MLB Player News

Manager Walt Weiss said that Lyles "has earned an opportunity to get higher-stakes outs late in games," Nick Kosmider of the Denver Post reports.

Lyles' overall numbers are not impressive whatsoever (5.00 ERA, 4.7 K/9), but the right-hander has been one of the most consistent arms in an otherwise awful Rockies bullpen. Since being called up on June 20, the 25-year-old possesses a sparkling 2.91 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 34 innings as a reliever. His strikeout numbers haven't improved, but his ability to keep the ball in the ballpark (even at Coors Field) has kept him in high regard with the Rockies brass. He may not get save chances, but the vote of confidence from Weiss is certainly a good sign for Lyles heading into the end of the season.

Taillon will have his next start skipped, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Taillon has been one of Pittsburgh's better starters since being called up in June, but it seems that the Pirates want to be cautious with the young hurler as the season winds down. The right-hander is currently sitting at 149.2 innings on the season between the majors and minor leagues, and since Gerrit Cole (elbow) is slated to return from the disabled list Monday, this ended up being the time to give Taillon a break. It's unclear if this is the only start the 24-year-old will miss or if he'll be kept out for a few more, but that should become clearer as the month rolls along.

Strasburg (elbow) was diagnosed with a strained flexor mass, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Fortunately for the club, Thursday's MRI revealed no damage to Strasburg's UCL. At this point in time, there's no timetable for his return, but surgery shouldn't be necessary to get him back on the mound. Nationals trainer Paul Lessard said Strasburg's injury isn't season-ending and that he'll begin strengthening exercises once the swelling reduces.

The initial examination of Strasburg's elbow has the club optimistic that his injury isn't severe, Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com reports.

A more definitive diagnosis and return plan should be available in the near future, as Strasburg is undergoing an MRI on Thursday afternoon. Fortunately, the first look at his elbow has Washington thinking that the ailment isn't too extreme.

Asher was recalled from Double-A Reading and will start Thursday against the Nationals.

The Phillies had announced that Asher would join the big club, so Thursday's move comes as no surprise. He's started four games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, where he put up a 1.53 ERA and a 0.61 WHIP. However, he hasn't had much luck during his career in the majors. Across seven starts, he's given up 30 runs over 29 innings, giving him an ERA of 9.31.

Ray (7-13) struck out a dozen Dodgers while allowing just two hits over six innings Wednesday, but gave up four walks and three runs en route to a 3-1 loss.

This start was Ray in a nutshell -- superb strikeout stuff, but iffy control and a tendency to get hit hard when the opposition can make contact. He's posted four double-digit-whiff games over his last nine and is now coming up on 200 strikeouts for the year despite having pitched only 155.1 innings, Among MLB starters, only Jose Fernandez has a better K/9 than Ray's 11.30; unfortunately, Ray's high BABIP and low strand rate have resulted in a less-than-appetizing 4.46 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. It'll be interesting to see whether he can make some offseason refinements and put it all together next year, his age-25 season.

Strasburg will undergo an MRI on his elbow Thursday after feeling a pinch in the back of his elbow that caused him to exit Wednesday's start against the Braves early, Chase Hughes of CSN Mid-Atlantic reports.

This isn't good news for a pitcher who has a history of elbow issues and was in just his first start back from the disabled list. More should be coming following the MRI on Thursday but his next scheduled start Monday against the Mets could be in jeopardy.

Taillon gave up two earned runs in five innings Wednesday, allowing six hits and a walk while striking out five.

He left the game with a one-run lead but ultimately came away with a no-decision. Taillon, who has been Pittsburgh's most consistent starter since debuting in June, needed 95 pitches (62 for strikes) to navigate his way through five innings. He pitched better as the game progressed, but the elevated pitch count ended his night prematurely. Pittsburgh continues to monitor his workload, including stressful pitches and innings, but has given no specific information as to when and if Taillon might be skipped in the rotation (or possibly even shut down). The righty has totaled 149.2 innings split between the minors and majors after going two seasons without pitching in a game.

Williams allowed one unearned run in three innings Wednesday, earning the win in his major league debut. He gave up three hits and a walk while striking out three batters.

The righty entered Wednesday's contest in the sixth inning and threw 34 of 55 pitches for strikes, compiling a 4:1 GB/FB. Williams, who was named team MVP for Triple-A Indianapolis in 2016, figures to see additional opportunities in September, given his fine performance Wednesday.

Strasburg was removed from Wednesday's matchup against the Braves in the third inning for an undisclosed reason, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

It's not immediately clear what injury Strasburg is dealing with, but he returned to action Wednesday following a disabled list stint with an elbow injury, so that could be the issue. Expect Strasburg's status to be updated when more details are released.