MLB Player News

Williams allowed one run on four hits while walking none and striking out three over six innings for a no-decision in Monday's 4-3 win over Arizona.

The 67-pitch outing was Williams' first quality start in his fifth outing as a rotation fill-in, and it came against a potent offense. However, his 6.5 K/9 isn't all that appealing, and he's just a short-term rotation replacement until the Pens get their injured starters back. Williams' ERA is still 5.20, so he's nothing more than a desperation streamer in the right matchups.

Lugo (elbow) will make one more rehab start and then join the Mets as a member of the starting rotation.

General manager Sandy Alderson made this announcement Monday, but that came before Robert Gsellman -- who's expected to be moved to the bullpen when Lugo and Steven Matz rejoin the team -- went out and delivered his second straight solid start. Lugo allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks with seven strikeouts during his six-inning start for Double-A Binghamton on Sunday. He tossed 79 pitches in the outing, and the plan is to get him close to 90 in another Double-A outing before he rejoins the big club.

Manager Sandy Alderson said Matz (elbow) will need at least one more minor-league rehab start before rejoining the Mets, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Alderson noted the Mets' upcoming schedule (two off days next week) along with a desire to build up Matz's pitch count as reasons for extending his rehab assignment. The 26-year-old tossed 73 pitches across five scoreless innings in his last rehab appearance, so if all goes well in his next appearance, he could rejoin the Mets' rotation sometime next week. Robert Gsellman is expected to slide to the bullpen once Matz is activated.

Manager Don Mattingly said Worley will likely head to the bullpen once Jeff Locke (shoulder) is activated from the DL, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

It appears Locke will start in place of Worley on Thursday and take over for him in the rotation thereafter. Worley will likely assume a long-relief role in the bullpen with an opportunity to gain some starts if another spot opens up in the Marlins' rotation.

Manager Dave Roberts said Ryu is the frontrunner to make a spot start Wednesday against the Cardinals, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Alex Wood will miss his next turn in the rotation while on the disabled list, opening the door for Ryu to draw the start. The 30-year-old started seven games for the Dodgers this season before being ousted from the rotation last week, compiling a 4.75 ERA and 36:15 K:BB across 36 innings. It appears the only way Ryu won't start Wednesday is if he's used in relief before then. Given that Wood is only supposed to miss one start while on the DL, it's unclear whether the Dodgers will shift Ryu back to the bullpen after Wednesday or keep him stretched out as a starter -- possibly in the minors.

Pill will start Tuesday's game against the Brewers, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

With Steven Matz (elbow) and Seth Lugo (elbow) still another rehab start away from rejoining the big club, Pill will be given the spot start against a strong Brewers offense. Although he allowed a run in his only major-league appearance this season, Pill has compiled a a combined 1.60 ERA (albeit with a less inspiring 26:15 K:BB) across 56.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this season. With Matz and Lugo nearing a return, this will likely be Pill's only spot start for the time being, though he could earn himself another opportunity later in the season if he impresses.

Wood (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday with inflammation in his left SC joint, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

According to Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times, Wood told the Dodgers he could pitch through the issue, so it doesn't appear to be anything overly serious; nonetheless, the team will err on the side of caution and give him some time to recover. Wood has been stellar this season, compiling a 1.69 ERA and 60:15 K:BB through 48 innings (10 games, eight starts). Brandon Morrow was recalled from Triple-A to take his spot on the roster, though Hyun-Jin Ryu will likely take any turns in the rotation that Wood misses. He'll be eligible to come off the disabled list June 5, so it's possible that Wood will only miss one start.

Walker (finger) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday, Carson Mason of MLB.com reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo noted Sunday that Walker has nearly recovered from a blister on his right index finger that forced him to the disabled list May 21, but the Diamondbacks are still proceeding cautiously with the 24-year-old so as not to irritate the finger. After throwing a successful bullpen session Saturday, Walker will be cleared to face hitters Tuesday before the Diamondbacks assess if he's ready to come off the DL. Randall Delgado entered the rotation in place of Walker last week and will make another start Monday against the Pirates, but Walker could be ready to go by the time his next turn in the rotation comes up.

Urena (3-2) picked up a victory Sunday, allowing two runs on three hits and six walks while striking out seven batters through five innings against the Angels.

While the free passes were concerning, allowing just three hits softened that blow, and we'll note that the righty had issued just eight walks through 22.2 innings over his first four starts this season. Urena owns a 3.58 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 6.2 K/9 through five starts; however, his 5.48 FIP during that stretch jumps off the page. The eye test suggests Urena is still very raw and has some work ahead to fine-tune his craft. His mid-90s heat is a tremendous asset, though, so there's potential here. Urena lines up to face the Diamondbacks at Marlins Park next.

Matz (elbow) fired five perfect innings while striking out eight in a rehab start for Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Making the outing even more impressive was the fact that it came in a day game at Cashman Field, a notoriously hitter-friendly park. Matz threw 50 of his 73 pitches for strikes, and while the Mets haven't yet announced their plans for the left-hander, his next start seems almost certain to come in the majors. If he stays on schedule, he could take the mound Friday at home against the Pirates, although a Saturday start in place of Robert Gsellman also seems plausible.