MLB Player News

Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks (8-7) went six shutout innings Saturday, giving up just one hit while walking none and striking out eight in a 1-0 win over the Brewers.

Hendricks impressed in his final start of the season, retiring the first 16 batters he faced before giving up a single to Martin Maldonado. Having now posted quality starts in each of his last three outings, Hendricks has rebounded nicely from a rough August. Between the Triple-A and major league level, Hendricks has now reached 180 innings in two consecutive seasons.

Mets pitcher Steven Matz (side) received an injection Saturday and in hopes of returning for the NLDS, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Originally, the Mets had hoped he could pitch this weekend against the Nationals, but that now seems out of play. Matz's return for the NLDS would be a boost for the Nationals, who hasn't pitched since September 18th.

Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (11-8) pitched six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out six in Friday's win over St. Louis.

Teheran failed to deliver on the promise of his 2013 and 2014 seasons in 2015, but closed out the season strong with five quality starts in his six September outings, notching a 1.62 ERA and 1.18 WHIP along the way. The most obvious barrier between Teheran and consist success is control, Friday being just the second time in seven starts that he did not walk multiple batters. Just a dozen qualifying pitchers have a BB/9 ratio worse than Teheran's 3.27 this season

Reds starting pitcher Keyvius Sampson allowed four runs on three hits, walking two and striking out seven over five-plus innings, coming away with a no-decision against the Pirates on Friday night.

Sampson (2-6, 6.54 ERA) struggled again and has done little to underscore the likelihood he can contribute to the Reds in 2016. He's given up 67 hits in 52.1 innings, and holds a disappointing 44:26 K:BB ratio. He has a live arm, but he'll need to show more to put himself into the consideration set for fantasy owners.

Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz (side) visited the doctor and has now rejoined the Mets, but indicated that he's "not better," Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

Matz was believed to be an option to pitch either Saturday or Sunday in relief, but it's unclear if that will be the case given the most recent news. If he does appears, he's expected to throw five or six innings, which could potentially leave him in line for a win.

Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin struggled on Thursday, allowing five runs on 10 hits and a walk across 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Rockies. He struck out five.

Corbin has had a nice run after returning from Tommy John surgery and despite this performance, fantasy owners should be pleased. The lefty now holds a 3.60 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 16 starts this season. The velocity and strikeouts seem to be up to par with his pre-Tommy John form and that's a good sign going forward.

Phillies rookie starter Jerad Eickhoff was fantastic on Thursday, accumulating 10 strikeouts while going seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and one walk in a win over the Mets.

The 25-year-old has been ridiculous over his last four starts, as he's gone seven innings in each while allowing just three runs in that span. The most impressive part is that Eickhoff has 33 strikeouts and only 17 hits allowed in that four-game stretch. Unfortunately for him, this was his last start of the season. With this success, he has likely secured a role in the starting rotation for next year and he'll be an intriguing fantasy option if he carries this momentum into next season.

Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (11-7) finished his season with six sharp innings in Atlanta on Thursday, striking out seven while allowing one walk, six hits and no runs in a winning effort.

While he failed to stretch his streak of double-digit-strikeout games to five, Strasburg still ended the campaign on a brilliant run, having given up just five earned runs in his final five outings while putting up a spectacular 57:5 K:BB in 36.1 innings. While it was an injury-shortened season for Strasburg and a disappointing campaign for the Nationals, better things should be in his future.

Mets rookie starter Steven Matz (side/back) was feeling better Thursday and will likely be used in five or six innings out of the bullpen Saturday or Sunday, per Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.

Fantasy owners now know that he will probably not start again during the regular season. However, if the current plan comes to fruition, he could still offer strikeouts, good ratios and qualify for a win against the Nationals.

Impressive Brewers rookie starter Zach Davies (3-2) was great Wednesday, striking out six batters in seven scoreless innings while allowing five hits and two walks to defeat San Diego.

That is now two straight shutouts for the 22 year old, who is building some nice momentum going into next season. With the rotation falling apart this year, it appears they'll give Davies a serious look for next year, especially considering his sparkling form lately.