MLB Player News

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw went the distance in a loss Saturday.

Kershaw gave up three runs on five hits over nine innings. He struck out 11 and did not issue any walks. Home runs were a big problem for Kershaw. He gave up a two-run shot to Ryan Braun in the fourth inning, and gave up a solo home run to Carlos Gomez in the sixth. The Brewers proved to be swing-happy otherwise, helping Kershaw get through the complete game. He threw 97 pitches during the outing.

With the loss, Kershaw dropped to 14-3. He'll take on the Mets in his next start.

Braves pitcher Julio Teheran earned a win Saturday, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks in six innings and striking out one in his team's 4-3 victory over the A's.

Teheran (11-9) snapped a three-game losing streak and got back on track after two poor outings. His only blemish came on a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Teheran owns a 3.06 ERA and 153:41 K:BB ratio in 176 2/3 innings. He's scheduled to face the Reds Thursday.

Marlins pitcher Henderson Alvarez picked up his third straight win Saturday, allowing just one earned run on five hits and one walk in seven innings and striking out six in his team's 2-1 victory over the Diamondbacks.

Alvarez (9-5) surrendered a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the top of the first inning but locked things down after that, eventually retiring the final 10 batters he faced. He owns a 2.43 ERA and 89:28 K:BB ratio in 144 2/3 innings. Alvarez is scheduled to face the Rockies Friday.

Diamondbacks pitcher Wade Miley suffered a loss Saturday, giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk in seven innings and striking out nine in his team's 2-1 defeat against the Marlins.

Miley (7-9) gave up a game-tying triple in the fourth inning and watched the second run come home on an error in the seventh. He pitched very well despite the result. Miley owns a 4.46 ERA and 153:52 K:BB ratio in 163 1/3 innings. He's scheduled to face the Nationals Thursday.

Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole is ready to return from the disabled list, MLB.com reports.

Assistant general manager Kyle Stark and manager Clint Hurdle determined Saturday that Cole is set to make his return after throwing seven scoreless innings Friday in a rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis. A specific return date hasn't been scheduled, but it is expected to come Wednesday against Atlanta or Friday against Milwaukee.

Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday, St. Louis Baseball Weekly reports.

"I don’t know what percentage it was, but it wasn’t full speed or anywhere near it," said Wacha. "It was just first time back on the mound, getting a feel for the mound and the mechanics, as well."

Wacha, who threw fastballs and changeups in the session, is scheduled for a medical evaluation Monday. His next step will likely be determined by that doctor's visit, but he's likely in line for a few more bullpen sessions before potentially going out on a rehab assignment.

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke struggled with his control Friday.

Greinke tossed five scoreless innings against the Brewers, giving up just two hits. He had a tough time with his control, walking five. Greinke did manage to strike out six batters. Greinke allowed both his hits in the first inning. Walks hurt him the rest of the way. Greinke went through a stretch in the fourth inning where he walked three straight batters to load the bases. Despite those struggles, he did not allow any runs.

Milwaukee scored five runs in the eighth and forced Greinke to a no-decision. He’ll take on the Padres in his next start.

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels turned in a quality start Friday against the Giants.

Hamels allowed three runs on nine hits over seven innings of work. He struck out five and walked two during the outing. All three runs came in the fourth inning. After Hamels gave up a single and a double to open the frame, he allowed a three-run homer to Michael Morse. Hamels would settle in at that point, throwing three additional scoreless innings.

The Phillies managed to mount a comeback against the Giants, giving Hamels a no-decision. He’ll take on the Mariners in his next start.

Mets pitcher Anthony DeSclafani has been optioned to Triple-A Friday.

DeSclafani has struggled in the majors. Over 26 1/3 innings, he posted a 6.84 ERA. He could return once September comes around. 

Marlins starter Henderson Alvarez was activated from the disabled list Friday.

Alvarez is expected to start for the club Saturday, so the move shouldn't come as a surprise. He's been sidelined since July 29 due to a shoulder issue. Alvarez has a 2.48 ERA over 137 2/3 innings.