MLB Player News

Hill (9-7) allowed two runs on two hits and a walk with nine strikeouts over six innings Monday, but he still took a loss to the Diamondbacks.

Hill pitched excellently for most of the night, but he became one of what would eventually be four homer victims of Diamondbacks outfielder j.D. Martinez. The lefty has a strong 3.01 ERA since July but has given up home runs in each of his past seven starts. Perhaps that's to be expected from a pitcher shoving his fastball at an average 89.0 mph, but it does put a ceiling on Hill's value.

Martinez (11-10) pitched a complete-game shutout with 10 strikeouts during Monday's win over San Diego. He allowed three hits and walked three.

After allowing six runs -- three earned -- over just 5.2 innings to the Brewers in his previous outing, this was a sterling rebound from Martinez. The 25-year-old righty is turning in another strong fantasy showing with a 3.34 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 9.4 K/9. Martinez lines up to face the Pirates at Busch Stadium in his next start.

Syndergaard (lat) will make his next rehab start for short-season Brooklyn on Thursday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Syndergaard checked out fine during his one-inning, 18-pitch appearance Saturday for the Mets' rookie-level Gulf Coast League affiliate in what was his first game action since April 30, so the Mets will presumably let him increase his pitch count a little more in his second rehab outing. Given the length of Syndergaard's absence and his current spot in the rehab process, he may not have enough time to build up to a starter's workload before the Mets' season comes to an end, making it uncertain if the club will deploy him in the rotation if he does eventually return from the 60-day disabled list later in September.

Alcantara allowed a solo home run along with another hit and a walk over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Giants. He also recorded a strikeout.

The hard-throwing rookie gave up a 377-foot shot to left off the bat of Tim Federowicz, the first batter he faced. Alcantara was able to make up for it in part by ringing up Buster Posey for his first major-league strikeout before exiting a batter later. The 21-year-old right-hander certainly brings plenty of firepower, but harnessing it consistently has been an ongoing challenge down at Double-A Springfield. He'll be an intriguing asset to monitor in his first go-round against big-league bats this September.

Marquez (10-6) gave up four runs on six hits and zero walks while striking out nine over six innings Sunday against the Diamondbacks. He was saddled with the loss.

The rookie has maintained bat-missing stuff deep into his first full big-league season. He has now struck out 19 in 12.1 innings over his last two starts -- both in Coors Field. His 134 strikeouts (in 137.1 innings) and 10 wins have been useful in most formats, and his 4.26 ERA and 1.30 WHIP are fine ratios for a low-end fantasy starter, especially one who calls Colorado home. After throwing 166.2 innings last season, he sits at 147.1 total innings in 2017, and should be able to pitch without restrictions through the end of the season.

Wood (14-2) returned from the disabled list Sunday, pitching six innings while giving up four runs on seven hits with two walks and seven strikeouts against the Padres. He was the losing pitcher of record in a 6-4 loss.

Wood missed two starts with a minor sternum injury before returning to the mound Sunday. Home runs continue to plague the breakout star, as he has given up 10 over his last seven starts after surrendering just two in his previous 16 appearances. Wood still owns a sparkling 2.57 ERA on the season, but it has slowly creeped closer to his 3.02 FIP in the second half. The Dodgers are currently running a six-man rotation, lining the 26-year-old up to start against the Rockies at home Saturday.

Fried (1-0) emerged victorious in his first major-league start after holding the Cubs to one run on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts over five innings Sunday.

Fried's lone run allowed came on a second-inning homer by Ian Happ. The 23-year-old lefty had four appearances out of the bullpen under his belt, but this was his finest performance yet. He may not get another look in the rotation despite this productive outing.

Williams (6-7) picked up the win against the Reds on Sunday, allowing eight hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings while striking out five.

It's the third time in his last six starts that Williams has held the opposition scoreless, but Sunday's performance was also the first time since July 2 that he hasn't walked multiple batters. The right-hander's greatest strength remains his ability to keep the ball in the park -- he's allowed only five home runs in his last 15 starts and 87.1 innings -- but that will be put to the test Friday on the road against the Cardinals, the club responsible for three of those homers the last time he faced them.

Urena didn't factor into the decision in Sunday's extra-inning loss to the Phillies, allowing only one run on six hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out three.

It was the longest outing of the season for the right-hander, and while the quality start was Urena's 10th, it was his first in almost a month as the 25-year-old had been showing signs of fading down the stretch. He'll take a 3.71 ERA into his start Friday on the road against the Braves.

Thompson came away with a no-decision in Sunday's extra-inning win over the Marlins, allowing only one run on three hits over six innings while striking out seven.

It was a strong return to the rotation for the 23-year-old, who threw 59 of 88 pitches for strikes in his first quality start in the big leagues this season. Thompson will take a 4.50 ERA, not to mention some renewed confidence, into his next outing -- a tough road matchup Friday against the Nationals.