MLB Player News

Cole (7-7) allowed two runs on four hits while striking out four across six innings but received a no-decision Friday against the Cardinals.

Cole gave up a two-run homer in the first inning, but settled down nicely after that as he posted a quality start. He's turned around his season lately while holding opponents to two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six outings to lower his ERA from 4.83 to 4.35. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Brewers.

Velasquez (elbow) could make his return to the majors Tuesday against Miami, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Velasquez was struggling in the first half even before an elbow injury knocked him out, as he owns a 5.58 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 10 starts. While he has been nasty as usual with 53 strikeouts in just 50 innings, Velasquez has been hammered for 11 home runs already. His velocity (94.1 mph on average) is fantastic, but he'll have to improve his command to reach the next level.

Marquez will take the mound Monday against the Padres, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

With Colorado looking to manage Marquez's workload, the team was considering briefly moving him to the bullpen, but the 22-year-old will make another start out of the rotation. Nothing is set in stone -- the Rockies could easily place Marquez in the bullpen after his next scheduled start -- so fantasy owners should be wary of relying on him for innings moving forward.

Ryu (foot) tossed a bullpen session Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

This marked the first sign of Ryu's rehabilitation from a left foot contusion that landed the southpaw on the DL on July 4. As the Dodgers take it slow with the 30-year-old, a rehab appearance could be in the cards once he's ready to face live hitting. Ryu also went on to throw a simulated game following his bullpen Thursday, which should provide more information and a definitive timetable moving forward once the Dodgers are able to reevaluate his condition.

Taillon will start Saturday against the Cardinals and Thursday against the Brewers, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The right-hander's spot in the rotation heading into the second half was unknown due to a recent bout with flu-like symptoms. Taillon missed out on a potential two-start assignment next week but remains worth using in most fantasy games regardless of matchup. He sports a 2.73 ERA with 8.5 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 over 11 starts this season.

Toussaint allowed one run on six hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out 10 for High-A Florida in Thursday's loss to Lakeland.

The 16th overall pick in 2014 has plenty to work on when it comes his control -- Toussaint has walked multiple batters in nine straight starts, and his 4.1 BB/9 on the year is far from ideal -- but the 10 strikeouts Thursday were a season high and he now sports a 10.2 K/9 through 92.1 innings. The 21-year-old has plenty of time to figure things out, and given the pitching depth in their farm system the Braves won't rush him. In deep dynasty formats, Toussaint's upside still makes him an intriguing fantasy asset.

Taillon will not make his first start of the second-half until Thursday against the Brewers, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The right-hander will be held off due to his recent bout with flu-like symptoms and perhaps partly to rest him for workload management, following his recent bout with testicular cancer. Taillon has produced sparkling numbers this year, with a 2.73 ERA, 8.5 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 over 11 starts, and should continue locking into most fantasy lineups regardless of matchup.

Soroka scattered four hits and struck out six over seven scoreless innings for Double-A Mississippi in Thursday's win over Pensacola.

The Braves' No. 6 prospect returned from an appearance at the All-Star Futures Game to continue the impressive form he's shown this season. Soroka doesn't turn 20 until the first week of August, but his 2.37 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 79:21 K:BB in 98.2 innings show that he has little left to prove at this level and a promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett could be coming soon, especially if deadline deals create a couple of holes on the major-league roster that require filling from within the organization.

Hendricks (hand) will start another game with Double-A Tennessee on Monday, Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reports.

Hendricks will likely return to the Cubs following this outing, and could rejoin the rotation during the series against St. Louis. He pitched well during his start this past Monday, allowing one run off two hits while striking out two in 3.1 innings of work. If he's able to duplicate that sort of performance, while lasting a little longer on the mound, he should be able to conclude his time at the minor-league level.

Lorenzen has a 2.93 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 42 strikeouts in 37 appearances this season.

The 25-year-old remains the setup man for Raisel Iglesias and the Reds, but still provides the versatility to go multiple innings if needed. Lorenzen leads Cincinnati's bullpen with 46 innings pitched and 16 holds, and should continue to see high-leverage opportunities this season.