MLB Player News

Matz gave up three runs on three hits and five walks while striking out eight over six innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Thursday.

He managed to turn in a quality start in his third outing of the season, but Matz was playing with fire with five free passes and two home runs allowed. The lefty managed to work around baserunners thanks in large part to the strikeout -- his eight strikeouts exceeded his total from his first two starts combined (six). Matz lines up for a road start against the Marlins his next time out.

Urias will head to Los Angeles this weekend for further examination on his pitching shoulder, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

McCullough said that there's a "heightened level of concern" regarding Urias' shoulder, which has led to a scheduled trip to see team doctors in Los Angeles over the weekend. Urias has been shut down for close to two weeks with left shoulder discomfort and a recent MRI revealed inflammation in the area but no structural damage. In any case, the Dodgers will take a closer look in the coming days, which will provide further information on Urias' outlook and timetable for return.

Pill was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

He had been in the running to make another start with Zack Wheeler (biceps) on the shelf, but the Mets will instead turn to Rafael Montero to start in his place. Pill was roughed up for five runs over six innings in his spot start against the Dodgers on Wednesday. He'll head back to Las Vegas and could be an option to return as a spot starter should the Mets incur another injury to the rotation.

Senzatela (9-3) allowed nine runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out three batters over five innings during Thursday's loss to Arizona.

The wheels appear to have fallen off for Senzatela. He entered Thursday's outing with a 5.49 ERA and 1.37 WHIP through his previous seven starts, and the rookie has now allowed 17 runs over his past three outings at Coors Field. That's a concerning trend. Often times, teams are able to get a read on young pitchers once there is more film on them at the highest level, and that is likely the case with Senzatela. How he deals with adversity and adjusts in his next handful of games will be telling. A soft matchup against San Francisco at AT&T Park is on deck for the 22-year-old righty, at least.

Anderson (6-2) allowed just two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out seven batters through six innings during Thursday's win over Pittsburgh.

Anderson has now surrendered just six runs through 40.2 innings over his past six starts and owns a high-end 2.92 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 8.5 K/9 for the year. The 29-year-old righty might prove to be a late bloomer, as his 3.45 FIP reinforces his current breakout. A road start against Cincinnati is up next for Anderson.

Nola (4-5) allowed just a single run on four hits and two walks while striking out eight batters through 7.1 innings during Thursday's win over St. Louis.

This was arguably Nola's best start of the season, and he was particularly sharp throwing 74 of 107 pitches for strikes and going deep into the game. It was also especially encouraging because the young righty posted a 4.89 ERA through his previous six starts dating back to when he returned from the disabled list May 21. Nola should probably still be started with a degree of caution until he shows more consistency on the hill, though. He projects to face the Mariners at Safeco Park in his next start.

Martinez (6-6) allowed three runs -- just two earned -- on six hits and two walks while striking out four batters through six innings during Thursday's loss to Philadelphia.

Martinez was out pitched by Aaron Nola on Thursday, and the St. Louis ace took a tough-luck loss. With a high-end 2.87 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 10.0 K/9 for the campaign, Martinez remains a go-to starter in all fantasy settings and is in the midst of the best season of his career. It's worth noting that his next start projects to be at Chase Field against the Diamondbacks, which is a difficult matchup. It will be a telling test for Martinez.

Lopez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Thursday.

Lopez was released by the Rangers earlier in the month after posting a combined 6.27 ERA and 2.25 WHIP across 18.2 innings with Triple-A Round Rock and High-A Down East. The southpaw will report to High-A Carolina, where he will look to work his way up the Brewers' minor-league ranks.

Anderson (knee) was taken off the disabled list Thursday prior to the Rockies game against Arizona, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Although Anderson is back from his nearly three-week stay on the disabled list with left knee inflammation, there has yet to be a decision on when his next start will be. The left-hander has struggled this season, posting a 5.85 ERA with a 3-5 record during 11 starts. During his rehab start Sunday, Anderson gave up one earned run off five hits in five innings of work, striking out six while only allowing one walk. He is likely to come back into the rotation at some point next week, and will have the opportunity to pitch for his spot.

Williams allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings Wednesday but didn't factor into the decision in a 4-3 loss to the Brewers.

The seven strikeouts were a career high for the 25-year-old, while the quality start was his third of the year. Williams' ability to keep the ball in the park has allowed him to post a 4.36 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 0.5 HR/9 over his last six starts (33 innings), but his 6.8 K/9 over that stretch highlights his limited upside. He'll next take the mound Tuesday at home against the Rays.