MLB Player News

Musgrove (shoulder) is expected to throw off a slope Tuesday and throw a bullpen session Thursday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "I feel really good," Musgrove said.

He said he has not had any setbacks since he started his throwing program, but there is still a fairly long road to go before he could join the big-league rotation. Musgrove would have to eventually go on what could be a three- or four-week rehab assignment in the minor leagues, so a return in late May or early June seems like the best-case scenario.

Hill (1-1) allowed seven earned runs on seven hits while walking two and striking out five across five innings to take the loss Saturday against the Diamondbacks.

Hill made it through two clean innings prior to giving up multiple runs in each of the next three innings. He didn't allow an excessive number of baserunners but was hit hard, surrendering two home runs and two doubles. It hasn't been the sharpest of starts to the season for Hill as he has allowed three or more earned runs in each of his past two starts and has managed to pitch six innings only once.

Taillon allowed four hits while walking three and striking out two across six scoreless innings Saturday against the Marlins. He did not factor into the decision.

Taillon continued his run of early-season success with his second scoreless outing in three starts. He had only two strikeouts Saturday, but did manage to generate 13 groundballs compared to just three flyballs. After recording nine strikeouts in his first start, Taillon has just nine over his past two starts combined. However, his ratios remain excellent thanks to his ability to keep batted balls on the ground.

Anderson (1-1) picked up the win over the Mets on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over 6.1 innings while striking out five.

The right-hander threw 58 of 87 pitches for strikes as he recorded his second quality start in four outings to begin the season. Anderson's 2.82 ERA and 18:7 K:BB through 22.1 innings are solid, and he appears set up for another impressive performance Thursday at home against the Marlins.

Quintana (1-1) coughed up seven runs on seven hits and four walks over 2.1 innings while striking out only one in a no-decision against the Braves on Saturday.

Ozzie Albies led off the game with a home run and Quintana never recovered, throwing only 37 of 70 pitches for strikes before exiting. The left-hander's had two poor starts and one excellent one to begin the season, and while his 8.16 ERA and 9:10 K:BB through 14.1 innings are alarming, there's no indication he's dealing with an injury that would be affecting his performance. Things may not get any better for him in his next outing, however -- a road start Friday at Coors Field.

Walker left Saturday's start due to right forearm tightness.

This is not good news for the Diamondbacks, as right forearm tightness can sometimes be a precursor to severe elbow injuries. The fact that Walker was able to complete the second inning after a trainer examined him at least gives a glimmer of hope that the injury isn't serious, but more information on his status should come in the next day or so.

Walker was removed from Saturday's start against the Dodgers due to an apparent injury, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic Arizona reports.

Walker was visited by a trainer during his second inning of work but managed to stay in the game. However, he was lifted for a pinch hitter in the top of the third, suggesting there's some sort of injury in play. Given that he was initially able to pitch through the issue, it seems like it isn't too serious, but the nature and severity of the injury should become apparent once team doctors get a closer look at him. Prior to exiting, the right-hander had allowed one run on four hits and a walk while striking out two in two frames.

Finnegan (0-1) was charged with the loss Saturday against the Cardinals, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out four.

Home runs really hurt the southpaw in this one, as Greg Garcia got him for a pair of homers in the brief outing. Finnegan worked with baserunners throughout his 2018 debut and struggled with command, as he required 91 pitches to get through the abbreviated start. He'll look to get back on track in his next scheduled start Friday in a rematch with the Cardinals.

Mikolas (2-0) got the win Saturday against the Reds after allowing just one run four hits and two walks across seven innings. He struck out four.

Mikolas was sharp Saturday afternoon, only being tagged for a solo home run by Tucker Barnhart in the fifth inning. He also threw 53 of his 83 pitches for strikes and induced seven groundouts. The 29-year-old doesn't quite have the same strikeout numbers that he had in Japan, but given the circumstances, his 4.26 ERA and two victories is very passable for him. He'll take the mound next against Cincinnati on Friday.

Gray (1-3) allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six in 5.2 innings en route to the loss Saturday against the Nationals.

Although his stat line doesn't show it, Gray pitched well Saturday. He only allowed one run through five innings (a Matt Wieters home run in the fourth), but the wheels fell off in the fifth due to a number of two-strike hits by Washington hitters. Nonetheless, Gray now holds an unsightly 6.23 ERA on the season, a number which he'll look to improve upon in his next start Friday against the Cubs.