MLB Player News

Williams (12-9) had his worst start in two months in Monday's loss to the Cardinals. He lasted five innings and gave up four runs on six hits while striking out six.

Williams had been one of the hottest pitchers in all of baseball as he had given up just four runs in total over his previous nine starts. While he came back down to earth in Monday's start, he'll look to get back on track over the weekend against the Brewers.

Martinez secured his third save of the season in Monday's win over the Pirates. He went one inning and allowed a run on two hits while striking out two.

The save was the first for Martinez since he was officially named the Cardinals' closer after Sunday's win by manager Mike Shildt. Martinez did allow a run, but it was only the second he's given up since moving to the bullpen. While his long-term outlook remains as a starting pitcher, Martinez will hope to remain the closer for the rest of the season with Bud Norris and Jordan Hicks looming if he falters.

Wainwright had a shaky outing in Monday's no-decision against the Pirates. He went five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits while striking out three.

The Cardinals were glad to have Wainwright back from an elbow injury for his first start since May 13. While his 4.70 ERA and 1.74 WHIP aren't anything to get excited about, it appears the Cardinals will give Wainwright the ball every fifth day down the stretch with the hope that he finds something resembling his vintage form to aid in their playoff push.

Wood (8-7) allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out six over 3.2 innings, taking the loss Monday against Cincinnati.

Wood got off to a rough start, surrendering four first-inning runs followed by another in the third and a pair in the fourth. He'd leave the ballgame with 76 pitches (52 strikes) and a four-run deficit. This was an uncharacteristic outing for the 27-year-old lefty, who'd given up six runs over his previous six starts (32.2 innings) while fanning 27. Wood will look to get back on track in his next start Saturday in St. Louis.

Smyly (elbow) will not return this season, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Smyly was looking like he had a shot to return to the big-league bullpen before the end of the season, but the team evidently felt like he wouldn't have time to be fully ready, so he's been shut down for the year. He'll wind up having missed a full year and a half after undergoing Tommy John surgery back in June of 2017, but he should be ready to pitch from the start of the 2019 season.

Wacha was shut down for the season Monday after aggravating his oblique injury, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Wacha was scratched from a rehab start Friday with an issue which was apparently serious enough to end his season. He hadn't pitched at the big-league level since late June and had suffered multiple setbacks. He'll finish the year with a 3.20 ERA and an 8-2 record in 15 starts.

Stripling will start Wednesday against the Reds, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Stripling was expected to pitch out of the bullpen upon returning from his back injury, but he'll wind up recording just one out there before rejoining the rotation. It's unclear whether or not he'll be able to go deep into the game, as he hasn't started a game in over a month.

Urias was recalled by the Dodgers on Monday.

Urias hasn't pitched in the majors since the first half of 2017 after undergoing shoulder surgery. He's made it back in time to be an option out of the bullpen for the final few weeks of the season, though it's unclear how effective he'll be able to be. In 11.2 minor-league innings split between Triple-A Oklahoma City, High-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Dodgers' AZL affiliate, he's posted a 5.40 ERA, a 1.48 WHIP and a 19:7 K:BB. He's also regularly received multiple days of rest between his outings, so he likely won't pick up a large workload down the stretch.

DeGrom will not start Monday against the Marlins as the game has been postponed.

The Mets' rotation adjustments have not yet been announced, but it's safe to assume that deGrom will pitch Tuesday, bumping Jason Vargas back to pitch one half of Wednesday's doubleheader. DeGrom should be able to keep his two-start week this week, with the second start coming Sunday against the Red Sox rather than Saturday, but the cancellation will most likely cost him one start over the rest of the season, as a typical rest schedule will now result in him being on short rest for the final game of the year.

Wacha (oblique) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on Monday.

The move shouldn't affect Wacha's return timeline, as he's already been out for over 60 days. It remains unclear whether or not he'll be able to make it back before the end of the season, as he suffered a setback Friday and was scratched from a rehab start. If he does return, it will be in a bullpen role. The move opens up space on the 40-man roster for Adam Wainwright (elbow) to return from the 60-day disabled list.