MLB Player News

Cole was tagged for four runs on six hits over five innings while striking out four and walking one in a losing effort against the Cubs on Wednesday night.

Dexter Fowler and Kyle Schwarber did all of the damage, going a combined 5-for-7 and working in tandem to plate all four runs on a pair of homers and an RBI single from Schwarber in the top of the first inning. The outing pushed Cole's career postseason ERA to 3.94 through three starts (16 innings). Cole's 2015 campaign was his best as a big leaguer, however, as he reached the 200 strikeouts milestone for the first time, and posted a 2.60 ERA while racking up 208 innings over 32 starts for the Bucs.

Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz, who is slated to throw a 90-95 pitch simulated game Thursday, said that the tightness behind his right shoulder blade was "feeling better," the NY Daily News reports.

Matz, who was scratched from his final regular season start due to the injury, completed a bullpen session Tuesday at Citi Field without incident. If he makes through Thursday's sim game with no ill-effects and shows good command and stuff, he is likely to make the Mets' NLDS roster as the Game 4 starter.

Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (side) completed a bullpen session Tuesday at Citi Field, MLB.com reports.

"I think we've been encouraged over the last couple of days," general manager Sandy Alderson said. "Things have improved. Certainly, today was a step forward."

Now that the bullpen session is behind him, Matz has just one more hurdle to clear -- a simulated game Thursday -- to solidify his spot on the NLDS roster. If Matz makes it through the live session unscathed, he will likely start Game 4 against the Dodgers on Oct. 13.

Sean Gilmartin would likely make the roster if Matz is deemed unavailable, while Jacob deGrom would be an option to start Game 4 on short rest.

Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder) has begun a throwing program, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Ryu had surgery on his shoulder in May. He should be on track to participate in spring training, but he will have to compete with a handful of players to earn a spot in the rotation.

Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom will start Game 1 of the Mets' divisional series against the Dodgers, ESPN New York reports.

Noah Syndergaard will start Game 2 in Los Angeles, followed by Matt Harvey in Game 3 when the series shifts to Citi Field. deGrom is getting a final tuneup Sunday and will be on regular rest for the series opener.

Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard took a tough no-decision Saturday, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out 10.

The rookie heads into the postseason with a head of steam, tossing quality starts in three of his last four starts with an eye-popping 37:2 K:BB ratio in 27 2/3 innings. Syndergaard figures to be a key part of the impressive young Mets rotation in the playoffs, not to mention 2016 and beyond.

Reds starter Brandon Finnegan (2-2) surrendered three hits, an earned run and two walks in six innings in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Reds. He struck out six.

The rookie southpaw acquitted himself well in his fourth career start, and had the distinction of securing the victory over 17-year veteran A.J. Burnett's last regular-season appearance. Saturday's outing was easily Finnegan's best to date, and marked the furthest he'd pitched into a game. Finnegan also threw a career-high 88 pitches and did not surrender a homer for the first time in those four starting assignments.

Except for a tough Sept. 23 appearance against the Cardinals, Finnegan performed well for the Reds since a July trade from the Royals. He will look to compete for a spot in the starting rotation in 2016 after closing out his rookie campaign on a positive note.

Dodgers starter Zack Greinke (19-3) was brilliant on Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk across eight innings in a win over San Diego. He struck out eight.

The fantastic seaon continues for Greinke and he's put a nice stamp on his Cy Young resume with this final start. Any other season or in the AL, Greinke would be an easy winner, but with the performances of Jake Arrieta and Clayton Kershaw, the award is up in the air right now. Greinke finished his year with a 1.66 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with an even 200 strikeouts in 32 starts this season.

Marlins starter Justin Nicolino (5-4) threw seven innings Saturday, allowing two earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out two in a 5-2 win over the Phillies.

The 23-year-old was sharp in his final outing of the season, retiring the first 11 hitters he faced. Nicolino has brought stability to a Marlins rotation otherwise in flux, but possesses limited fantasy upside -- the southpaw's 2.80 K/9 is the lowest in baseball (min. 50 innings pitched).

Phillies starter Alec Asher (0-6) lasted just two innings Saturday, giving up three earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out one in a 5-2 loss to the Marlins.

Asher threw just 43 pitches in his Sept. 30 shellacking against the Mets, allowing him to start against Miami on short rest. The outing may have been ill-advised, as Asher was pummeled in his two innings, lasting just 44 pitches in Game 2 of the doubleheader. The 23-year-old posted a 4.73 ERA in Triple-A Round Rock while still in the Rangers organization -- perhaps an indication that Asher is not ready to face big league hitting.