MLB Player News

Gray didn't factor into the decision in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Braves, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out nine.

The right-hander has now delivered quality starts in five of six outings since returning to the Rockies' rotation just before the All-Star break, posting a 2.55 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 38:9 K:BB in 42.1 innings over that stretch. Gray will look to maintain his dominant form in his next start Wednesday at home against the Padres.

Wainwright (elbow) started High-A Palm Beach's loss to Tampa on Thursday, firing two perfect innings in which he recorded three strikeouts.

The veteran right-hander was even sharper than in his initial outing Monday, and he got plenty of work in despite the dominating performance. After throwing only nine pitches in his one frame during his first appearance -- followed by an additional 11 in the bullpen -- Wainwright fired a total of 31 on Thursday, which served as a good test of his recovering elbow. He appeared to emerge without setbacks, and given his pair of impressive performances thus far, it's possible his next rehab start comes with Double-A Springfield or Triple-A Memphis.

Eflin (9-4) was returned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after Thursday's start against the Mets. He allowed four earned runs over 6.2 innings in the victory.

As anticipated, Eflin is being returned to the minors after serving as the club's 26th man for Thursday's doubleheader. The plan is for him to finish 10 days in the minors, according to Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic.

Suarez was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

The Phillies brought up a fresh arm in Yacksel Rios to replace Suarez after the club's bullpen was heavily taxed in a 24-4 shellacking in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader. Suarez got the start in that outing and surrendered four earned runs on 11 hits across four innings. He'll return to the Lehigh Valley rotation for the time being.

Matz (forearm) has been activated off the 10-day disabled list ahead of his start Thursday against the Phillies, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets optioned Tim Peterson in a corresponding move to clear a spot for Matz, who is making his first start since July 31.

Urena is expected to appeal his six-game suspension for "intentionally" plunking Ronald Acuna with the first pitch of Wednesday's game, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Urena will stick in the rotation until a ruling on his appeal has been handed down, keeping him in line to make his next start Wednesday against the Yankees.

Urena was suspended six games and fined an undisclosed amount for "intentionally" hitting Ronald Acuna with the first pitch of Wednesday's game, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Urena was ejected after plunking Acuna and causing a benches-clearing brawl. The right-hander will begin serving his suspension Friday if he doesn't choose to appeal, which would line his next start up for Aug. 23 against the Braves. Urena could also stay in line to face the Yankees on Wednesday if he appeals the suspension.

Darvish (shoulder) will start a rehab assignment with one of the Cubs' minor-league affiliates Sunday, Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune reports.

Manager Joe Maddon stated that the organization isn't quite sure where to send Darvish yet, or how many rehab outings he will require before being ready to return from the 60-day DL. Darvish was able to toss a three-inning simulated game Tuesday, which following a live batting practice session last weekend. Since the club has allowed Darvish to take all the time he needs to get back to full health, expect the right-hander to appear in multiple games at the minor-league level over the next couple weeks before returning to Chicago's rotation.

Strasburg (neck) will throw one last bullpen session Saturday and is expected to take the mound against Philadelphia on Tuesday if all goes according to plan, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Manager Dave Martinez declined to confirm Strasburg for Tuesday's start, but it appears as though the right-hander will bypass a rehab assignment unless this weekend's bullpen session isn't up to par. Strasburg felt good Thursday morning following a 70-pitch simulated game Wednesday, which bodes well for his potential activation.

Martinez (shoulder) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Friday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Martinez is scheduled to pitch for Springfield on Friday and Sunday, and if everything goes as planned he'll be cleared to rejoin the Cardinals' bullpen, possibly as early as Monday. Once activated, the right-hander figures to stick in the bullpen for the rest of the season.