struggled for the first week and a half of the season tagged DeSclafani for six runs. He gave up runs in four of the five innings he took the mound and two homers. DeSclafani is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 13 strikeouts in 9.1 innings during two starts. His next outing will probably be against the Cardinals.

Eflin (2-0) picked up the win after surrendering a run on six hits while striking out five over seven innings Sunday against Minnesota.

Eflin finally gave up his first run of the season, although one is all he would allow in a 2-1 victory for the Phillies. The 24-year-old right-hander is off to a strong start in 2019 and now boasts a 0.75 ERA with a 14:1 K:BB over 12 frames through two outings. Eflin figures to toe the rubber next against the Marlins on Saturday.

Kelly (1-1) allowed one run on four hits in eight innings, taking the loss in a 1-0 duel against Boston. He struck out nine.

Kelly fired an absolute gem Sunday, keeping the Red Sox off the scoreboard until Mitch Moreland hit a solo shot in the seventh that proved to be the game's lone run. The 30-year-old rookie has a 2.57 ERA and 12 punchouts across 14 innings in his first two MLB starts. He'll take on the Padres at home next weekend.

Kershaw (shoulder) will make his next rehab start Tuesday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kershaw will take the mound for Double-A Tulsa, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. After working 4.1 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City a few days ago, Kershaw is expected to bump up his workload Tuesday in what likely amounts to the ace's last rehab appearance before returning to the Dodgers. He'll tentatively line up to rejoin the rotation April 14 against the Brewers, with Julio Urias expected to move to the bullpen as a result.

Wheeler (0-1) took the loss after surrendering seven runs on four hits and seven walks while striking out two over 4.2 innings Sunday against Washington.

Walks were the story of the day for Wheeler, who tossed just under 50 percent of his pitches for strikes in a 12-9 loss. The 28-year-old has had a tough start to 2019 and sits with a 10.24 ERA and 1.86 WHIP along with nine punchouts over 9.2 frames in his first two outings. Wheeler will search for answers in his next appearance, scheduled for Saturday against Atlanta.