MLB Player News

DeGrom was a tough-luck loser Tuesday versus the Pirates as he allowed three runs while striking out nine and walking not a single batter across six strong innings.

DeGrom allowed just two extra-base hits Tuesday, but each came with a man on base, setting up all of the runs he would ultimately yield. The long-haired righty now has an impressive 2.80 ERA and a solid 1.15 WHIP through 61 innings pitched, but a real lack of run support has seen him lose or earn a no decision in five quality starts thus far. However, he has compiled a 11.9 K/9 rate over his last four starts after posting a relatively low 5.8 mark through his first six games, and all signs point to the wins rolling in if he continues to perform at this level. He will have the opportunity to do just that against this same Pirates club at home on Tuesday.

Nicasio improved to 5-4 with a win over the Mets on Tuesday, striking out seven and walking two over five innings of one-run ball.

Nicasio put forth one of his best starts in recent memory despite being pulled after just 89 pitches, as nearly two thirds of those went for strikes, helping him reach seven punchouts for the second time this season. The 29-year-old has been up and down this season, but he has clearly been a better pitcher at home, where he has a 5-1 record to go along with a solid 3.24 ERA in six starts. His next start will come Tuesday at Citi Field versus the same Mets squad.

Matz (7-2) allowed two runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out eight over five innings to take the loss in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

Although he pitched very well, Matz threw 101 pitches and had to be removed after five innings. Unfortunately, the Mets' offense came up small and only scored a single run in the contest, leading to the tough luck loss for the lefty. He's now allowed two or fewer runs in eight of his last nine starts, and he currently boasts a 2.69 ERA. He'll make his next start Sunday at the Brewers.

Perez (triceps) was still sore Tuesday, and will see the doctor again either Tuesday or later on this week, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The FAN reports.

Perez left Monday's start against the Padres after giving up six earned runs during 4.1 innings on the mound. He will be further evaluated before his next scheduled start arrives, which would land on Saturday. If Perez is unable to go, Casey Kelly or Aaron Blair could toe the rubber against the Cubs.

Eickhoff (ankle) has been confirmed as the starter for Tuesday's game against the Cubs.

Eickhoff left his most recent start after taking a comebacker off his ankle, but he has been able to maintain his normal in-between-starts routine and he will be able to take the mound Tuesday. He'll be facing a Cubs team that tagged him for four runs on eight hits over 6.0 innings on May 28. However, that start was on the road and Tuesday's start will be in Philadelphia. Eickhoff has been impressive at home this season, notching a 2.27 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP across 39.2 innings of work.

DeSclafani (oblique) threw a side session without incident Tuesday and he is scheduled to start Friday's game against the A's, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Sheldon said to "write [DeSclafani's] name in pen" for Friday's start, so barring an unforeseen setback, DeSclafani should be expected to take the ball for the Reds' series opener against the A's. DeSclafani has been on the disabled list since March 25 due to an oblique injury and his recovery has been marred by setbacks. However, it looks like his oblique injury is behind him now, so he figures to be ready to make his season debut Friday.

Taillon is expected to be recalled to start Wednesday against the Mets.

The Pirates' top pitching prospect has been nothing short of dominant at Triple-A Indianapolis this season, working a 2.04 ERA with a microscopic 0.82 WHIP over 61.2 innings of work. He has also notched 61 strikeouts against just six walks, and now it appears that the Pirates feel he's ready for the show. The roster move has not been made official at this point, but the Pirates are expected to call him up before Wednesday's contest. Provided that the Pirates follow through with their plan to recall Taillon, he'd be making his big league debut against New York's Noah Syndergaard.

Allard (back) gave up six runs over four innings Monday with three strikeouts and two walks in his season debut for Low-A Rome.

Allard had back surgery following the 2015 season and the 2015 first-round draft pick had a delayed start to the 2016 season. While the results were not good, he looks healthy and the 18-year old has time to get acclimated to Low-A.

Ray (2-5) gave up five runs on eight hits and three walks and struck out six over 4.1 innings in a loss Monday to Tampa Bay.

Ray hit a solo home run, but even that couldn't reverse his fortunes. He is floundering, with just one quality start in his past nine outings, and has seen his ERA jump from 1.96 to 5.14 in that span dating back to April 19. Ray has struck out an absurd 55 batters in 43 innings in those nine starts, but he has been touched up for 10 home runs and opposing hitters have a .553 slugging percentage against him. It doesn't matter how nasty you are when your mistakes get punished this badly, and Ray isn't going to be a viable starter until he can find a way to keep the ball in the yard.

Perez exited Monday's start against San Diego with soreness in his right triceps.

Perez gave up six earned runs during his 4.1 innings. The severity of his injury still remains unclear, with his next scheduled start Saturday against the Cubs hanging in the balance.