MLB Player News

Alvarez had his contract purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

Alvarez, who inked a minor-league deal with the Phillies in August after pitching with the independent Long Island Ducks, is set to join the big club after compiling a 2.84 ERA and 8:6 K:BB across three starts (19 innings) with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He's appeared primarily as a starting pitcher throughout his career, but it's unclear what role Alvarez will play down the stretch for Philadelphia. Seeing as the 27-year-old hasn't pitched in the majors since 2015 due to a slew of shoulder injuries, it would seem unwise to expect much from him upon his return. Still, his fastball was clocked at up to 98 mph during his stint with the Ducks, so if he's able to show flashes of what made him an All-Star in 2014, it could help him earn a job for next season.

Lively (3-6) picked up a loss after allowing three runs on six hits over eight innings in a 3-2 loss to the Nationals on Sunday. He struck out seven and walked one.

This was Lively's third straight quality start. He's now 2-2 with a 3.94 ERA and a 28:9 K:BB in 32 innings over five starts since returning to the majors from Triple-A. The Phillies are certain to bring in some veteran starting pitching this offseason, but Lively is looking like he will enter camp next spring as a favorite for a rotation spot.

Hill (9-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings against the Rockies.

Nolan Arenado got the better of Hill on two occasions, singling in the first and homering in the third, accounting for all of the runs against the lefty. Hill has mostly been very good since the All-Star break, but the home runs have become a bit of an issue lately (10 allowed in his last eight starts). He lines up to face the Nationals in Washington his next time out.

Ray (13-5) earned the win over the Padres on Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out 12 over six innings.

Ray has been as dominant as ever since his return from a concussion; this was his third straight double-digit strikeout performance, and he now has a ridiculous 45:6 K:BB over 25.1 innings since his activation. The lefty has also been stingy with the long ball, allowing just four homers over 38 innings so far in the second half. He's been one of the great stories of the baseball season. Up next: a road matchup with the Giants.

Despaigne allowed five runs on four hits and six walks across 3.2 innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Braves. He struck out two.

Despaigne struggled mightily in the third inning, allowing five runs on four hits and three walks. He escaped the jam and got the first two outs in the fourth inning before his removal after two more free passes. Despaigne struggled to find the strike zone all day, throwing just 52 percent of his pitches for strikes, and was unable to make up for the volume of runners he put on base. He had delivered quality starts in two of his previous three outings and will look to get back on track Saturday against the Brewers.

Strasburg (13-4) tossed eight shutout innings while earning a win Sunday against the Phillies, allowing two hits and one walk with 10 strikeouts.

Strasburg was dominant in this one, taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning. He threw 70 percent of his pitches for strikes and didn't allow a runner past first base. Strasburg has been on a different level lately, delivering 34 straight scoreless innings with a sparkling 33:3 K:BB over his last four starts. He will look to keep it rolling Saturday against the Dodgers.

DeGrom gave up two runs on three hits and three walks in six innings while striking out 10 on Sunday, but he didn't factor into the decision as the Mets lost 10-5 to the Reds.

It was the second time in deGrom's last four starts that he punched out 10. Though he has 14 wins on the year, his 3.63 ERA, 10.6 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 continue to fly under the radar because he plays for the Mets. He's poised to finish another season as a high-end fantasy hurler.

Hendricks (6-5) was tagged with the loss Sunday against the Brewers. He gave up four hits and three earned runs over six innings, while walking two and striking out seven.

Hendricks pitched pretty well, but the Cubs once again struggled to score runs against Milwaukee pitching in a 3-1 defeat. Hendricks has now logged six straight quality starts, though he only has two wins to show for it. He'll look to keep pitching well and pick up a win in his next scheduled start Saturday against the Cardinals.

Davies (17-8) allowed just a single run on seven hits and a walk while striking out six batters through seven innings during Sunday's win over the Cubs.

The 24-year-old righty continues to stymie opposing hitters and has now allowed just five earned runs through 39.1 innings over his past six starts. With 17 wins and a 3.67 ERA for the campaign, Davies has been a strong enough fantasy contributor that owners can settle for his underwhelming 1.33 WHIP and 6.1 K/9. Davies projects to make his next start against Miami at Marlins Park.

Glasnow will start Wednesday against the Brewers, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The right-hander was recalled Sunday, and this confirms the club plans to try him out in the rotation again. Glasnow blazed through Triple-A Indianapolis this season, nailing down a 1.93 ERA with 140 strikeouts and only 32 walks in 93.1 innings (15 starts). He's again made several adjustments to his approach during his latest stint there, including speeding up his delivery, and these seem to be working. This could wind up being a different Glasnow down the stretch than the version who carries a 7.45 ERA for his major-league season. Don't let season-long numbers deter you from streaming him for potentially favorable matchups, including his return outing that could help him pile up whiffs.