MLB Player News

The Rangers had two scouts in Chicago on Saturday to watch Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels throw a no-hitter in his last start before the non-waivers trade deadline.

The Yankees and Red Sox each had scouts present as well, but Comcast Philadelphia is reporting that the Rangers are the favorites to complete a trade for Hamels. 

Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto was nearly traded to the Royals on Saturday, but a medical issue with one of the players the Royals were sending to Cincinnati scuttled the deal at the last minute. 

Despite the setback, Cueto may still be traded to the Royals. ESPN's Jim Bowden reported that the two teams continue to work on rebuilding the deal. 

Reds starter Johnny Cueto, perhaps making his last start for Cincinnati before the trade deadline, was on top of his game Saturday, blanking the Rockies for eight innings in his team's 5-2 victory. 

Cueto allowed just four hits on the evening, while striking out five and walking just one during his 100-pitch outing. After a pair of rough starts in which he took a loss and a no-decision, Cueto was sharp in one of the toughest pitcher's parks in MLB. 

Cueto (7-6) now has an ERA of 2.62. 

Cardinals starter Carlos Martinez put together a dominant outing Saturday, going eight innings and scattering just six hits as St. Louis earned a 1-0 win over the Braves. 

Martinez walked just one batter and struck out six to improve to 11-4 on the season, tied for second in the National League for most wins. After a four-inning outing in his last start, Martinez bounced back in a big way, crusing through Atlanta's lineup to lower his ERA to 2.34. 

Martinez needed just 93 pitches during his eight innings, relying on 13 ground-ball outs. 

Phillies starter Cole Hamels threw the 13th no-hitter in team history and the first of his career Saturday, blanking the Cubs in a 5-0 victory at Wrigley Field. 

Hamels, who has been subject to major trade deadline speculation, bolstered his credentials in what could be his last start with the Phillies with an impressive performance in which he struck out 13 batters.

Hamels threw 129 pitches and was relatively calm when the last hitter of the game, Kris Bryant, flew to deep center field, high-fiving with catcher Carlos Ruiz before his teammates mobbed him. 

Hamels (6-7) ended a four-game losing streak with the no-hitter. 

Nationals shelved right-hander Stephen Strasburg has been cleared to begin his minor league rehab stint Wednesday, the Washington Post has reported.

Strasburg, who has been limited to 13 starts this season, has been sidelined since July 4 with an oblique injury. He had turned a horrible year around with three strong efforts before going down.

The Yankees have contacted the Phillies about starting pitcher Cole Hamels' availability via a trade, per FOX Sports.

Hamels (5-7) has a 3.91 ERA with 124 strikeouts and 37 walks in 119 2/3 innings this season.

Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin was excellent in his start against the Brewers, but he was saddled with a tough-luck loss in the 2-1 defeat. Corbin allowed one run on four hits over seven innings, his longest start of the season. He walked one and matched a career-high with 10 strikeouts, throwing 65 of his 89 pitches for strikes.

Corbin (1-3) gave up a solo home run to Ryan Braun for the only blemish on his night. This was Corbin's best performance so far this year, in what was his fourth start since returning from Tommy John surgery.

He was efficient in this one, throwing first pitch strikes to 10 of the last 12 batters he faced. His season ERA dwindled to 3.68 after the strong outing.

Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani picked up a no-decision, against Colorado on Friday. 

DeSclafani is 0-3, with four no-decisions in his last seven starts. His last win was on June 9. 

DeSclafani lasted seven innings for the first time since June 4. He allowed three runs on seven hits, striking out five.  

Dodgers co-ace Zack Greinke will return from paternity leave in time to start Sunday against the host Mets, per MLB.com.

Greinke has been on an incredible roll. He has not allowed a run in 43 2/3 innings and has lowered his ERA to an outrageous 1.30.