MLB Player News

Hendricks (2-3) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 5.1 innings in a loss Monday to the Brewers.

Hendricks was cruising until the sixth inning, when he allowed a walk and three hits including a double to end his bid for a quality start. He gave up a home run for just the second time all season and allowed at least four runs for the first time since April 20 in St. Louis. Hendricks was nasty for the first five innings though, as he induced 10 swinging strikes and eight ground ball outs. Even with this minor setback, Hendricks owns a 3.51 ERA.

Lorenzen (elbow) has thrown off a mound twice at extended spring training, MLB.com reports.

Slowly but surely, Lorenzen is rebuilding strength in his injured elbow, advancing from catch to long toss and now to mound work. He still has a ways to go in his recovery, but it sounds like the Reds will prepare Lorenzen for a relief role in hopes of expediting his return. The right-hander will be eligible for activation June 2.

General manager Sandy Alderson said Tuesday that Wheeler (elbow) is "on target" for July 1 return date, ESPN's Adam Rubin reports.

The Mets have been patient with Wheeler during his rehab to get back on the mound following his Tommy John surgery last spring, and while there's been a loose expectation that he could be back as soon as the All-Star break, Alderson's comments Tuesday indicate that Wheeler could be back even sooner. However, Rubin notes that the July 1 target date would only be realistic if Wheeler is able to continue to rehab without any setbacks--which is no guarantee. Still, Alderson's comments Tuesday suggest that the organization is confident in Wheeler's progress.

Matz (forearm) will be able to make his next scheduled start, Adam Rubin of ESPN.com reports.

Matz had his turn in the rotation skipped Saturday due to some forearm discomfort, which was a cause for concern for Mets fans and Matz owners alike. However, after meeting with doctors Monday, it was determined that his arm issue was "not significant," which allowed Matz to get the green light for his next start. Look for Matz to get back on the mound for the Mets upcoming weekend series against Milwaukee.

Bergman has pitched 17.2 innings so far this season (seven relief appearances and one start), holding an ERA of 5.60 and a WHIP of 1.53 while striking out 19 batters during that span.

Bergman has historically had trouble striking out batters at the major league level, with his highest K/9 being 5.1, but he's been fanning batters at a much better rate this season. He's also maintained good control while increasing the K's, as he's only walked four batters so far this season. Although batters are definitely hitting him hard enough (Bergman has allowed 23 hits this season), the uptick in strikeouts definitely gives the right-hander a bit more value in NL-only leagues, especially if he can garner a few more spot starts throughout the year.

Eickhoff threw 21 sliders against the Marlins on Monday and said he will use the pitch more moving forward, Corey Seidman of CSN Philadelphia reports. "From now on, the slider is a big pitch for me," Eickhoff said. "If I can throw that [slider] in between my fastball and my curveball, that speed difference is going to be huge."

Eickhoff has primarily relied on his dominant curveball and a fastball to this point, but hitters have adjusted. Mixing in an effective third pitch is critical for his long-term success. His slider, which averages 83 mph, will give hitters another offspeed pitch to consider rather than being able to sit on his mid-70s mph curveball.

Maeda (3-3) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks over four innings with five strikeouts Monday in a loss to the Angels.

Since opening the season with five quality starts in his first six appearances, Maeda has allowed four runs in consecutive starts. Maeda was nasty at times, as he drew 13 swinging strikes in just 73 pitches, but he allowed three consecutive two-out singles to fuel a four-run third inning, and the Dodgers gave him a quick hook when they pinch hit for him in the fourth inning. Even with the bump in the road, Maeda's beginning to his MLB career has been stellar, as he still owns a 2.87 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 47 innings.

Ray (2-2) allowed just two runs on six hits and a walk with six strikeouts over seven innings in Monday's win over the Yankees.

Ray had the Yankees on a string, as he induced nine ground balls to go with nine swinging strikes. This marks Ray's first quality start since April 19 against the Giants. He has been a strikeout machine all year, as he now owns 47 in 41.1 innings (10.2 K/9), but this is just the second time all year he has walked fewer than two batters in a start. Ray has a 4.4 BB/9 and will need to keep pulling that number down if he wants his 4.46 ERA to come down as well.

Eickhoff (1-6) was a loser once again on Monday, allowing three runs in six innings against the Marlins. He allowed six hits and walked two while striking out four.

Eickhoff hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last four starts, and yet has an 0-3 record to show for it. The luck should change for the righty at some point, especially if he continues his impressive 4:1 K/BB ratio. Eickhoff's next start will come Sunday against the Braves.

Perez (1-1) was hit hard in a loss Monday to the Pirates, allowing six runs in six innings. He gave up nine hits, walked two and struck out two.

Perez was coming off of a masterful start against the Phillies, but could not live up to his previous performance on Monday. The righty has just one quality start this year and has already spent time in the minor leagues. Perez's next start will come on Saturday against the same Phillies team he dominated a week ago.