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Zach Davies SP | WAS
Brewers' Zach Davies: Improves to 4-2 with win over Mets
Davies (4-2) allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out just two batters over five innings during Saturday's win over the Mets.
This wasn't Davies' sharpest showing, but Milwaukee blew the game open with an eight-run fifth inning, and he left as the pitcher of record. Davies had allowed just eight runs through 21 innings over his previous four starts, and he's now won four of his past five outings. Don't overlook the 24-year-old righty in favorable matchups. A road start at Petco Park against the Padres is up next for Davies.
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Alex Wood RP | ATH
Dodgers' Alex Wood: Will keep rotation spot after Saturday gem
Wood will remain in the Dodgers' rotation, even after Rich Hill (finger) and Brandon McCarthy (shoulder) return from the 10-day disabled list, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Though Wood's status could change on a whim, it'd be hard to shift him back to the bullpen after he dazzled with a six-inning, 10-strikeout shutout performance Saturday versus the Rockies at Coors Field. That leaves him with a 4-0 record accompanied by a 2.27 ERA, a 12.1 K/9 and a 2.8 BB/9 in 35.2 innings this year. The Dodgers were wise to collect as many starting pitchers as possible before the season, though they've found a gem in their pre-existing ranks. The left-hander proved he could stretch out a bit longer, as well, after previously being limited with innings and pitch counts. The southpaw's skills make him worth adding in most mixed leagues at least for a trial run. He's proven to be a difference maker as long as he's started. As for the rest of the rotation, Kenta Maeda (hamstring) may need at least another week of rehab. Julio Urias could head back to Triple-A Oklahoma City or relief duty as part of his workload management. Hyun-Jin Ryu is shouldered with a 4.99 ERA over six starts and could simply be booted from the starting quintet. Owners of those last two pitchers should start making contingency plans.
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Ben Lively SP | CLE
Phillies' Ben Lively: Will serve as 26th man Sunday
Lively has joined the Phillies in Washington D.C., and he will serve as the 26th player for Sunday's doubleheader, Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal reports.
The right-hander will serve as depth for the twin bill. Lively owns a 2.48 ERA in 36.1 innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley this year, striking out 24 and walking five. Lively delivered for the IronPigs with an 11-5 record and a 3.06 ERA last season, as well. Despite that success, he's lost steam as a prospect.
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Justin Nicolino SP | CIN
Marlins' Justin Nicolino: Tabbed for Sunday start
Nicolino will be recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to start Sunday against the Braves.
The left-hander has pitched to a 4.46 ERA with 24 strikeouts and 16 walks in 38.1 innings for the Baby Cakes this year and hasn't cashed in on the long-lost hype during his prospect days. Through Friday, the Braves held a .718 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2017.
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Julio Teheran SP | BAL
Braves' Julio Teheran: Reels in Marlins for third win
Teheran (3-3) dealt six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out four Marlins en route to Saturday's win.
Saturday was just what the doctor ordered for Teheran, who had allowed 19 runs over his previous four outings (21.1 innings). The Braves' ace now has five quality starts through eight games this season. Teheran's strikeout rate remains noticeably down from previous years, but most would assume -- based on the 26-year-old's track record -- that the punchouts will improve as the campaign moves along. He'll look to notch back-to-back wins for the first time in 2017 when he takes the mound at home Thursday against the Blue Jays in his next start.
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Carlos Martinez SP | SF
Cardinals' Carlos Martinez: Picks up third straight win
Martinez (3-3) struck out seven and allowed three earned runs on five hits and four walks over 6.2 innings in a win over the Cubs on Saturday.
Martinez battled command issues to emerge with his third consecutive winning decision. He has now posted his fourth straight quality start after not having one since Opening Night, also against rival Chicago. The 25-year-old has a 3.88 ERA and 10.5 K/9 on the season. He'll have a chance at another win Friday at home against San Francisco.
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Justin Nicolino SP | CIN
Marlins' Justin Nicolino: Candidate to start Sunday
Nicolino is a candidate to start Sunday against the Braves, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.
Dan Straily would be on normal rest Sunday, but the Marlins have decided that they want Straily starting the series opener against Houston on Monday. That leaves Sunday open, and Nicolino is one option, but the lefty would have limited appeal as a streamer if he were to get the call. Nicolino posted a 4.99 ERA and 1.46 WHIP at the major-league level last season and he's managed just a 24:16 K:BB in 38.1 innings at Triple-A New Orleans so far this year.
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Seth Lugo SP | KC
Mets' Seth Lugo: Makes appearance in extended spring training
Lugo threw two innings (30 pitches) in an extended spring training game Saturday, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.
Lugo and Steven Matz (elbow) seem to be on similar paths, as they took on identical workloads in their first appearances in extended spring training. Perhaps Lugo is being prepared for a starting role -- it's not out of the question given the injury to Noah Syndergaard (lat), Zack Wheeler's innings limit and the struggles at the back end of the rotation. He could be back by early-to-mid June, but remember that Lugo does have a slight UCL tear.
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Tyler Anderson SP | LAA
Rockies' Tyler Anderson: Confirmed as Saturday's starter
Anderson (knee) will start Saturday's game against the Dodgers, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.
A bout of knee inflammation forced Anderson to move back from Thursday, but there's no reason to think he will be limited in any significant way Saturday. The Dodgers' struggles against lefties are well documented, but Anderson has gotten off to a disappointing start this season, allowing nine homers in just 36.1 innings en route to a 6.69 ERA and 5.42 FIP.
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Steven Matz RP | TB
Mets' Steven Matz: Pitches in extended spring training
Matz (elbow) threw 30 pitches in an extended spring training game Saturday, Marc Carig of Newsday reports.
No setbacks were reported following Saturday's workout, so Matz appears to be on track to return in early June. Matz will aim to steadily increase his level of throwing activities, so further information regarding the next steps of his rehab should become available in the coming days.