MLB Player News

Wheeler (elbow) will be examined by team doctors Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Wheeler was scratched from his sim game that was scheduled this week after his surgically repaired elbow acted up on him. Fortunately, DiComo is reporting that the team isn't overly concerned by Wheeler's setback. However, any confirmation on Wheeler's status one way or the other won't be made available until after his doctor's visit Wednesday.

Wheeler (elbow) experienced some soreness while throwing this week and he will not pitch in his scheduled simulated inning, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

This is concerning news for Wheeler as any elbow-related soreness during his recovery from Tommy John surgery is particularly worrisome. Given that his elbow soreness sprung up during his first throwing session since the operation, the Mets will likely be especially cautious with him for now. Wheeler won't pitch the scheduled sim inning this week, but the Mets have yet to announce exactly how long the right hander will be shut down. Regardless, Wheeler's elbow soreness gives reason for pause to owners who were targeting him as a second half waiver wire pickup. More information on Wheeler's timetable figures to be made available later in the week.

Syndergaard will have his next start pushed to Wednesday against the Royals.

It doesn't appear as though Syndergaard is dealing with any physical ailments, as he's the change in schedule has him pitching just one day later, but he'll now be afforded extra rest in between starts. From a matchup perspective, Syndergaard will still draw the same opponent in a World Series rematch Wednesday while Bartolo Colon will have his start pushed forward a day to take his spot Tuesday.

Cole (triceps) played catch Sunday and Monday, according to the Pirates' website.

Sunday marked the first time Cole has thrown a ball since he left his June 10 start with tightness in his right triceps. Early reports suggested he might return from the disabled list after the minimum 15 days, but the Pirates haven't announced any kind of timeline, and it now seems more likely Cole will be out beyond the minimum.

The Nationals hope Strasburg (back) will make his next scheduled start Sunday against the Brewers, MASN reports.

Strasburg was a late scratch from Monday's scheduled outing against the Dodgers due to an upper back strain. He'd been dealing with the issue for a couple days, but held out hope until the last few hours that he'd be able to pitch Monday's game. Instead, Yusmeiro Petit filled in and allowed three runs over six innings in a 4-1 loss to Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. If Strasburg ends up missing a second start, Petit could take the hill again Sunday in Milwaukee.

Kershaw (11-1) allowed just one run on six hits and struck out eight over seven innings in Monday's win over the Nationals.

Kershaw was nasty as ever, as Nationals hitters swung and missed at 19 of Kershaw's 106 pitches. He has now lasted seven innings in all but one start this season, and as great as Monday's start was, his eight strikeouts actually ranks 11th out of his 15 starts in 2016. Monday's start would rank as a career day for many MLB pitchers; for Kershaw, it was just another day at the office.

Clemens allowed three runs on seven hits with three walks and just two strikeouts over five innings against the Rockies, coming away with a no-decision in his first major-league start since 2013.

Clemens allowed three solo homers, but still pitched well enough to keep his team in it. The recently recalled right-hander has experience both as a starter and a reliever, but it looks like he's scheduled to once again take on the former role in a tough matchup with the Cubs on Saturday.

Ryu (shoulder) is set to make another rehab start at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Ryu threw four scoreless innings in last Friday's start, a volume that is expected to increase to five innings or 65 pitches for this outing. Despite the progression, he still isn't expected back until after the All-Star break.

Strasburg has been scratched from Monday's start against the Nationals with an upper back strain, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

Yusmeiro Petit will replace Strasburg on the mound Monday night. It's unclear how serious Strasburg's back strain is or if it will force him to miss any more starts. We will monitor his condition and update as information becomes available.

Velasquez (biceps) will make a rehab start Wednesday with Double-A Reading, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Velasquez is hoping that he will only need one rehab start before being able to rejoin the Phillies. The 24-year-old has been solid early on, posting a 5-2 record with a 3.65 ERA and 1.26 WHIP through 12 starts and will look to keep it rolling once he is back to full strength.