MLB Player News

Wheeler tossed six innings Friday, allowing two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out four, but he didn't factor into the decision against the Cubs.

Wheeler put together a quality outing, but the bullpen spoiled it by surrendering the lead in the seventh inning. He sits with a 2-4 record, having accrued a 5.14 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 57 strikeouts across 56 innings. His next start figures to come Friday against the Yankees.

Anderson (4-4) took the loss Friday as the Brewers fell 8-3 to the White Sox, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over 5.2 innings while striking out one.

It was another shorter stint for the right-hander, who's failed to complete at least six innings in five of his last seven starts. Anderson continues to pitch to contact, managing only three swinging strikes among 82 pitches Friday, and he'll carry a 4.45 ERA and unimpressive 39:23 K:BB through 60.2 innings into his next outing Wednesday in Cleveland.

Martinez (lat) reported no discomfort Friday after throwing 63 pitches in a rehab start for Double-A Springfield on Thursday, and he plans on starting next Tuesday's game against the Marlins, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Not only does it seem increasingly likely the Cardinals get their staff ace back Tuesday, but it also appears he'll have battery mate Yadier Molina (groin) at his disposal if the latter makes it through a pair of minor-league rehab games over the weekend. Martinez's potential return comes just as the promising Alex Reyes heads to the disabled list with a lat injury of his own that's projected to keep him out for an extended period.

Strasburg left Friday's game against the Braves due to forearm cramps, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Strasburg was experiencing cramps in his non-throwing arm, and he was already at 107 pitches when he was pulled from the game, so his day was likely almost over anyway. He tossed 6.2 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out 10. Strasburg will be listed as day-to-day, but he figures to be good to go for his next start, which is likely to come Friday against San Francisco.

Manager Dave Roberts stated Friday that Kershaw (back) is expected to miss more than a month, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Dodgers will be without their ace for at least a month as he recovers from a lower back strain suffered during Thursday's start. Kershaw will shoot for a return sometime in early July, although it could take longer until he's activated off the disabled list. The results of his MRI ruled out any structural damage to the disks in his back, which is at least some good news.

Hill (finger) played catch without tape on the middle finger of his pitching hand Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

After throwing without any medical tapped wrapped around his blister, Hill hopes to throw a bullpen Saturday also without the tape. If he's able to progress to pitching to hitters with the finger uncovered, he may be able to return faster than initially thought.

Kershaw, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday, was diagnosed with a lower-back strain -- an injury that cost him five weeks in 2017.

While this is not surprising, given that his start was cut short Thursday due to the injury and he was sent for an MRI, it confirms the fear that Kershaw's owners may be without him for another extended period. Brock Stewart and Dennis Santana are short-term options to take Kershaw's rotation spot, and Kenta Maeda (hip) will likely come off the DL in the coming weeks as well.

Kershaw (lower-back strain) was placed on the disabled list Friday, Pedro Moura of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

This doesn't come as a surprise, as he underwent an MRI on Friday which signaled that the issue was serious. Given Kershaw's extensive history of back injuries, he should be expected to miss more than the minimum 10 days. Brock Stewart was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City as a corresponding move.

Syndergaard isn't expected to return until next weekend's series against the Yankees, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

He is not going to be ready to come off the disabled list Tuesday, when first eligible, and if he pitches Wednesday instead, he would be unable to work the Subway Series, which is apparently a factor in the decision making. This makes it sound as though Syndergaard will return Friday, June 8 at home against the Yankees.

Copeland was designated for assignment by the Mets on Friday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Copeland earned a promotion from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, and allowed one hit and struck out two over 1.1 scoreless innings in his lone appearances. The 30-year-old should return to Triple-A after being subjected to the waiver wire.