MLB Player News

Braves starter Williams Perez was torched by the Yankees in his outing on Friday. The rookie right-hander was lit up for eight runs on five hits over 1 2/3 innings, as the Yankees clobbered the Braves 15-4.

Perez (4-5, 5.56 ERA) gave up five runs in the very first inning, including a three-run home run to Didi Gregorius. He allowed three more in the second before finally getting the hook.

Perez had a dreadful month of August, as he went 0-4 with an ugly 8.44 ERA in five starts--and that includes a complete game, two-run outing that resulted in a loss.

Following his latest blowup, the Braves optioned Perez down to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Diamondbacks starter Chase Anderson gave up two runs in a no-decision against the Athletics on Friday.

Anderson threw six innings while striking out three batters and allowing one walk.

Anderson (6-5) now has a 4.22 ERA in 134 1/3 innings this season.

Cubs starter Jason Hammel allowed three runs during his start against the Dodgers on Friday.

Hammel tossed five innings while recording three walks and five strikeouts.

With the loss, Hammel dropped to 7-6 on the year with a 3.42 ERA.

Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw tied a season-high with 14 strikeouts on Friday against the Cubs.

Kershaw allowed just one run on three hits in eight dominant innings of work. The 14 strikeouts was one of the more impressive feats he has accomplished this season.

Kershaw improved to 11-6 with the win. He now has a 2.24 ERA on the year.

Cardinals starter Michael Wacha struck out six batters in a no-decision against the Giants on Friday.

Wacha allowed four runs, all of the unearned, on six hits in six innings of work. He allowed a grand slam to Marlon Byrd, but the runs weren't credited as earned because of an error.

Wacha now has a 2.69 ERA this season.

Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray didn't enjoy a good outing on Friday against the Pirates.

Gray lasted just 4 1/3 innings after giving up three runs on seven hits. He did manage to strike out six batters while also allowing two walks.

Gray has a 6.00 ERA in 21 innings this year.

Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola was dominant during his start against the Padres on Friday.

Nola allowed just one run on two hits in seven strong innings of work. He struck out six batters and gave up two walks. Nola's only mistake came on a solo home run allowed to San Diego's Justin Upton.

With the win, Nola improved to 5-1 with a 3.26 ERA.

Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez posted a quality start in his outing against the Diamondbacks on Thursday. The young right-hander allowed three runs on four hits over six innings. he walked two and struck out six, throwing 60 of his 103 pitches for strikes.

All three runs Martinez allowed came in the third inning, which tied the game. But the Cardinals were able to bring in two in the fifth, paving the way for Martinez to pick up the 5-3 victory.

Martinez (13-6, 2.91 ERA) posted quality outings in three of his five August starts. With Thursday's victory, he snapped a personal two-game losing streak.

Marlins rookie starter Justin Nicolino was excellent in his outing against the Pirates on Thusday. The young left-hander allowed two runs on six hits over six strong innings. He struggled a bit with his command, as he walked four and struck out just one. But it was still an impressive outing against a strong offense.

Nicolino was stuck with a hard-luck loss however, as the Marlins were unable to do much against Gerrit Cole. The Marlins were defeated by a score of 2-1.

Nicolino (2-2, 3.65 ERA) allowed a run to score in the second inning, and then served up a solo home run to Pedro Alvarez in the fourth. That was all the damage done against the rookie, as he was able to limit the scoring despite the control issues.

The youngster has been impressive lately. He has allowed exactly two runs in each of his last three starts, pitching into the eighth in his last two. But he has just one win over that three-start stretch.

Pirates ace Gerrit Cole was brilliant in his start against the Marlins on Thursday. The right-hander allowed one run on five hits over 7 1/3 solid innings. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. Cole's strong start earned him a victory, as the Pirates held on for the 2-1 win.

The only run Cole allowed came on a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning. Cole improved to 15-7 and lowered his ERA to 2.44 with the dominant effort.

After giving up three runs or more in three straight starts, Cole has allowed a total of two runs over his last two starts. Overall, in six August starts, Cole went 1-3 with a 3.14 ERA.