MLB Player News

Lugo gave up a run on one hit while striking five over two innings as he picked up the save Sunday against the Phillies.

Lugo gave up a solo home run in the ninth inning, but he managed to slam the door for his second save of the 2018 season. New York's closer situation is currently a bit messy, but Robert Gsellman and Anthony Swarzak figure to get the first crack in save situations during the final month of the season. Lugo owns a 2.75 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 94 strikeouts through 95 innings this year.

Velasquez (9-11) surrendered five runs on seven hits and one walk, striking out four over four innings while taking the loss Sunday against New York.

Velasquez was spotted a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but he'd go on to give up a run in the first and four more in the fifth before exiting with a three-run deficit. The 26-year-old has gotten off to a rough start in September, going 0-2 while allowing eight runs over nine innings (two starts). Velasquez will carry a 4.30 ERA with 152 punchouts in 138 frames into his next outing Saturday against Miami.

Ray allowed two earned runs on two hits and four walks while striking out six across six innings Sunday against the Braves. He did not factor into the decision.

Ray surrendered both of his earned runs on a home run by Ronald Acuna, but it was another positive start for him, recording 13 of his 18 outs via groundball or strikeout. Sunday's start marked the second consecutive time Ray has pitched at least six innings after he had failed to do so in his six previous starts. While he posted a 5.03 ERA in the first half of the season, Ray now has a 3.44 ERA across 55 innings since the All-Star break.

Nix threw four innings Sunday, giving up six runs on seven hits and two walks in the 7-6 win over Cincinnati. He struck out five and allowed a home run in the no-decision.

Nix has been rocked for 11 runs in 10 innings over his last two starts, launching his ERA up to 6.00 this season. He had allowed just one run through four innings before giving up a two-run double and three-run homer without recording an out to start the fifth. Nix will take on the Rangers next Sunday if he gets another shot in the rotation.

Mahle threw three innings Sunday, yielding two runs on five hits and three walks in Sunday's 7-6 loss to the Padres. He allowed a home run and struck out five in the no-decision.

The primary damage to Mahle came from a two-run blast off the bat of Austin Hedges. Unfortunately, Lucas Sims got knocked around for four runs after Mahle was lifted. The 23-year-old's ERA now sits at 4.98 in 112 innings this season after Sunday's outing, his first MLB appearance since Aug. 2. He'll take on the Cubs in Chicago on Saturday as he looks for his first win since July 6.

Toussaint allowed two earned runs on two hits and five walks while striking out five across 5.2 innings Sunday against the Diamondbacks. He did not factor into the decision.

Toussaint effectively prevented runs by holding the Diamondbacks without an extra-base hit, but he struggled with control throughout the start. He allowed at least one walk in five of the six innings he pitched and managed to record only 56 of his 105 pitches for a strike. On the other hand, he's already exhibited the ability to pitch effectively in the major leagues by posting a 3.31 ERA and 15 strikeouts across 16.1 innings.

Strasburg's next start will come Wednesday against the Phillies, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Strasburg was initially in line to start Tuesday, but he'll bump back a day after Sunday's contest was rained out. He's now scheduled to face off with Philadelphia ace Aaron Nola on the road.

Stripling could be in line to start Wednesday's game at Cincinnati, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Clayton Kershaw will have his started pushed back a day, potentially opening up the spot for Stripling. The right-hander was activated off the 10-day disabled list Friday and recorded one out in his lone appearance out of the bullpen. The 28-year-old missed most of August with a back injury.

Kershaw will make his next scheduled start Thursday at St. Louis, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers want to give Kershaw an additional day of rest -- he last pitched Friday -- so his originally scheduled start Wednesday will be bumped back a day. The 30-year-old has a 2.42 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 134:21 K:BB over 137.1 innings this season.

DeGrom will not start Sunday against Philadelphia due to inclement weather, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets don't want to risk starting deGrom as a steady rain was falling at Citi Field, so he won't be taking the mound Sunday. Corey Oswalt will start in his place for the series finale, and there has been no official announcement of when deGrom will make his next turn, though it might happen Monday against the Marlins.