MLB Player News

Stripling (0-1) allowed four runs on eight hits and a walk with two strikeouts over four innings to take the loss Monday against Arizona.

Stripling was forced to start in the wake of Rich Hill (finger) suffering a setback, as Hill was targeting Monday for his return start. Stripling hadn't pitched more than two innings all season before Monday's spot start, and things collapsed early. The Diamondbacks got to Stripling for three runs in the second, including a run that scored on a single by opposing starter Zack Greinke. Hill will need additional time to rehab his finger, and while Walker Buehler is slated to be called up to join the rotation before Hill's next turn, Clayton Kershaw won't pitch on normal rest against the Padres in Mexico on Sunday, so Stripling could get the ball again in that contest. Stripling had allowed just one run in 14.1 relief innings before Monday's spot start, and the Dodgers will happily slide Stripling back into that role once they no longer need him as a spot starter.

Taillon (2-3) got the loss against the Nationals on Monday, giving up three earned runs on seven hits over six innings, striking out five and walking two as the Pirates fell 3-2.

Taillon had been roughed up for 12 earned runs on 14 hits over just 5.1 innings over his last two outings, so it was good to see him throw a quality start against the Nationals in this one even though he was dealt the loss against counterpart Tanner Roark. Taillon will carry a 4.83 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP into his next start, a road tilt against the Brewers on Saturday.

Freeland (1-4) took the loss against the Cubs on Monday, giving up three earned runs on six hits, striking out five and walking one over seven innings as the Rockies lost 3-2.

It was a second straight outing where Freeland has thrown seven innings, a welcome sign after there had been some question as to whether he would make this start due to a heel injury. He now has a solid 13:3 K:BB over those last 14 innings, so he's definitely been throwing it well lately. However, his hitter-friendly home ballpark of Coors Field and his 4.24 ERA on the season suggest that Freeland is probably best considered matchup-dependent for fantasy purposes for the time being.

Finnegan allowed three runs on five hits and three walks with two strikeouts through five innings in a no-decision Monday against Milwaukee.

Finnegan still hasn't had an appearance longer than five innings in his four starts this season. He also has walked three or more in three of those starts, and those control issues have come back to bite him all three times. Finnegan needed 89 pitches to get through five innings on Monday, and he managed just five swinging strikes. Finnegan just doesn't have the swing-and-miss stuff to get away with putting runners on base. It has shown in the early going, as he now owns a 7.27 ERA with 12 walks in just 17.1 innings.

Farrell (1-0) recorded the first win of his MLB career Monday against the Rockies. He tossed 1.1 scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

Farrell got called up from Triple-A Iowa 10 days ago and he's looked good for the Cubs, as he has now tossed 3.1 scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. His strong start to the season will likely get him some more relief opportunities, though the 26-year-old's career 4.42 ERA at the MLB level and 4.46 ERA in the minors are probably truer indicators of what to expect moving forward.

Kershaw isn't expected to start Sunday's game against the Padres, Jack Magruder of FanRagSports.com reports.

Kershaw is scheduled to start for Tuesday's matchup versus the Diamondbacks, which would put him in line to return to the hill for another start Sunday. While he's still the starter for Tuesday's outing, the Dodgers will deploy a different starter Sunday. In lieu of Kershaw, Ross Stripling or Walker Buehler could be potential options to head to the mound Sunday.

Ray was diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique strain, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Ray was placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday due to the injury. Manager Torey Lovullo said that it's unknown when Ray will be ready to return from the DL, so a timeframe will begin to take shape as his rehab gets underway. It remains to be seen who the Diamondbacks will call upon to replace Ray in the rotation, but Triple-A Reno starters Braden Shipley, Kris Medlen, Taylor Clarke and Troy Scribner are among the candidates who could join the big club.

Ray (oblique) was placed on the disabled list Monday.

It was expected that Ray would need to head to the disabled list after suffering an oblique strain Sunday against the Nationals, so this move doesn't come as a surprise. It's unclear how long Ray will be on the shelf, but he's bound to miss at least one turn through the rotation now that he's on the DL. In a corresponding move, Silvino Bracho was recalled from Triple-A Reno.

Freeland (heel) will start Monday's game against the Cubs as scheduled.

There was some speculation that the young southpaw would have his start moved to Tuesday, but it appears that his heel is feeling well enough to allow him to stay on schedule. He'll duel with Cubs' lefty Jon Lester in the series opener.

Paddack is set to make his season debut for High-A Inland Empire on Monday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The appearance will be Paddack's first since 2016, as he missed the entirety of last year while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He's a potential future mid-rotation starter with promising command and an excellent changeup, though his injury obviously adds some risk to his profile. In 87.2 innings in the low minors, the righty has an excellent 1.54 ERA, striking out 110 batters while walking just 12.