MLB Player News

Per manager Dusty Baker, Strasburg's (forearm stiffness) removal from Sunday's game in Arizona was precautionary after he had trouble getting loose in the second inning, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

The Nationals are headed home and have an off-day Monday, at which time the hard-throwing righty will see the team doctor for further evaluation. Baker didn't provide specifics other than the aforementioned forearm stiffness, but also added that he doesn't think the condition is "anything serious", so it doesn't sound like owners should be too worried. Strasburg should be considered day-to-day until further information surfaces, which will likely come Monday or Tuesday.

Freeland (10-7) held the Pirates to two runs on six hits with two walks and three strikeouts over six innings in Sunday's win.

A quality start is usually more than enough to get a victory at Coors Field, as was the case in this 13-3 blowout. Freeland's 57.0 percent groundball rate has lessened the impact of Colorado's thin air, allowing him to pitch to a 3.21 ERA in 61.2 home innings. The rookie left-hander will bring a 4.12 road ERA into Saturday's start in Washington.

Kershaw (back) will be placed on the disabled list and does not yet have a timetable for a return, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

The superstar pitcher was lifted in the second inning Sunday afternoon against the Braves with tightness in his lower back. Kershaw remarked that he felt something that "wasn't normal" during warmups, which prompted his removal. As such, he has tests scheduled for Monday, and could meet with a back specialist as early as Sunday night. Dodger fans and owners of arguably the best pitcher in baseball are obviously holding their collective breath while waiting for a clearer diagnosis and timetable for Kershaw's return -- stay tuned.

Strasburg was removed from Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks after just two innings for an undisclosed reason, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports.

The Nationals don't provide in-game injury updates, so more information may not be available until later in the day. Consider Strasburg day-to-day for now. Matt Grace came into the game to replace him.

Kershaw was removed from Sunday's game due to right lower back tightness, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

This is somewhat concerning given that Kershaw has landed on the disabled list due to back issues before, although the severity of this current problem isn't known at the moment. Continue to consider him day-to-day for now, but keep an eye out for further news on his status as his next start on July 30 nears.

Kershaw was removed from Sunday's game after just two innings pitched due to an undisclosed issue, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Kershaw was examined by trainers in the top half of the inning but managed to finish the frame before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the bottom half. No official word has come forth as to what the issue is, although it is worth noting that there is a bout of bronchitis going around the Dodgers' clubhouse at the moment. Consider the left-hander day-to-day for now. Ross Stripling came into the game to relieve him.

Cueto (finger) resumed playing light catch Sunday, Andrew Baggarly of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

It's promising to see the right-hander getting back on track with his throwing program, although it doesn't bode well for Cueto to miss just two turns in the rotation. Manager Bruce Bochy is confident that he'll return to the rotation soon, but he likely won't be available for at least another week or so. Things should become clearer as he ramps up his throwing.

Walker was reinstated from the paternity list prior to Sunday's game.

Walker was scratched from last Thursday's start due to the birth of his son, and now that the three days are up, he will return to the team. He's currently in line to start Tuesday against the Braves.

Marquez (8-4) stymied the Pirates over seven innings Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while fanning nine on his way to earning the victory.

The first inning was really the only rough patch for the rookie hurler, as three batters reached in the frame before he settled down and retired 16 of the last 17 batters he faced. The only other blemish on Marquez's pitching record for the day was a solo home run allowed to Josh Bell in the fourth inning, but outside of that he dazzled the opposition, hurling 62 of his 97 offerings for strikes. The right-hander now possesses a three-start win streak, and he'll look to keep it going in his next start Friday in Washington.

Ramirez was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday, MLB.com reports.

With 44 strikeouts over 31.1 innings this season with the Giants and Mets, Ramirez has occasionally flashed signs of dominance out of the bullpen, but his issues with the long ball and putting runners on base were too significant to overcome. After the Mets dropped him from the 40-man roster earlier in the week, Ramirez will remain in the organization, but his path back to the big leagues now becomes much more difficult.