MLB Player News

Eickhoff allowed two runs on five hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Mets on Saturday. He also struck out three and walked one.

It was a nice bounce back performance after he allowed eight runs on eight hits in his final outing before the break. Philadelphia was hoping Eickhoff would pitch longer too because he batted in the bottom of the sixth, but after he allowed the first two runners to reach in the seventh, manager Pete Mackanin pulled him for Edubray Ramos, who worked out of the jam and picked up the win. Eickhoff is 6-10 with a 3.76 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 97 strikeouts in 115.0 innings. His next start will be Thursday against the Marlins.

Wainwright (9-5) fired a three-hit shutout while walking two and striking out five to earn the win Saturday against the Marlins.

The Cardinals scored four runs in the third inning, and Wainwright shut down the Marlins on 120 pitches to pick up his ninth win of 2016. He's been on fire lately, as he's allowed just one earned run over his last 25 innings of work, and during that time he's won all three decisions and lowered his ERA to a season-low 4.15. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Padres.

Greinke is still feeling tightness in his oblique when he throws, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The Diamondbacks had circled July 25 as a target date for Greinke's return, but manager Chip Hale said Saturday that a return during the Milwaukee series is now unlikely given the right-hander's lack of progress. Oblique injuries can be especially problematic for pitchers and the team will probably want to get Greinke to the point where he's completely pain-free before returning him to active competition.

Wood threw two simulated innings Saturday, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Wood is slowly rebuilding his strength following a month-long shutdown period, progressing from long toss to mound work and now to live sessions. He appears to be inching close a minor league rehab assignment, but Wood's eventual stint in the minors figures to be a lengthy one given the extended layoff.

Kershaw (back) threw approximately 60 pitches in a simulated game Saturday, Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The three-time Cy Young winner cleared a significant hurdle on his road to recovery, repeating his workload from Wednesday's standard bullpen session, this time against live hitters. Manager Dave Roberts said the team will wait and see how Kershaw feels Sunday morning before determining whether the lefty will need a minor league rehab start. If not, Kershaw could return at some point this upcoming week.

Cole (triceps) is listed as the starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Nationals, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports.

As expected, Cole will come off the DL and return to the rotation Saturday as the Pirates play their second game after the All-Star break. While on rehab at Triple-A, Cole registered 12 strikeouts across eight scoreless innings.

Taillon (shoulder) will throw a normal bullpen session Saturday, the Pittsburgh Tribune's Rob Biertempfel reports. "I feel extremely healthy, extremely fresh, extremely encouraged," Taillon said Saturday.

This is excellent news, as it suggests Taillon is almost ready to be activated from the DL and rejoin the big league rotation. It would not be surprising to see him start either Tuesday or Wednesday next week against the Brewers, now that Jon Niese has been demoted to the bullpen. Taillon's two plus pitches (fastball and curveball) have yet to result in big-time strikeout numbers over 28 MLB innings, but his pinpoint command has been evident (4.4-percent walk rate), which separates him from many of the other top pitching prospects in the game.

Hammel (hand) is in the lineup as the starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Rangers, Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald reports.

As expected, Hammel will make his first scheduled start following the All-Star break. He had exited his final first-half start with cramping in his hand, but the ailment was never considered serious.

Thompson tossed seven scoreless innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday. He allowed three hits while striking out five and walking one.

Thompson pitched the same night as Jeremy Hellickson, who is likely to be traded this month. That indicates Thompson will be brought up to the majors in the coming weeks. He is on a roll, having given up just four earned runs over his last eight starts. Overall, he is 8-5 with a 2.42 ERA and a 77:32 K:BB ratio in 111.2 innings for Lehigh Valley.

Strasburg (13-0) gave up an earned run on three hits and two walks over eight innings in Friday's 5-1 victory over the Pirates. He struck out six and also helped his own cause by driving in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice bunt.

The Strasburg Express keeps rolling along, with the right-hander throwing 69 of 105 pitches for strikes, and notching first-pitch strikes on 19 of the 28 batters he faced. His only hiccup was the RBI single he gave up to Jody Mercer in the fifth, and he looked considerably refreshed after refraining from participating in the All-Star Game, giving him seven days between starts. The 27-year-old has now won 16 straight decisions dating back to last September, a Nationals franchise record for starting pitchers. Strasburg will look to extend his remarkable streak in a Thursday afternoon start versus the Dodgers.