MLB Player News

Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton was locked in early Sunday against the Padres, but he fell apart late in his outing, leading to an 8-2 loss. He allowed five runs on five hits and one walk in five innings, while striking out five.

Morton (5-11) was outstanding at the start of Sunday's game, retiring the first 10 batters he faced before issuing a one-out walk to Yangervis Solarte in the fourth inning. Morton lost his shutout bid two batters later on a Yonder Alonso RBI single.

Morton was still in front 2-1 before he fell apart in the fifth inning. He loaded the bases before Seth Smith hit a two-out bases-clearing triple. Smith then scored on a wild pitch to put San Diego ahead 5-2. Morton would not return for the sixth inning.

Morton, who is winless in his last seven starts (0-2), is expected to make his next start Friday at Washington.

Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (shoulder) has had no setbacks in the early stages of his return-to-pitching program, according to MLB.com. Wacha has not yet progressed to throwing off a mound, but it might happen after he undergoes another MRI Aug. 18.

Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto tossed his 22nd quality start of the season Sunday on his way to his 14th win during a 7-2 victory against Miami. The All-Star right-hander allowed two runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out nine in eight innings.

Cueto got into an early deficit as Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-out solo home run in the top of the first inning. But Cueto was handed a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the inning thanks to a two-run homer from Devin Mesoraco.

Cueto held the one-run lead until Casey McGehee hit a one-out solo home run in the fourth inning. Though, that would be the last run Cueto allowed on the afternoon. 

He's failed to throw a quality start in just three outings this season. Cueto has won his last six decisions and hasn't lost in his last seven starts. He will be back on the hill Saturday at Colorado.

The Phillies announced Sunday they claimed pitcher Jerome Williams off waivers from the Rangers. To clear a roster spot, Sean O'Sullivan was designated for assignment.

Marlins starting pitcher Jarred Cosart (oblique) and Henderson Alvarez (shoulder) are on track to make their next starts, according to The Miami Herald.

Cosart has been cleared to start Tuesday against the Cardinals after throwing a bullpen session Saturday. Alvarez, who is scheduled to throw in the bullpen Sunday, is on track to return Thursday against Arizona.

With Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom scratched from his next start due to shoulder soreness, the team has to decide who will start Tuesday against the Nationals.

Assistant general manager John Ricco said Sunday it's unknown how much time deGrom will miss and that is impacting the team's decision on who starts Tuesday.

If doctors determined deGrom will miss just one start, then Carlos Torres will likely start Tuesday. If deGrom needs a stint on the disabled list, then pitching prospects Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero could be options to join the rotation. 

"The first thing we've got to see is if this is a one-start thing or more than that," Ricco said, per ESPN.

Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom was sent back to New York to get tests on his sore right shoulder, reports ESPN.com. DeGrom said the shoulder didn't bother him during his Thursday start, but in the couple days afterward.

The 26-year-old has produced six straight quality starts while winning his last five decisions. He's 6-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 16 starts, with 94 strikeouts in 100 1/3 innings.

The Cubs activated reliever Neil Ramirez (triceps) from the disabled list and optioned pitcher Chris Rusin to Triple-A Iowa. Chicago also added recently-acquired pitcher Jacob Turner to the 25-man roster.

Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels wasn't a factor in the decision Saturday after allowing one earned run on five hits and three walks in seven innings and striking out five in his team's 2-1, 11-inning loss to the Mets.

Hamels tossed four scoreless innings before loading the bases with no outs in the fifth. He was able to escape with just one run on the scoreboard but was still in line for a loss before his offense evened the game with a seventh-inning home run. Hamels hasn't given up more than one run in any of his last five outings, giving him a 2.37 ERA and 144:43 K:BB ratio in 144 1/3 innings. He's scheduled to face the Giants Friday.

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke took a loss Saturday, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and one walk in six innings and striking out six in his team's 4-1 defeat against the Brewers.

Greinke (12-8) served up two home runs in the loss, marking his first game allowing multiple home runs since April 6. He had surrendered two home runs over his previous six starts combined going into Saturday's outing. Greinke owns a 2.84 ERA and 164:30 K:BB ratio in 152 1/3 innings. He's scheduled to face the Braves Thursday.