MLB Player News

Morton (8-7) earned the win over Colorado on Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out eight batters over five innings.

Morton yielded two hits in a scoreless first inning, then allowed the Rockies to score twice on a walk, a triple and a double in the second. The veteran right-hander pitched much better the rest of the way, surrendering just one hit and two walks while keeping Colorado off the scoreboard across his final three frames. Morton needed 100 pitches to cover five innings and didn't return for the sixth, but he was effective in racking up 13 swinging strikes and eight punchouts. He's allowed three or fewer runs with at least six strikeouts in each of his past five starts but has completed six frames only once during that span.

German (0-1) allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and a walk while striking out three over three innings to take the loss versus the Cubs on Wednesday.

German didn't pitch well, but it wouldn't have made much difference considering the Pirates couldn't muster a hit. He's given up 17 runs (16 earned) over his last 8.2 innings, a span that includes Wednesday's start and a pair of relief appearances. For the year, German has a 7.84 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 18:13 K:BB through 20.2 innings over seven appearances (two starts). The Pirates haven't revealed if he'll get a chance to stay in the rotation after this poor outing.

Imanaga (12-3) pitched seven innings of no-hit ball, striking out seven and walking two without allowing a run to earn the win over the Pirates on Wednesday.

Imanaga threw 95 pitches (66 strikes) in his best start of the year, which was his seventh scoreless outing. Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge each threw a perfect inning of relief to secure the combined no-hitter for the Cubs. Imanaga pitched to a decent 3.68 ERA over 36.2 innings across six starts in August and is off to a stellar start in September as the Cubs try to make up ground in the wild-card race. For the season, Imanaga has a 2.99 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 155:25 K:BB over 153.1 innings across 26 starts. He's projected for a tough road outing versus the Dodgers his next time out.

The Dodgers will recall Knack from Triple-A Oklahoma City to start Friday's game against the Guardians, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Knack will be called upon to fill the gap in Los Angeles' starting rotation created by Clayton Kershaw's (toe) move to the injured list. The 27-year-old Knack has been a reliable option for the Dodgers this season, posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 48 innings across 10 appearances (eight starts). While his time in the majors may not extend past Friday, he makes for an interesting streaming option at home.

Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Yamamoto (triceps) will return from the injured list to start against the Cubs next Tuesday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Yamamoto allowed three earned runs in four innings across his two rehab starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City, but the Dodgers seem to be comfortable clearing him to rejoin their rotation. The 26-year-old righty only reached 53 pitches during his most recent outing Tuesday, so it's likely he'll be working under a pitch/innings restriction as he makes his first start since June 15.

Sanchez (10-9) earned the win Wednesday over the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on six hits over seven innings. He struck out seven.

Sanchez allowed a pair of runs on three doubles in the first inning before settling in to blank Toronto over his final six frames, allowing just three more hits. It was another strong outing from the left-hander, who's pitched to a 2.60 ERA over his last four outings (27.2 innings). Overall, Sanchez sports a 3.45 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and 131:36 K:BB across a career-high 159 innings this season. He's currently slated to face the Rays at home early next week in his next start.

The Padres reinstated Darvish (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

The veteran right-hander is poised to make his first start for the Padres since May 29 after recovering from elbow inflammation. Darvish built up to 66 pitches in a simulated game Friday but is returning without a minor-league rehab assignment, so he's likely to have some workload restrictions in his first game action in over three months.

The Cubs placed Steele on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow tendinitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Steele had to be scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday due to inflammation in his elbow, and he'll now officially sit out for another few turns through the rotation following his latest diagnosis. Kyle Hendricks started in Steele's place against the Pirates and figures to serve as Chicago's fifth starter while the left-hander is sidelined.

Blackburn (hand) will rejoin the Mets' rotation early next week in Toronto, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The exact date of his return is uncertain, but Blackburn has been cleared to make his next start in the majors after tossing 6.2 innings of one-run ball in a rehab outing with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. He's been out since late August with a right hand contusion.

Senga (calf) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday with increased intensity, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Senga implied recently that he's past his left calf strain at this point and is now focused on getting his arm back in shape. It could be too late in the season to build him back up as a starter, but Senga has expressed a willingness to pitch in relief, if that's where the Mets would like to use him. It's unclear when he might be ready for a rehab assignment.