MLB Player News

Manager Joe Maddon announced that Hendricks will start Game 2 of the NLDS, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports.

Hendricks pieced together his best season in the majors, finishing the season with a 2.13 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. This strong showing prompted the Cubs to entrust him with the second start of the series, right behind Jon Lester. The right-hander will get the opportunity to face either the Mets or the Giants in the Friendly Confines on Saturday.

Matz underwent successful surgery to remove a bone spur from his left elbow Tuesday morning, Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball reports.

The procedure will prevent Matz from pitching again in 2016, but it is anticipated that it will fix any and all issues with his shoulder and elbow that sidelined him since Aug. 14. Matz is expected to be fully recovered at some point during spring training, but heading into next season there will certainly be doubt about his ability to stay healthy given his injury history.

Clemens took a no-decision after allowing one run on four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in six innings against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Clemens completed a season-high six innings to earn his first and only quality start in 14 starts this year. That had more to do with San Diego limiting his pitch counts, as he exceeded 90 pitches only once during those outings. Clemens struggled for most of the summer after making his season debut on June 20, but seemed to figure things towards the end of the season. Over his last four starts, he flashed a 0.83 ERA while limiting opponents to a .169/.229/.286 batting line. If he's turned the corner, he may prove to be a useful fantasy option in 2017.

Wainwright took a no-decision after allowing two runs on six hits and three walks with eight strikeouts in six innings against the Pirates on Sunday.

Wainwright's 2016 was a disappointment, but he went out on a high note. The eight strikeouts were his most in a start since July 7, and Sunday marked his first start since August 30 where he did not allow a homer. The 35-year-old showed significant signs of decline this season after missing most of last year with an Achilles injury. His 220 hits allowed and 102 earned runs were the most in the National League, while his 4.62 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 3.93 FIP were all career-worsts (excluding 2005, when he pitched only two innings). Wainwright will look to bounce back next year.

The Reds want to be able to define Lorenzen's role before spring training, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He finished the season with a 2.88 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 10 holds and a 48:13 K:BB over 50 relief innings.

The team has to go through the same process with Raisel Iglesias. With Iglesias, it's a concern that he can stay healthy with such a heavy workload. With Lorenzen, it's a matter of whether his stuff better translates in a relief or starter role. It's possible that they could work in a co-closer role, with both capable of working multiple innings.

Maeda (16-11) gave up five runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out three over 2,2 innings in Sunday's loss to the Giants.

He was on a pitch count anyway heading into the postseason, but Maeda burned through them quickly by giving up two runs in the first inning and then three more in the second. He hasn't lasted more than five innings in any of his last four starts, but the 28-year-old still finishes his first MLB campaign with a 3.48 ERA and 179:50 K:BB in 175.2 innings over 32 starts.

Teheran (7-10) struck out 12 and walked just one while allowing three hits across seven shutout innings in Sunday's season-ending win over Detroit.

Teheran was shelled in his previous appearance, but bounced back with one of his most dominant outings of the season to prevent Detroit from earning a playoff berth. Teheran enjoyed an excellent season despite being on one of the worst teams in baseball, as he compiled a 3.21 ERA and a career-best 1.05 WHIP with 167 strikeouts across 188 innings. He appears poised to continue his evolution into a front-line pitcher in 2017, which will be his age-26 season.

Hendricks took a no-decision after allowing four runs on six hits and one walk with four strikeouts in five innings during Sunday's 7-4 win over the Reds.

Hendricks wasn't at his best in his final start of the regular season, allowing three first-inning runs as well as another in the fourth. The performance lifted his ERA from 1.99 to 2.13, which was still good enough to lead the major leagues. The potential NL Cy Young winner also finished with a 0.98 WHIP and 3.86 K/BB in 190 innings. His 3.20 FIP was more than a full run higher than his ERA, however, suggesting he may be due for some regression next year.

Eickhoff allowed one run on four hits over six innings Sunday against the Mets. He struck out eight and walked one.

Eickhoff pitched well enough to get a win, but the Phillies didn't take the lead until the bottom of the seventh. He finishes his first full season in the majors with an 11-14 record, 3.65 ERA and 167:42 K:BB in 197.1 innings.

Kershaw (12-4) gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk over seven innings in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Giants. He struck out four

The dominant southpaw was highly efficient in only needing 82 pitches to get through seven frames, but he was outdueled by rookie Ty Blach, who surprisingly stymied the Dodgers through eight scoreless innings. Kershaw wasn't his typically dominant self as evidenced his relatively low tally of nine swinging strikes. Of course, he certainly pitched well enough to garner the victory in what was his third straight quality start. Despite the disappointing outcome, the team and Kershaw at least head into the playoffs knowing he appears to be back to full strength after a stint on the 60-day DL with a back injury this summer.