MLB Player News

Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran tossed his third quality start in a row Friday against the Diamondbacks in a 3-0 win.

Teheran was overpowering, holding Arizona to just three singles and a double in six innings, while striking out 10. He walked just one, while throwing 67 of 103 pitches for strikes.

Teheran is 6-4 on the season with a 3.12, and he only has improved as the season has progressed. Teheran tossed a 5.08 ERA in the month of April, but has a pristine 2.28 mark in 10 starts since May 1, with nine quality starts.

Teheran will try to continue his solid run Thursday against the Marlins. 

The Padres have been mentioned as a possible trade destination for Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco, and they couldn't have liked what they saw Friday. Nolasco consistently left the ball over the plate in a 9-2 rout.

Nolasco was tagged for six runs (five earned) on 11 hits in five innings, though just one was for extra-bases, as the Padres largely went station to station on him.

Nolasco struck out six batters and walked none, while throwing 78 of 110 pitches in the game, as he took the loss.

Nolasco is 4-8 on the season, with a 3.93 ERA, heading into his next scheduled start, Wednesday in Atlanta. 

Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole made his fourth start Friday against the Brewers and earned his fourth win, moving to 4-0 to open his career by allowing three earned runs on eight hits and three walks in six innings while striking out three.

Cole also had a banner day at the plate, going 1 for 2 with a walk and scoring two runs. He has held the opposition to three earned runs or less in each of his first four starts en route to a 3.70 ERA. He'll look to keep things rolling against the Phillies next week, if he doesn't get squeezed out of the rotation by a pitching surplus first.

Marlins starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez was in fine form Friday for Double-A Jacksonville in what might have been his final minor-league rehab start. Alvarez tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and no walks, while striking out seven batters. Alvarez threw 59 of 86 pitches for strikes.

Alvarez has yet to pitch this season due to shoulder inflammation, but he could be activated from the disabled list soon. Marlins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco has been heavily mentioned in trade rumors, and Alvarez is matched up with his turn in the rotation. If and when Nolasco is dealt, Alvarez is expected to join the rotation. 

Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler will take the mound for the third time Sunday, and he thinks he will have his pitch-tipping issues solved. Wheeler worked with pitching coach Dan Warthen Thursday and Friday, and told MLB.com he thinks he has a grasp on the issue.

"I don't think it's anything too difficult," Wheeler said. "Just a little small tweak here and there, and we'll be good to go."

Wheeler is working on correcting his arm slot, which has been inconsistent depending on whether he is throwing a fastball or breaking pitch. The much-hyped prospect has been underwhelming in his first two starts, walking as many batters as he has struck out (eight) in 11 1/3 innings of work.

Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto left Friday's start against the Rangers after just one inning with a right lat injury, the team announced. Cueto allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out one before exiting.

The Rockies optioned starting pitcher Juan Nicasio to Triple-A Colorado Springs Friday, clearing a 25-man roster spot for returning reliever Rafael Betancourt.

Nicasio, whose turn in the rotation Sunday is expected to be filled by Drew Pomeranz, is 4-4 with a 5.31 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 56:30 K:BB ratio in 81 1/3 innings over 16 starts.

The Rockies are scouting pitchers across the league, including starters Yovani Gallardo and Matt Garza and reliever Kevin Gregg, the Denver Post reports. "As far as any pitching that is out there, we are looking to see who's available and how we could help our club," Rockies vice president of baseball operations Bill Geivett said Thursday. The club has already removed Juan Nicasio from the rotation, so the openings should be there.

Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke earned his fifth win Thursday against the Phillies, surrendering four earned runs on 12 hits and a walk in seven innings while striking out five in a 6-4 victory.

Greinke gave up 12 hits in a game for the first time since July 3, 2005, when he allowed five earned runs on 12 hits in five innings. He takes a 5-2 record and 3.94 ERA into next week's start against the Rockies.

The Padres and Giants have continued to discuss a trade with the Marlins for pitcher Ricky Nolasco Thursday, Fox Sports reports. The Dodgers are also known to be deep into trade talks for Nolasco.

The report notes that the Orioles are "less confident in their chances" to acquire Nolasco, while the Rockies appear to be out of the running.