MLB Player News

Gray (foot) did some running on the field Wednesday before Colorado's game with the Mariners, and he's scheduled to face hitters in a simulated game sometime next week, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

The right-hander also has been running on a treadmill, but he'll soon ramp up his workouts by facing live batters during the Rockies' two-game home series with the Indians that starts Tuesday. When Gray returns -- likely before the end of June -- his owners will hope he can build on the 4.38 ERA and 6.6 K/9 from his small three-start sample. Manager Bud Black said the Rockies likely won't use a six-man rotation when Gray resurfaces, so there will probably be a job battle in the next few weeks.

Greinke (7-3) tossed seven solid innings Thursday against the Marlins, allowing one earned run while striking out eight and giving up just four hits in the Diamondbacks' 3-2 win.

It was a nice bounce-back start for Arizona's ace, given that his last time out he gave up five runs in 5.1 innings at Milwaukee. Aside from that start, Greinke had a strong May, with opponents hitting .152 against him over four outings (30.1 innings) and scoring just eight runs. He now looks to be on track to continue that success throughout June.

Wainwright (6-3) allowed just four hits and two walks over six scoreless innings while striking out six batters during Thursday's win over the Dodgers.

It's been a significant turnaround for the veteran righty, as Wainwright has now allowed just a single run thorough 26.1 innings over his past four starts. He's recorded the win in each of the four outings, too. After posting a discouraging 4.62 ERA and 1.40 WHIP last season, it's reasonable to be skeptical about Wainwright's current run. However, the veteran was also a fantasy stalwart for the better part of a decade, so it's probably worth giving him the benefit of doubt for the time being. A daunting road matchup against the Reds at Great American Ball Park is on deck, and it could be a telling test. It's also worth adding that Wainwright's two-run home run provided all the offense St. Louis needed Thursday.

Wheeler (3-3) allowed just two runs despite surrendering 10 hits and a walk over 6.1 innings during Thursday's loss to Milwaukee. He struck out six batters.

The 27-year-old righty has now allowed just 10 earned runs through 34 innings over his past six starts and sports a serviceable 3.72 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 8.3 K/9 for the campaign. It was also encouraging to see him issue just the single free pass Thursday, as his 3.7 BB/9 will need improvement if he's going to continue chipping away at his ratios. Wheeler lines up next for a tough road start against the Rangers.

Anderson (4-2) pitched seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts during Thursday's win over the Mets. He allowed just three hits and a walk.

Anderson sports a 3.30 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 8.5 K/9 for the year and hasn't allowed a run over 14 innings through his past two starts. Shutting down the Diamondbacks and Mets in consecutive starts is especially impressive considering they rank fourth and seventh in runs scored in the National League, respectively. The 29-year-old righty's 3.39 FIP suggests his current results are sustainable, and the Milwaukee offense will provide plenty of offensive support. Anderson's fantasy value is trending up. He lines up to face the Giants at Miller Park in his next start.

Walker (finger) had his scheduled bullpen session pushed back to Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Walker reported no issues after tossing a simulated game earlier in the week, so it's unclear why his session is being postponed by a day. Walker's status for his next scheduled start (Sunday against the Marlins) will likely be determined by Friday's bullpen session. If all goes well, he would likely face Vance Worley in his return to the rotation. The 24-year-old owns a 3.46 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 46:18 K:BB through 52 innings this season.

Flaherty was promoted to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Flaherty opened the season at Double-A Springfield and had no problem adjusting to the higher level of competition. Over 10 starts (63.1 innings) he pieced together a 1.42 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. In that time he posted a solid 62:11 K:BB and surrendered just two home runs. Flaherty may lack a plus pitch, although his changeup is close, but what he lacks in high-end velocity or a knee-buckling breaking ball he makes up for with excellent command and pitchability. However, he is still likely behind Luke Weaver and Marco Gonzales in terms of MLB rotation options in the second half of the season.

Nicolino was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a blood blister on his left index finger, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

As expected, Nicolino was sent to the disabled list to clear room on the roster for Jeff Locke, who is scheduled to start against the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Nicolino will be eligible to return June 10, though it's unclear if he'll be ready to rejoin the rotation at that point. With the 25-year-old set to miss at least one start while on the disabled list, the Marlins could turn to Vance Worley or call-up Adam Conley from Triple-A New Orleans to take Nicolino's turn in the rotation.

Quantrill, 22, has a 3.80 ERA and 50:17 K:BB in 47.1 innings for High-A Lake Elsinore.

Quantrill has been impressive in the hitter-friendly confines of the California League, striking out more than a batter per inning while showing no ill effects from his 2015 Tommy John procedure. His innings will likely be limited this season, but the Padres have to be pleased with what they've seen so far.

Wood (shoulder) is traveling to be examined by Dodgers doctors Thursday, and he's not improving as quickly as the team initially hoped, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said he's not concerned that there's structural or any other serious damage to Wood's shoulder because the discomfort is in his sternum, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times added. Either way, perhaps Wood's return to a starting role this year has put extra stress on his body, despite his sparkling 6-0 record, 1.69 ERA, 11.3 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 48 innings. We'll provide an update when news surfaces for someone suddenly considered a cog for many fantasy rotations.