MLB Player News

Keller pitched nine shutout innings against Bowie in the first round of the Eastern League playoffs Thursday. He gave up just one hit and two walks, striking out four.

The 21-year-old compiled a 3.03 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 116:32 K:BB in 116 regular-season innings split between three levels in 2017. With a fastball that sits in the mid 90s and a 3.85 K/BB rate for his career, Keller continues to exhibit promise. He figures to start the 2018 campaign in Double-A with a chance to advance midseason.

Matz (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Friday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

This move has no effect on Matz, as the club needed extra roster space for Phillip Evans, who was called up prior to Friday's game against the Reds. The left-hander underwent season-ending surgery a couple weeks ago, but should be able to return for the start of spring training.

Maeda will get another start next Tuesday against the Giants after manager Dave Roberts announced that the Dodgers will stick with a six-man rotation, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Roberts' decision to continue giving his starters extra rest may have been influenced by Clayton Kershaw's uncharacteristically poor outing against the Rockies on Thursday. The news gives Maeda another turn in the rotation, placing him in a favorable matchup against the light-hitting Giants. The 29-year-old has pitched well in the second half, posting a 3.42 ERA and 10.1 K/9 in nine starts since the All-Star break.

Eflin (shoulder) has begun throwing, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Eflin is sidelined with a shoulder impingement. He is not yet ruled out for the season, but he'll need to avoid any setbacks to return to the mound this month.

Velasquez had surgery Tuesday to address a circulation problem in his hand, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Velasquez is out for the season, but will be ready for spring training. The 25-year-old disappointed in 2017, going 2-7 with a 5.13 ERA and a 68:34 K:BB in 72 innings over 15 starts.

Gray (7-4) earned the win over the Dodgers on Thursday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out three.

The Rockies' offense got to Clayton Kershaw early, staking Gray to a three-run lead before he even took the mound. Gray gave up a pair of doubles in the fourth inning but scattered just two singles (one of the infield variety) in his other five frames. He has been pitching well since his eight-run implosion back on July 19 and he lines up for two starts next week, but one of those comes against the red-hot Diamondbacks in Arizona. Proceed with caution.

Kershaw (16-3) took the loss Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over 3.2 innings against the Rockies. He struck out seven.

It was tough sledding from the start, as Kershaw gave up four straight hits to begin the game, including a three-run homer to Nolan Arenado. According to ESPN Stats & Info, it was the first time in his career that Kershaw allowed a hit to each of the first four batters he faced. The walks were also uncharacteristic, but Kershaw has a history of bouncing back with a fury after rough outings like this. He lines up to face the Giants in San Francisco next Wednesday with the Dodgers sticking with a six-man rotation, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register.

Lynn (10-7) took the loss Thursday despite allowing just one run on six hits and one walk over six innings against the Padres. He struck out three.

Luck wasn't on Lynn's side in this one; three of the six hits against him were infield singles, all coming in the first inning, and he didn't get any help from his offense. Lynn has been on an excellent run over the last two and a half months, allowing more than two runs just once in his last 13 starts to lower his ERA to 2.94. Now close to two full years removed from Tommy John surgery, Lynn appears headed for a big payday in free agency this winter.

Mahle (0-2) allowed three runs on six hits and four walks while striking out two batters through just four innings during Thursday's loss to the Mets.

This was just the third start in the majors for the rookie, and he made only 10 appearances with Triple-A Louisville before joining the Reds. As a result, there aren't many fantasy settings where Mahle should be leaned on. He offers some long-term upside and has made significant strides this year, but he's still a raw talent at this stage of his career.

Taillon (7-6) allowed six runs on 11 hits and one walk while striking out three batters through just 4.2 innings during Thursday's loss to the Cubs.

Taillon entered Thursday's outing with a 6.75 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in the second half, so it shouldn't have been shocking to see him struggle against Chicago. Still, the 25-year-old righty shouldn't be ruled out in favorable matchups, as he did fire 10 innings with just a single run allowed through his previous two outings against the Reds. Taillon lines up to face the Brewers at Miller Park in his next start.