MLB Player News

Maeda struck out one in a two-out save against the Rockies on Friday.

Maeda came into the ninth inning with a two-run lead and got DJ LeMahieu to fly out before striking out Nolan Arenado to earn his second save of the year. Closer Kenley Jansen (chest) is ruled out for the series against the Rockies, so save opportunities fall to Maeda and Ryan Madson for the time being. With Madson having pitched in three of the last four games, it made sense for the ball to be given to the more-rested Maeda.

Matz didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Phillies, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings while striking out eight.

The southpaw continued his recent dominant form, and Matz now has a 2.25 ERA and 31:5 K:BB in 24 innings over his last four starts. Despite his late-season surge, though, he hasn't won a game since July 26. Matz will carry a 4.17 ERA into his next outing Wednesday at home against the Marlins.

Gray allowed two runs on four hits in four innings Friday against the Dodgers, walking five and striking out four in a no-decision.

Gray issued a season-high five walks and had his shortest outing in 10 starts (he went four innings in San Francisco on June 28). The 26-year-old has 12 quality starts and a 4.69 ERA on the year while ranking 10th in the NL with 168 strikeouts. Gray hasn't lost a game in his last 13 starts, going 5-0 with a 3.76 ERA in that span. His next start will be a matchup against the Diamondbacks at home.

Kershaw (7-5) struck out seven and walked one in six innings Friday against the Rockies, allowing two runs on six hits en route to a win.

Kershaw, who has thrown 12 consecutive quality starts dating back to July 3, has a 2.42 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and a .220 batting average against. The southpaw is sporting an 8.8 K/9, his lowest strikeout rate since 2013, yet he still carries an excellent 134:21 K:BB in 137.1 innings. His next start will be a matchup with the Reds in Cincinnati.

Nola (16-4) picked up the win Friday, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out eight in a 4-3 victory over the Mets.

The right-hander very nearly wasn't rewarded for another strong outing, but Rhys Hoskins' solo shot in the top of the eighth inning broke a 3-3 tie and made Nola the winner. He'll carry a 2.29 ERA into his next start Wednesday at home against the Nationals.

Corbin (11-5) picked up the win Friday against the Braves, lasting six innings and allowing one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out nine.

Corbin looked sharp all night, and the only blemish on his line came on a solo homer by Johan Camargo in the third inning. The strikeouts keep adding up for Corbin, as he now has at least seven punchouts in nine straight starts. He owns a 11.2 K/9 on the season, which would be a career high for him by a wide margin. He'll carry an impressive 3.01 ERA and 223:42 K:BB into his next start, which is currently scheduled for Wednesday against the Rockies.

Gausman (9-10) suffered the loss Friday against the Diamondbacks, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out four.

The outing marks the worst start of Gausman's tenure with the Braves this season, as he failed to reach five innings for the first time with his new team. The four earned runs were also the most he's given up with the new club, but he still owns a solid 4-2 record since being traded. His ERA now sits at 3.89 for the season, and he'll look to get back to his winning ways in his next start, scheduled for Friday against the Nationals.

DeSclafani allowed four runs on eight hits while fanning three over four innings Friday night against San Diego. He didn't factor into the decision.

DeSclafani was knocked around early, with the Padres putting up two runs in the first inning, one in the third and another in the fourth before the 28-year-old was yanked from the ballgame. Through 17 starts this season, he's accrued a 4.56 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with an 82:23 K:BB across 94.2 frames this season. He'll search for a better outcome in his next start, which is slated for Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Hamels will start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Washington, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Jaime Garcia draws the start in the first contest. Hamels will look to continue his string of strong outings since joining the Cubs from the Rangers at the end of July.

Maeda and Ryan Madson figure to be top candidates to close games during the Dodgers' weekend series against Colorado, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Kenley Jansen (chest) didn't travel with the team to Colorado as a precaution, so Los Angeles will adopt a closer-by-committee approach against the Rockies with Madson and Maeda first in line for save opportunities, although Madison is likely unavailable Friday after pitching Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.