MLB Player News

DeGrom (12-3) limited the Padres to two runs on five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over eight innings in Monday's win.

DeGrom set the tone from the get-go, notching a trio of strikeouts looking in the first inning. The only blemishes in this masterful performance came on a seventh-inning solo homer by Hunter Renfroe and consecutive doubles with two outs in the eighth. DeGrom otherwise pitched like an ace is expected to against the weakest lineup in the league, improving to 8-0 in his past eight starts. He'll look for his ninth consecutive victory Saturday in Seattle.

Greinke (12-4) twirled a gem Monday against the Braves, logging eight innings of two-run ball while giving up just five hits, walking none and striking out six en route to the victory.

The only damage done to the right-hander all evening was a pinch-hit, two-run homer by Sean Rodriguez in the fifth. Outside of that, Greinke stymied Atlanta's hitters, tossing nearly 80 percent of his pitches for strikes and retiring the final 10 batters he faced. The All-Star now possesses a sparkling 2.92 ERA on the year, a figure he'll look to improve further Saturday in St. Louis.

Senzatela (10-4) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five across four innings en route to the loss Monday against the Cardinals.

After a stellar start to the season, the rookie right-hander has fallen off the map. Although he's collected three wins during June and July, Senzatela holds a 7.18 ERA and a 2.6 HR/9 in 31.1 innings pitched in that time. His season ERA is not up to 4.84, and he seems like a logical candidate to either move to the bullpen or be demoted when the injured members of the Rockies' rotation get back to full health. If he is awarded another start, it would likely come Sunday in Washington.

Alcantara threw seven scoreless innings for Double-A Springfield versus Arkansas on Sunday, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out four.

The fire-balling right-hander has seemingly started to hit his stride in his last three outings, allowing just two runs in the 18.2 innings he's pitched over that span. Sunday's effort was Alcantara's first of more than six innings this season, and the 87 pitches he threw were a testament to his efficiency. While his 4.85 ERA, .270 BAA and 1.45 WHIP all still have ample room for improvement, Alcantara's recent performances certainly provide reason for optimism.

Velasquez left after the third inning in Monday's start against the Astros because of a rain delay.

Velasquez wasn't enjoying a particularly successful evening, giving up four runs on six hits and three walks in his short time on the mound, and he was removed from the game after a rain delay of nearly two hours. He'd allowed just three earned runs with a 12:2 K:BB over 12.1 innings in his previous three appearances, though, and the righty will look to bounce back in Sunday's start against the Braves.

Hendricks (hand) allowed one run on eight hits with no walks across 4.1 innings in a no-decision Monday against the White Sox. He struck out five.

Making his first start in roughly seven weeks after shaking off a hand injury, Hendricks threw 67 percent of his pitches for strikes and induced plenty of weak contact. He was forced to leave a bit early, however, with an elevated pitch count in the fifth -- partially due to 21 foul balls by the pesky White Sox offense. All in all, it was a decent return to the mound for Hendricks, who will carry a 3.95 ERA into Saturday's matchup with the Brewers.

Cueto (finger) continued to play catch Monday and may throw a bullpen session Tuesday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Cueto is one of the numerous pitchers in the league who are currently dealing with finger blisters. The 31-year-old has been on the shelf since July 15, but he appears to be making progress. We should get a better idea of where he's at in his rehab following that bullpen session if it happens Tuesday.

Kershaw was diagnosed with a lower-back strain Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Following Monday's evaluation, manager Dave Roberts confirmed that this ailment isn't as serious as the disc injury that sidelined the ace for two months last season, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. The skipper also mentioned that Kershaw is "day-to-day" with the injury, but considering the fact that he's already been placed on the 10-day disabled list, it's safe to assume that 4-to-6 weeks remains the best estimate for his eventual return at this time.

Flexen will be called up from Double-A Binghamton and start Thursday's game against the Padres, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.

With Thursday's scheduled starter Zack Wheeler being placed on the disabled list with a stress reaction in his right arm Monday, Flexen will be called upon to make the jump from Double-A for his major-league debut. The 23-year-old is enjoying a fine season with Binghamton, as he currently sports a shiny 1.66 ERA over 48.2 innings.

Kershaw (back) was placed on the disabled list Monday, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

As expected, the Dodgers' ace will head to the disabled list to rest his ailing back. Kershaw is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, although a more precise timetable for his return should emerge once he meets with doctors in the coming days.