MLB Player News

Mets starter Jacob deGrom made one mistake on Tuesday night, but still came away a winner against the Nationals. deGrom allowed two runs on three hits over six innings while striking out eight. He did not issue a walk, throwing 61 of his 82 pitches for strikes in the 7-2 victory.

The only runs deGrom gave up came on a two-run home run by catcher Wilson Ramos in the fifth inning. deGrom was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the top of the seventh with the Mets down 2-1. But they scored two runs in the seventh (and four more in the ninth), paving the way for deGrom to pick up the victory.

deGrom (10-6, 2.18 ERA), coming off his historic appearance in last week's All-Star game, has walked two or fewer batters in each of his last six starts, posting a 1.69 ERA over that stretch.

The Astros are looking to add pitching help before the July 31 trade deadline. 

According to a report by the Houston Chronicle, citing sources, the Astros have spoken to the Phillies about Cole Hamels. 

The Astros have also spoken to the Padres about Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross.

Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday. Manager Matt Williams said Strasburg threw mostly fastballs and change ups. 

Strasbrug, who is on the disabled list with an oblique strain, will likely need another bullpen session before heading out on a rehab assignment, according to MASNSports.com.

The Cardinals will start pitcher Lance Lynn for Wednesday's game at the Chicago White Sox, reports MLB.com.

Lynn would then be followed by John Lackey for Thursday's contest against the Royals with Michael Wacha getting Friday's start against the Braves.

The Phillies have finalized their rotation plans for a weekend series against the Cubs. Jerome Williams will start the season opener Friday, and he will be followed by Cole Hamels and Aaron Nola in the three-game series.

Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel is officially set to start Tuesday's game against the Reds. Hammel left his last start after one inning on July 8 with a mild hamstring strain, and hasn't pitched since. But an MRI came back clean and after a throwing a side session last week, Hammel was given the green light for Tuesday. 

Hammel is in the midst of a strong stretch right now, posting a 3.25 ERA over his last five starts (excluding the July 8 game).

Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen did not pitch well enough to earn a win during Monday's 5-4 victory over the Cubs.

Lorenzen received a no-decision after allowing four runs on seven hits over five innings of work. He also struck out five and walked three. His ERA now stands at 3.77.

Lorenzen is winless in his last four starts and has just one quality start over those outings.

With the Cardinals forced to use pitcher Carlos Martinez during Sunday's loss to the Mets, the team will turn to pitcher Michael Wacha to start Tuesday's game against the White Sox, reports Fox Sports.

"We were trying to stay away from Martinez, but it got to the point where it was not possible," manager Mike Matheny said.

Wacha is 10-3 with a 2.93 ERA in 17 starts this season. 

The Cubs will turn to pitcher Kyle Hendricks to start the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Reds, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. Hendricks is 4-4 with a 3.44 ERA in 18 starts this season.

Pitcher Dallas Beeler will then start the second game of the doubleheader. Beeler produced a 3.60 ERA in his one start this season.

Nationals manager Matt Williams said Monday that pitcher Stephen Strasburg is a few days away from throwing a bullpen session, reports CSNWashington.com.

Strasburg has been able to throw off flat ground. He has not pitched since July 4 because of a left oblique strain.