MLB Player News

Lugo, who will start Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, should remain in the Mets' rotation for the foreseeable future with Noah Syndergaard (finger) facing an indefinite return date, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

After Lugo spun six shutout innings against a powerful Yankees lineup over the weekend, there was some thought that the right-hander might assume the rotation spot of fifth starter Jason Vargas, who has struggled to a 7.71 ERA and 1.75 WHIP this season. With Syndergaard's return timeline pushed back, however, there will be room in the rotation for both hurlers until further notice. Lugo has been exceptional this season in his role as a multi-inning reliever and occasional spot starter, giving up only three runs in 31.1 innings since the beginning of May while posting a 34:2 K:BB. While Lugo's numbers have undoubtedly been aided by him being able to max out his velocity in the shorter-burst outings, it's worth noting that in his appearance against the Yankees -- his longest of the season -- the right-hander's four-seamer averaged 94.9 miles per hour, per Brooks Baseball. That's three ticks better than what his four-seamer averaged in 2017, offering optimism that Lugo may be able to continue to perform effectively while assuming a starter's workload.

Graves (oblique) will be activated from the 60-day disabled list Thursday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Graves has spent the entirety of the 2018 campaign on the disabled list while recovering from a left oblique strain that he suffered in early March. The Rule 5 pick appeared in seven minor-league contests during his lengthy rehab assignment and began to settle in after a couple rough outings at the High-A level in May. Looking ahead, Graves will be utilized out of the bullpen in what appears to be a middle-relief role. In a corresponding move, the Marlins are expected to place Caleb Smith on the bereavement list.

Maeda allowed two runs on five hits and three walks with one strikeout over five innings in a no-decision Wednesday against Texas.

The Dodgers limited Maeda to 76 pitches as he was making his first start since May 29 due to a hip injury. Maeda didn't miss many bats, as he induced just six swinging strikes, but his eight groundballs ensured the game didn't get out of hand. Before the injury, Maeda was on fire, having thrown 14.2 shutout innings with 20 strikeouts and just four hits and four walks allowed in his two starts before the outing in which he suffered the hip injury. He wasn't quite in that form Wednesday, but he'll get another chance to find it next time out Tuesday against the Cubs.

Lauer (3-4) allowed two runs on eight hits and struck out two through 5.2 innings to pick up the win Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Lauer hasn't completed the sixth inning since May 22, but he owns a solid 3.60 ERA and is 2-1 over his last three starts. Still, Lauer's K:BB is an uninspiring 40:24, including a 12:9 mark over his past 15 innings. Despite the fact that his last three starts have been serviceable, there's not enough here to start believing in him yet. He'll get another chance to prove himself Tuesday against the Athletics.

Mahle (5-6) threw 6.1 shutout innings and allowed just three hits and two walks with one strikeout to earn the win Wednesday against the Royals.

Mahle had three scoreless starts prior to this one, but none had gone as long as Wednesday's 6.1 innings. He didn't miss many bats, but he didn't have to, as the Royals couldn't do anything with his fastball. All eight fastballs the Royals put into play turned into outs as he pounded the zone with strike after strike. It certainly doesn't hurt that the Kansas City lineup he faced didn't possess a single batter with a slugging percentage over .500. Still, he recorded his first quality start since May 5 against Miami and will take a 3.96 ERA into his next start, another interleague affair Wednesday against the Tigers.

Soroka (2-1) picked up the win Wednesday against the Mets, allowing just one hit and one walk across 6.1 scoreless innings. He struck out four.

Soroka was brilliant in his first start since May 12, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning and outdueling Jacob deGrom en route to his second win of the season. The strong outing should ease any lingering concerns over the shoulder inflammation that kept Soroka on the shelf for close to a month. The 20-year-old now owns a solid 2.57 ERA and 19:5 K:BB through his first four big-league starts. He only threw 74 pitches Wednesday but should be afforded a longer leash his next time out, which will come against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

DeGrom (4-2) took the loss against the Braves on Wednesday, allowing one run on seven hits while striking out seven across seven innings.

DeGrom was perfect through three innings before running into some slight trouble in the fourth, allowing a trio of hits that resulted in the Braves taking a 1-0 lead. He quickly righted the ship and fired three scoreless innings before exiting, but it wouldn't be enough as the Mets once again failed to provide the right-hander with any run support. DeGrom remains stuck at four wins -- his last win came May 18 against the Diamondbacks -- despite his pristine 1.55 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 113:23 K:BB through 14 starts (87.1 innings) this season. Up next for the soon-to-be 30-year-old is a road start against the Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Matz had his start pushed to Saturday due to a blister on his middle finger, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Jason Vargas will pitch in Matz's place Thursday, while Matz will presumably take the mound two days later assuming the blister is no longer an issue. The 27-year-old Matz owns a 3.53 ERA across 12 starts this season.

Matz will make his next start Saturday against the Diamondbacks, Tim Britton of The Athletic New York reports.

Matz was originally scheduled to start Thursday's series opener, but Jason Vargas will toe the rubber instead. There has been no word of any injury to this point. Matz owns a 3.53 ERA across 12 starts this season.

Anderson (4-1) got the win Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits while striking out six over seven innings against the Phillies.

The only damage was a Jorge Alfaro solo home run with two outs in the fifth inning, but Anderson was otherwise in total command. The lefty didn't issue a walk, induced 16 swings and misses and matched a season high by lasting seven innings. Boosted by tossing three quality starts in his last four tries, Anderson will carry a 4.48 ERA and 64:26 K:BB over 74.1 innings into a home date with the Mets on Monday.