MLB Player News

Eickhoff (4-8) pitched six shutout innings to beat the Blue Jays in Toronto on Monday, allowing three hits and four walks with five strikeouts along the way.

Eickhoff came into this game with an ugly 6.41 ERA on the road and a 2.12 mark at home, but he was able to build on a home win against the Cubs last time out and posted his best performance away from Citizens Bank Park. Control issues prevented the 25-year-old from pitching deeper into the game, but he was otherwise superb. He gets to go back home for his next start Saturday against the Diamondbacks.

Hendricks (4-6) allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits with four walks and four strikeouts over 5.1 innings pitched in Monday's loss at Washington.

Hendricks has been one of the few underachievers on the Cubs this season, as six of their 19 losses are on his ledger. Those hoping for a rebound effort after a loss in Philadelphia last time out were disappointed to see the right-hander set a season high in walks while giving up the most runs he's allowed since May 17. Getting back on track in his next start won't be easy at home against the dangerous Pirates offense.

Perez (shoulder) will resume throwing this week and is still a couple of weeks from coming off the 15-day DL, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Perez will likely throw some bullpen sessions and make a rehab start before returning, according to the report. The right-hander has been out with a rotator cuff strain since June 8, but is clearly making progress towards recovery. Expect John Gant to continue getting starts until Perez is healthy.

Eflin will have his contract selected before Tuesday's game against Toronto, which he is expected to start.

The Phillies optioned Luis Garcia to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make room for Eflin. This will be the major league debut for the 22-year-old, and it comes against the Blue Jays, one of the better offenses in the majors this season (3.25 runs per game). Eflin has a 5-2 record with a 2.90 ERA in 11 minor league starts this season.

Nicasio will not make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Mets.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington said Sunday that Nicasio will not start because of a 42-pitch outing Friday. The team gave no guidance as to when the righty will make his next start or even whether he will stick in the rotation.

GM Neal Huntington said Sunday that Juan Nicasio won't pitch Tuesday, leaving the door open for Taillon to start.

Nicasio threw 42 pitches Friday, leading to speculation Taillon will get the nod in New York. It was thought that Taillon could start Thursday in place of Cole. Either way, it looks as though the promising right-handed rookie will make his second start for Pittsburgh in the coming week.

Alcantara, 20, has a 4.55 ERA and 71:29 K:BB in 55.1 innings at Low-A.

The strikeouts are notable, particularly since Alcantara struck out fewer than one batter per inning in rookie ball just one season ago. He's still walking too many batters, which has gotten him into some trouble this year, but the strikeout potential makes him a prospect to keep on the radar.

Mejia, 22, has a 1.94 ERA and 58:16 K:BB in 65 innings for Double-A Richmond.

The 6-foot-3 southpaw is holding opposing batters to a .203 BAA. After only pitching 51.1 innings last season due to a positive PED test and then failing to impress in fall and winter ball, Mejia's stepped up his game this year and is yet another Giants pitching prospect to watch.

Giolito, 21, has a 2.64 ERA and 62:29 K:BB through 61.1 innings for Double-A Harrisburg.

Giolito's control has been better of late, as he sports an impressive 32:7 K:BB over his last four starts, a span of 27 innings. The 21-year-old likely won't pitch much more than 150 innings this season; his MLB premier is more likely to take place in 2017 as opposed to later this season.

Kershaw was his usual self on Friday in San Francisco, improving to 9-1 with eight innings of two-run ball and 13 strikeouts.

With no walks, Kershaw's K:BB sits an a solid 122:6 in 100.2 innings. He's tracking towards yet another NL Cy Young award and potentially MVP Award No. 2.