MLB Player News

Anderson (oblique) is scheduled to pitch a live batting practice session Saturday and if all goes well, he could pitch in a minor league game soon afterward, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Anderson injured his oblique in mid-March, but it appears that he's getting back to his old form. There's a good chance the left-hander will slot into a minor league rotation once he is able to return at full capacity, but given his strong spring showing, he could work his way up to the majors at some point if he succeeds in the minors.

Sampson was designated for assignment Wednesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The former fourth-round selection has had difficulty sustaining success at any level above Double-A, and with the Reds needing to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Drew Hayes, Sampson was an expendable piece. At just 25 years old with some untapped upside potentially remaining, Sampson could be quickly claimed off waivers by a team looking to add some pitching depth to develop further in the minor leagues. His time with the Reds, however, could be at an end.

Flaherty surrendered seven runs on five hits and two walks while recording just one out Tuesday for High-A Palm Beach.

After a strong first two starts to the season that saw him give up two earned runs in 10 innings, Flaherty was lit up in his third start. He's coming off an impressive 2015 that saw him post a 2.84 ERA with 97 strikeouts in 95 innings for Low-A Peoria, so his start Tuesday is likely just an anomaly.

Gray (abdomen) has been confirmed as the Rockies' starter for Friday's game against the Dodgers, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

An abdominal strain landed Gray on the disabled list to start the season, but he has ramped up his activity of late and recently finished up a rehab assignment at High-A Modesto. He'll make his season debut Friday at home against an explosive Dodgers' lineup. In his lone start against the Dodgers last season, Gray allowed two earned runs over just 4.2 innings of work, but he was able to strike out eight batters in that short outing.

Teheran is feeling better (illness) and is projected to start Wednesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander missed his scheduled start Tuesday because of a fever. He was still congested, but no longer had a temperature and played catch before Tuesday's game. Teheran will be searching for his first victory of the season Wednesday. He allowed six runs on six hits in seven innings versus Washington in his last outing.

Rea (1-1) allowed three earned runs on seven hits and a walk with six strikeouts over five innings, but that was enough to beat the Pirates on Tuesday.

Rea benefited from facing an out-of-control Francisco Liriano, who allowed the Padres to erase an early 3-0 deficit in the fourth and fifth innings. He benefits from pitching in the spacious Petco Park, but the 25-year-old will still be a risky play at home against the Cardinals in his next start Sunday based on his lackluster results to date.

Hammel (2-0) allowed just one run on five hits over six innings in Tuesday's win against the Cardinals. He struck out six and didn't walk a batter.

Hammel also had a two-run single in the fourth inning, accounting for both runs the Cubs scored in the game. Hammel needed just 84 pitches to get through a dominant six innings but was pinch-hit for in the top of the seventh. He threw 16 first-pitch strikes to 22 batters and now has a 15:7 K:BB to go with his sparkling 1.00 ERA.

Ray (1-0) gave up just five hits and two walks while striking out eight over six shutout innings in Tuesday's win over the Giants.

Ray has gotten better with each start, recording higher strikeout totals while lowering his ERA with every appearance. The lefty has come out of the gate hot after going just 5-12 despite a respectable 3.52 ERA last season, and will look to maintain his momentum Sunday against the Pirates.

Strasburg (3-0) threw eight shutout innings with 10 strikeouts, two walks and three hits allowed in Tuesday's win over the Marlins.

Strasburg is on fire to begin the season, with three quality starts in as many appearances and a 1.25 ERA. He now has 21 strikeouts against just even walks in 21.2 innings. Strasburg was particularly dominant against the Marlins, as he induced 17 swinging strikes and nine ground ball outs in an all-around brilliant outing.

Perez threw 3.1 shutout innings, allowed two hits and three walks, and received a no-decision in Tuesday's start against the Dodgers. He struck out one.

Perez started on three days rest as Julio Teheran had his next start pushed back to Wednesday and was pulled after 56 pitches as a result. Perez only induced one swinging strike and was nibbling the zone, as he threw just 31 strikes. Staying away worked for him, though, as the Dodgers made weak contact all night and only managed a pair of singles on 10 balls in play. Perez's ERA is down to 5.11.