MLB Player News

Syndergaard (2-0) didn't factor into the decision in Friday's extra-inning win over the Braves, allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out six.

The right-hander produced his second quality start of the season, firing 70 of 103 pitches for strikes. Syndergaard's 3.29 ERA through 27.1 innings doesn't exactly look dominant, but his 39:5 K:BB is outstanding and he's tied with Justin Verlander for fourth in the majors in strikeouts. He'll next take the mound Thursday in St. Louis.

Kershaw (1-3) gave up four earned runs on nine hits over seven innings in Friday's loss to the Nationals, striking out four and walking none.

Kershaw settled down after giving up a pair of first-inning runs, but he ended up on the short end of his heavyweight bout against Max Scherzer after giving up a run apiece in the sixth and seventh innings. Kershaw only has one double-digit strikeout game in his first five starts of the year -- uncharacteristic by his lofty standards -- and his 1-3 record also certainly looks strange next to his name. However, he'll still take a 2.45 ERA and sterling 0.97 WHIP into his start against the Giants next Friday.

Gray (1-4) gave up seven runs (five earned) on eight hits Friday, striking out just one and walking three, to pick up the loss in Colorado's 16-5 defeat at the hands of the Cubs.

After an encouraging start to the season that saw him give up three earned runs over his first 11 innings, Gray has now given up at least five runs in each of his last three outings to bring his ERA up to 6.75 in 26.2 innings. He's a risky fantasy play until he shows signs of re-establishing his form of last year, when he put up a respectable 3.67 ERA in 110.1 innings - and the fact that he pitches his home games at hitter-friendly Coors Field doesn't help his dimming fantasy prospects.

Hendricks (1-1) got the win Friday, giving up three earned runs on five hits while striking out six and walking none as the Cubs topped the Rockies 16-5.

The Cubs offense stole the show, but Hendricks held up his end of the bargain as well, limiting a tough Colorado lineup to three earned runs. He'll carry a 4.09 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB into his next start against the Brewers on April 26.

Lively (0-1) didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 2-1 win over the Pirates, allowing one run on five hits and three walks over six innings while striking out four.

The right-hander put together his first quality start of the season -- in fact, it was the first time this season Lively's even completed six innings. His 21:6 K:BB in 21.1 innings on the season is impressive, but his 4.64 ERA and 1.55 WHIP are lagging behind. Lively will try to bring his ratios down further in Thursday's home start against the Diamondbacks.

Hill (finger) played catch Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The veteran hurler reportedly felt great after the session, stating that he "could start today" if needed. Given Hill's previous finger issues, expect the Dodgers to exercise caution with his return.

Lauer will not make his scheduled start for Triple-A El Paso on Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

This doesn't appear to be an injury situation, but rather an effort to get the pitching prospect in line with the major-league rotation. The Padres have an opening in their rotation Tuesday, and Lauer is reportedly a "serious" candidate to fill the void. The 22-year-old has a 3.00 ERA with a 19:6 K:BB in three starts for the Chihuahuas this season, but his low fastball velocity and limited secondary offerings limit his upside as a starter.

Farrell was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Farrell has acted as a starter for the I-Cubs this season, but he'll head to the Cubs' bullpen for now to replace long reliever Eddie Butler (groin), who was placed on the disabled list in a corresponding move. The 26-year-old Farrell likely won't be used in high-leverage innings given his 5.91 ERA in two Triple-A starts.

Pill was sent to the Dodgers for cash considerations Tuesday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Pill reached the major leagues for the first time last season, throwing 22 innings for the Mets. He recorded a 5.32 ERA, walking 10.1 percent of batters while striking out just 16.2 percent.

Despaigne (forearm) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Despaigne exited Thursday's contest with forearm tightness, so this quick placement on the DL is certainly concerning. No further information on his ailing forearm has come forth, so his return timeline remains murky. Kyle Wittgren was called up from Triple-A New Orleans to replace him in the Marlins' bullpen.