MLB Player News

Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright picked up a win Tuesday, giving up four earned runs on seven hits and one walk in six-plus innings while striking out three in his team's 6-4 victory over the Pirates.

Wainwright (16-9) was victimized by the long ball in this game, giving up solo home runs in the second and third innings before his night ended on a two-run blast in the seventh. He had surrendered three home runs in his last 15 starts combined, with all three coming in August. Wainwright owns a 2.69 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 153:46 K:BB ratio in 194 innings. He'll take on the Brewers Sunday.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Tuesday the team's next steps for pitcher Charlie Morton as he continues to work his way back from a sports hernia.

Morton tossed a simulated game at Busch Stadium Tuesday, and is set for another next Tuesday as well. He will also through a side session with coaches watching Thursday or Friday prior to his second simulated game, after which the next step will be determined. He has been out since Aug. 15 as a result of the injury. 

Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha will return to the Cardinals' rotation Thursday, manager Mike Matheny told reporters Tuesday.

Wacha, who has been out since mid-June with a shoulder injury, will start Thursday against the Brewers, after making just one rehab appearance. He threw 34 pitches for Double-A Springfield, and will likely be on a pitch count for at least his first game.

Wacha had a 2.79 ERA and 5-5 record in 15 starts prior to suffering the injury. 

The Marlins added four players from Triple-A New Orleans Tuesday, as part of September roster expansion.

The Marlins recalled pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Andrew Heaney , along with infielders Jusin Bour and Enrique Hernandez , the team announced.  

Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn posted a quality start but wasn't a factor into the decision Monday against the Pirates. He gave up three runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out three over six innings of a 5-4 victory.

Over his last three starts covering 19 innings, Lynn has permitted five earned runs. He owns a 2.85 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over 28 starts (170 2/3 innings). His next start will come Saturday in Milwaukee.

Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole was knocked around Monday in a loss to the Cardinals in St. Louis, dropping to 7-5 on the year. It was his first loss since July 28. The right-hander was shelled for five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four over 6 1/3 innings of work.

Over his first three starts back from injury covering 19 1/3 innings, Cole has permitted nine earned runs. He owns a 3.86 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over 17 starts (105 innings). His next start will come Sunday against the Cubs in Chicago.

Braves pitcher Julio Teheran was hit hard in a loss to the Phillies at home on Monday, dropping to 13-10 on the year. He allowed five runs -- two earned - on five hits and four walks while striking out three over 6 2/3 innings of a 7-0 defeat.

Over his last three starts covering 19 innings, Teheran has allowed three earned runs. He owns a 2.90 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP over 29 starts (195 2/3 innings). His next start will come Sunday in Miami.

Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler was roughed up in a no-decision Monday afternoon against the Marlins in Miami. The right-hander coughed up five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight over 4 2/3 innings of work.

Over his last four starts covering 24 innings, Wheeler has allowed eight earned runs. He owns a 3.45 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP over 28 starts (164 1/3 innings). He will make his next start Sunday at Cincinnati.

The Cardinals remain undecided on whether to have pitcher Michael Wacha make another rehab appearance during the Triple-A playoffs or rejoin the Cardinals, MLB.com reports.

Wacha threw 34 pitches in his rehab start with Double-A Springfield Monday, giving up one hit and one walk during two scoreless innings. "Very good," manager Mike Matheny said of Wacha. "He had good velocity, was efficient, got quick outs and located everything well."

If Wacha were to pitch with the Cardinals later in the week, he would be on a limited pitch count as he continues to rebuild arm strength. The pitcher has been sidelined since June 17 with a shoulder issue.

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels and three relievers tossed a combined no-hitter Monday afternoon against the Braves in Atlanta. It's the first combined no-hitter in franchise history.

Hamels was denied a no-hitter due to a high pitch count. He was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning with a no-hitter intact. He issued five walks and ran his pitch count to 108 before his day was over. He struck out seven over six hitless innings and picked up the win.

Jake Diekman struck out two in a perfect seventh inning and Ken Giles struck out the side in the eighth. Jonathan Papelbon needed nine pitches to retire Jose Constanza, Chris Johnson and Phil Gosselin to secure a 7-0 no-hit victory and the save.