MLB Player News

Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha will undergo an MRI on his injured shoulder Monday, and if the tests go how the team expects, he'll begin a throwing program soon after, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Wacha is eyeing a return to the team in September, and while he could come back as a reliever, general manager John Mozeliak "has a feeling" he'll return as a starter. His role for the remainder of the season will be determined by whatever the team believes is best for his long-term health.

Pirates pitcher Charlie Morton didn't factor into Wednesday's decision, giving up four earned runs on nine hits and three walks in five innings and striking out two in his team's 7-5 loss to the Giants.

Morton was touched up for three runs in the bottom of the first inning, but his offense was able to dig him out of the hole, even with the starter allowing another run in the third. The bullpen later gave away the lead to deny him his first win since July 2. Morton owns a 3.54 ERA and 108:47 K:BB ratio in 137 1/3 innings. He is scheduled to take on the Marlins Tuesday.

Dodgers pitcher Dan Haren is in line to make Friday's start against the Cubs, with Hyun-Jin Ryu being given an extra day of rest, MLB.com reports.

Haren had his regular turn in the rotation skipped, and he hasn't pitched since July 23. He did throw a bullpen session Wednesday, putting him in line for Friday's outing. Haren owns a 4.49 ERA and 92:26 K:BB ratio in 122 1/3 innings.

The Rockies called up pitcher Rob Scahill and optioned infielder Cristhian Adames Wednesday.

The team went through a 16-inning game Tuesday night, so extra help in the bullpen was needed for Wednesday's game. Adames went 0 for 3 in his debut Tuesday before being sent back down. Scahill has given up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings over three appearances with the Rockies.

Diamondbacks left-hander Wade Miley bounced back from a dud in his last start with a fine outing Wednesday in Cincinnati.

Miley worked his way in and out of jams to pitch 6 1/3 shutout innings despite allowing seven hits and four walks. He struck out only one.

The Reds went out in order just once against Miley. They put two runners on base in the first, third, fourth, sixth and seventh innings, but could not cross the plate.

Miley, who has five quality starts in his last six outings to raise his record to 7-7 and lower his ERA to a season-best 4.14, is set to pitch again Tuesday against Kansas City.

Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler continued his solid run Wednesday, in an 11-2 win over the Phillies.

Wheeler racked up big pitch counts earlier and actually fell behind 1-0 in the fifth inning, but the offense picked him up in a big way. Wheeler ended up allowed two runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings, with four strikeouts and two walks on 112 pitches as he cruised to victory.

Wheeler has won three straight decisions, and has not lost in six starts, as he improved his record to 6-8. He has a 3.60 ERA heading into his next start, set for Tuesday against the Nationals. 

Cardinals shelved pitcher Michael Wacha has been moved to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the roster for fellow right-hander Justin Masterson.

Wacha could be out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Just-acquired right-hander Justin Masterson is set to make his first start with the Cardinals on Saturday against Milwaukee.

Masterson, who is on the disabled list with a knee issue, has struggled in his rehab stint with Triple-A Buffalo. He gave up seven earned runs in 11 2/3 innings with eight walks. His decreased velocity this season has been a concern.

The Cardinals have acquired pitcher Justin Masterson from the Indians Wednesday, according baseball analyst Peter Gammons.

Masterson has struggled to the tune of a 5.51 ERA in 98 innings for the Indians this season, and is currently sidelined by a knee injury. He was expected to return from the disabled list Friday for the Indians, and will likely slot into the Cardinals rotation at some point in the coming days.

Masterson had a 3.45 ERA last season, but has struggled badly with his control in 2014. He already has walked 56 batters in 98 innings, after walking 76 a year ago in 193 innings. 

The Phillies appear willing to move some of their veteran pitchers before Thursday's deadline, but MLB.com reports Cole Hamels is not likely to be among them.

Though reports have indicated there is some willingness to discuss Hamels, no substantive talks have occurred with any team, according to the report. The Phillies have not even reached the point in any talks where prospect names have been discussed.

Hamels lowered his ERA to 2.55 whole improving his record to 6-5 with eight scoreless innings Tuesday. Hamels is under contract through next season, and could be a candidate to be traded in the offseason.