MLB Player News

Williams (5-5) was charged with four runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks over six innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Saturday. He struck out seven.

On the heels of a seven-inning, one-hit gem earlier in the week against the Tigers, Williams turned in another quality start, but he hurt himself with the walks. The right-hander didn't get any help from his offense, and that has been a theme in recent starts, with the Pirates totaling eight runs in Williams' last four games. Williams lines up for a home start against the Cardinals his next time out.

Nola will in fact start Saturday's game against the Mets, Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal reports.

There was some speculation that Nola could appear later in Saturday's game, with the Phillies potentially using a reliever to start in case the game got rained out. However, Montemurro reports that Nola is going through his typical pregame routine in the outfield, so look for him to make a traditional start.

Kershaw (back) is set to throw another bullpen session Sunday, David Vassegh of AM 570 in Los Angeles reports.

The Dodgers' ace will throw his second bullpen of the weekend after tossing a successful session Friday. Kershaw will likely ramp up his pitch count Sunday, and if all goes well, he could be ready for a rehab assignment as his next step. As it stands, Kershaw could be back on the mound for the Dodgers later this month.

Ray (concussion) went through a simulated game Saturday and his next step will likely be a rehab start, Jack Magruder of FanRag Sports reports. "He looked exactly like Robbie Ray," said manager Torey Lovullo after Ray's session.

The left-hander has been working his way back after being struck in the head by a comebacker in late July. Ray reportedly threw roughly 50 pitches during Saturday's sim game, and his performance was apparently encouraging enough to where he could be ready to set out on a rehab assignment soon.

DeGrom (triceps) will make his next scheduled start Tuesday against the Yankees, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

DeGrom was able to throw a side session with no issues Saturday, confirming the stud right-hander won't need to be skipped in the rotation. The 29-year-old, who has compiled an impressive 3.21 ERA and 179 strikeouts in 151 innings this season, will look to keep things rolling against the Mets' crosstown rivals.

Strasburg will throw five innings or 75 pitches in a rehab start for High-A Potomac on Monday, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

Strasburg was able to toss 57 pitches with no issues in Wednesday's simulated game, clearing the way for him to head out on a rehab assignment. Whether he'll need to make more than one rehab start remains unclear, but more should be known once he is reevaluated following Monday's appearance. In the meantime, A.J. Cole is set to take his next turn in the rotation Sunday, and would likely continue to do so if the All-Star is forced to miss anymore time.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Nola may not start Saturday's game but is still expected to pitch, Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal reports.

With rain on the forecast, the Phillies are contemplating using a reliever to begin the game to avoid Nola's start being cut short. It makes sense, as Nola has been in fine form lately -- compiling a 1.79 ERA and 70 strikeouts over his last nine starts -- so the Phillies want to get as many innings out of him as possible. If he doesn't end up starting, it sounds like he's still expected to pitch the bulk of the contest.

Freeman (groin) experienced no pain during a 35-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

This is encouraging news, as Freeland continues to work his way through a throwing program with no issues. He'll need to progress to facing live hitters before the Rockies determine whether he needs a brief rehab assignment, at which point there should be a clearer idea about his possible return date.

Walker (6-6) allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks with two strikeouts over five innings and took the loss Friday against the Cubs.

The Cubs are an admittedly tough draw, but this was a rough start by any standards. Walker served up two home runs and hit two batters as he was erratic all night. He is now winless in his past eight starts despite a passable 4.21 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Walker has a home-run problem, as he has now served up eight in his past six starts, but his luck, at least in the win column, is bound to turn soon.

Hill struck out nine and allowed just two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings but took home a no-decision Friday against San Diego.

Hill had an injury scare when he was hit by a pitch at the plate, but X-rays following the game were negative, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports. Hill hasn't gone deep in games reliably, but that has been his only flaw of late. He's now produced nine straight starts with three or fewer earned runs, posting a 72:14 K:BB over 54 innings in that span.