MLB Player News

Sykora has a 2.51 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 101:22 K:BB through 16 starts (68 innings) for Single-A Frederickburg.

The right-hander, a third-round pick out of a Texas high school in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, didn't turn 20 years until late April, but he's been utterly dominant in his first pro campaign. Sykora has combined a fastball that sits 95-97 mph with a rapidly improving slider and splitter, and he's gotten stronger as the season has progressed -- he fired six perfect innings with 10 strikeouts against Carolina on Aug. 9, the first time in his career he'd worked more than five frames in a start. The Nationals won't push him up the ladder too quickly given his age, but a 2026 big-league debut isn't off the table if he continues developing at his current pace.

The Rangers are hopeful Scherzer (shoulder) can return from the 15-day injured list as early as next week, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Scherzer has experienced relief with his right shoulder following a nerve injection, having completed another bullpen session Sunday. He's slated to face hitters Wednesday, either in a live batting practice session or perhaps a rehab start. If that goes well, Scherzer appears in line to rejoin the big-league rotation next week against the White Sox.

The Rangers are hopeful that Gray (groin) will be ready for activation from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Gray has been out of action since late July due to a right groin strain and will return without having gone on a rehab assignment. The hurler had indicated previously that he could pitch in relief initially, perhaps as soon as Tuesday against the Pirates. Gray could rejoin the rotation after that, although the impending returns of Max Scherzer (shoulder) and Jacob deGrom (elbow) leave his future role somewhat in flux.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that Dunning was removed after four innings in his start during Monday's 4-3 win over the Pirates because he was displaying diminished velocity and spin on his pitches, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The right-hander averaged just 88.1 miles per hour with his fastball in the outing, which was down nearly two ticks from his season average. Bochy noted that he doesn't think Dunning is dealing with an injury, and the right-hander doesn't appear in line to undergo any testing. Dunning is tentatively slated for a start this weekend in Cleveland, but it's possible those plans could change.

Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said Sunday that an MRI on Greene's elbow revealed the right-hander's injury is not as significant as originally feared, Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com reports.

Krall added that Greene will get a second opinion, but at this point, the injury is "minimal" and a "best-case scenario." The right-hander is eligible to come off the injured list Aug. 29, but it's too early in the process to put any timeline on Greene's potential return.

Matthews (1-1) took the loss against San Diego on Monday, allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out one batter over five innings.

Matthews was given a one-run lead in the top of the first inning, but he allowed the Padres to score twice in the bottom of the frame. The rookie hurler allowed three more runs in the third -- those were all unearned, though the error that led to them was committed by Matthews himself. The right-hander added to the miscue with a pair of walks in the inning, which was very uncharacteristic for him given his minuscule 0.6 BB/9 over 97 frames in the minors this season. Matthews' command has been consistently outstanding throughout his time as a pro, so that aspect of his pitching will likely carry over to the majors. However, he made only four appearances at the Triple-A level (and registered a 5.68 ERA over 19 innings) prior to his call-up to the majors, so fantasy managers would probably be wise to tempter expectations as he adjusts to facing big-league hitters.

King (11-6) earned the win over Minnesota on Monday, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out six batters over six innings.

The three walks King issued were his most over his past nine starts, but he was still pretty efficient in getting through six frames on 85 pitches (53 of which were strikes). The right-hander induced 14 whiffs and finished with his fifth quality start across his past six outings. King has thrived in his first season as a full-time starter, registering a 3.18 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 167:50 K:BB over 141.1 innings. He's been a huge addition to a Padres rotation that is currently without Yu Darvish (personal) and that was without Joe Musgrove for much of the campaign.

Woo (5-2) allowed two runs on two hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out five over 6.1 innings to take the loss versus the Dodgers on Monday.

Woo didn't allow a run to advance past first base over his first six innings, but Gavin Lux tagged him for a solo home run in the seventh. It was still a fourth straight quality start for Woo, who has allowed a total of five runs over 27 innings through four starts in August. He's now at a 2.12 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 61:9 K:BB through 80.2 innings over 15 starts this season. He's projected for a home start versus the Giants this weekend.

Bradley (6-8) took the loss against Oakland on Monday, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two batters over six innings.

Following a dominant nine-start stretch from early June to late July, Bradley entered Monday in a funk, posting a 9.64 ERA and 1.93 WHIP while losing three straight outings. The right-hander showed some improvement against the A's -- he notched a quality start and was moderately efficient with 89 pitches over six frames -- but he took another defeat and walked more batters (three) than he struck out (two). Bradley also surrendered another long ball, and he's now given up five home runs over his past 20 innings after surrendering just three homers across 55 frames during the aforementioned nine-start stretch. Bradley looked like a potential league-winner in fantasy while he was on his hot streak, but his recent fade is bringing back memories of his tumble late last season, when he posted a 7.11 ERA over his final 13 outings after beginning the campaign with a 3.86 mark across his first 10 starts.

Stone (11-5) allowed two hits and two walks while striking out 10 over seven shutout innings to earn the win Monday over the Mariners.

Stone's 10 strikeouts were a career high. He earned his second win in a row with this dominant performance, which was also the first time since his June 26 shutout against the White Sox where he didn't allowed a home run. Stone is now at a 3.44 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 105:34 K:BB through 128.1 innings over 23 starts this season. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Rays.