MLB Player News

Taillon struck out two and surrendered eight hits, four earned runs and a walk over four innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Friday.

The 24-year-old right-hander fired 70 pitches during his time on the mound, with 43 of those crossing the strike zone. He fell behind often, notching first-pitch strikes on only eight of 20 hitters, and he coaxed just six swinging strikes overall. One positive was that Taillon did keep the ball in the park after being touched up for three home runs versus the Cubs in his last start, which was one of two differences between the stat line he generated in that game and Friday's outing. The other was decidedly less encouraging, as Taillon only managed to record a pair of whiffs after mowing down five in his prior trip to the mound. The heralded rookie will try again for his second major league victory next Wednesday against the Mariners.

Eflin allowed just an unearned run on five hits over six innings Friday against the Giants. He struck out one and did not walk a batter.

Eflin was shelled in his debut against Toronto, but has a 1.54 ERA in two starts since that outing. Manager Pete Mackanin told Todd Zolecki of MLB.com after Friday's start that Eflin deserves a longer look in the rotation. He'll make his next start Wednesday in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.

Velasquez (biceps) threw a bullpen session Friday, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

If Velasquez feels OK on Saturday he will get the green light to rejoin the Phillies' rotation. The most likely scenario is that Velasquez will start Monday, sending Adam Morgan to the minors or the bullpen.

Davies allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out nine over five innings, but received no decision Friday against the Nationals.

Davies left the game with the Brewers down by a run, but the offense scored once in the bottom of the frame to take him off the hook for a potential loss. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Matz revealed after Friday's start against the Braves that he has still been dealing with some tightness in his elbow, MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports.

Matz said after Friday's game that he felt fine, and manager Terry Collins did not seem overly concerned about Matz's health when asked, but it seems Matz may not be out of the woods with his elbow injury just yet, particularly with him being forced from Friday's contest after giving up six earned runs during the fifth inning. Matz is next scheduled to take the ball Wednesday against the Nationals, but the tightness in his elbow leaves his status uncertain until the Mets confirm their rotation for next week.

Matz (elbow) allowed six runs on nine hits over 4.1 innings, but received no decision Friday at the Braves.

Matz entered the fifth inning with an 8-0 lead and only needed to get through the fifth inning to be in line for a win, but he gave up six runs while only retiring a single batter, forcing his early exit. He's now failed to post a quality start in three of his last four outings, and his ERA is at 3.29. He'll make his next start Wednesday at the Nationals.

Velasquez (biceps) has joined the Phillies in San Francisco, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Velasquez has been progressing smoothly as he comes back from a biceps injury that's sidelined him since early June. In his rehab start on June 22, the 24-year-old pitched five innings of one run ball while only allowing two hits and one walk. He threw 76 pitches -- 51 of which were strikes -- and hit 97 mph on the radar gun. If he doesn't encounter any setbacks over the weekend, the righty should be back in the Phillies rotation sometime next week.

Gray (arm) said Friday that he's ready to go for Monday's start against the Blue Jays, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

The right-hander said Thursday that he anticipated taking Monday's turn, and a successful side session Friday did away with any lingering doubt in his mind. Gray battled some arm fatigue during Wednesday's game, which resulted in an abbreviated outing, and he will come with plenty of risk Monday at Coors Field (5.02 ERA at home this season).

Strasburg (back) threw a light bullpen session Friday and said afterward that he expects to start Sunday against the Brewers, Roman Stubbs of the Washington Post reports.

The right-hander revealed that two ribs were popped out of alignment in his recent weight room mishap, which caused the back discomfort, but the ribs have since been put back in place. Strasburg left a little wiggle room, saying "I think that's the plan" to start Sunday, and final confirmation as to his status may not come until their lineup is released Sunday morning.

Montas (ribs) could need surgery again following further testing according to manager Dave Roberts, J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group reports.

It was reported earlier Friday that Montas will miss 4-to-8 weeks with a broken rib, this coming after undergoing surgery in February to remove his right first rib. This area continued to be an issue even after surgery, and now Montas may need surgery yet again depending on how his tests turn out.