MLB Player News

The Cardinals optioned pitcher Carlos Martinez to Triple-A Memphis, after spending a week in the bullpen.

Martinez was hit hard in his last few outings, and heads to Triple-A with a 4.74 ERA in 68 1/3 innings of work at the major-league level. 

Braves pitcher Julio Teheran went the distance but was pegged with a tough-luck loss Thursday night in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. The right-hander yielded two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out nine over eight innings of a 2-1 defeat.

Over his last three starts covering 21 innings, Teheran has allowed six earned runs. He owns a 2.69 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP over 23 starts (157 1/3 innings). He will make his next start Wednesday in Seattle.

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw turned in another dominant effort and went the distance on Thursday against the Braves, improving to 13-2 on the year. The left-handed ace allowed one run on nine hits and no walks while striking out nine over nine innings of a 2-1 victory.

Since June 1, Kershaw is 10-0 with a 0.94 ERA and a 104:8 K:BB ratio in 11 starts. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner is somehow managing to improve his numbers from last season. He has four complete games and owns a 1.71 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP over 121 1/3 innings of work. His next start will come Tuesday at home against the Angels.

Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto put together another dominant outing Thursday in Miami, improving to 12-6 on the season. The right-hander limited his opposition to only one run on four hits and one walk while striking out nine over seven innings of a 3-1 victory.

Cueto has struck out nine in each of his last two starts. He has only one loss since June 11. He owns a 2.05 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP over 23 starts (162 2/3 innings). He will look to stay sharp Tuesday at Cleveland.

Padres pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne was hit hard and took another loss Thursday afternoon at home against St. Louis, dropping to 2-3 on the year. The right-hander coughed up six run son nine hits and one walk while striking out three over 5 2/3 innings of a 6-2 defeat.

Despaigne has not won a decision since June 29. Over his last two starts covering 9 1/3 innings, Despaigne has allowed eight earned runs. He owns a 2.68 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP over seven starts (43 2/3 innings). He will look to bounce back Wednesday at Minnesota.

Cubs reliever Neil Ramirez is on the disabled list with soreness in his right triceps, but he shouldn't be gone long.

Ramirez told MLB.com Thursday he expects to return to the majors as soon as his DL stint is up, and has been doing extra conditioning and training work since hitting the shelf to get back to form.

"It's something that started creeping in the last couple outings," Ramirez said.

He is eligible to return to the majors Aug. 10, and will work on rehabilitation at the team's spring training facility in Arizona. 

The Rockies made several minor moves Wednesday, including the promotion of left-handed pitcher Pedro Hernandez from Triple-A Colorado Springs to make a start against the Cubs.

They have also optioned right-hander Rob Scahill to the same team and designated third baseman Ryan Wheeler for assignment.

Braves pitcher Alex Wood didn't factor into Wednesday's decision after giving up one earned run on six hits and two walks in seven innings and striking out eight in his team's 3-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Wood surrendered a solo home run in the second to tie the game 1-1, and it turned into a pitchers' duel after that. It was an excellent rebound effort after giving up 12 hits and five runs in his last outing. Wood owns a 3.30 ERA and 102:26 K:BB ratio in 103 2.3 innings. He's scheduled to face the Mariners Tuesday.

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke didn't factor into the decision Wednesday, giving up one earned run on five hits and one walk and striking out a season-high 13 batters in his team's 3-2 win over the Braves.

Greinke tossed seven scoreless innings while striking out 10 in his last start, and he kept on rolling Wednesday, with his only damage coming on an infield single in the second inning. He owns a 2.65 ERA and 153:29 K:BB ratio in 139 1/3 innings. Greinke is slated to face the Angels Monday.

Rockies pitcher Rob Scahill earned a win Wednesday, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 6-4, 10-inning win over the Cubs.

Scahill (1-0) just joined the team Wednesday after the bullpen was taxed by a 16-inning game the previous night. He needed just 12 pitches to complete the bottom of the ninth inning, and his offense delivered two runs in the top of the 10th. Scahill owns a 5.68 ERA and 3:4 K:BB ratio in 6 1/3 innings.