MLB Player News

Lucchesi is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against the Marlins in Miami.

The Mets appear content to close out the season with a six-man rotation that includes Lucchesi, who was called up from Triple-A Syracuse last week. While making his first appearance for the Mets since Aug. 18 this past Wednesday, Lucchesi earned a win over the Diamondbacks after striking out two and allowing one unearned run on five hits and three walks over seven innings. He now holds a 2.83 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 24:13 K:BB in 35 innings in the big leagues on the season.

Wicks dropped to 3-1 after allowing three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out five over 4.1 innings in Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Wicks was inefficient -- in addition to the four walks, he also uncorked two wild pitches. This is the first time in five major-league outings that he's given up three runs or failed to complete five innings. The rookie southpaw is at a 2.67 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB through 27 innings. He's projected to make his next start at home versus the Rockies.

Nelson allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three over 3.1 innings in a no-decision in Sunday's 6-2 win over the Cubs.

Nelson needed 75 pitches (40 strikes) to get his 10 outs. He was at least able to keep the the scoring against him down after allowing at least six runs in three of his previous four outings. The right-hander is now at a 5.53 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 91:44 K:BB through 138.1 innings over 27 starts. His previous high in innings across all levels was 154.1 last year, a mark he's passed at 160 this season, so his recent struggles may come down to workload. For now, he's tentatively lined up for a road start versus the Yankees next weekend.

Lyles (4-17) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over six innings against Houston. He struck out six.

Lyles also hit two batters to go along with giving up four extra-base hits, two singles and a walk. Lyles, who is now three losses clear of his next closest competitors, continues to eat innings for the Royals while opponents continue to feast when he does. His ERA in September now stands at 5.98, an improvement over his season ERA of 6.43. Despite those consistent struggles, Lyles has now tossed five innings or more in 26 of his 29 starts. He is currently scheduled to get another chance to face the Astros next weekend in Houston.

Valdez (12-10) earned the win Sunday, allowing an unearned run on five hits and one walk over seven innings in a 7-1 win over the Royals. He struck out five.

A throwing error led to an unearned run that gave Kansas City an early lead, but Valdez was aided by a couple of double plays and an out at the plate to otherwise keep the Royals off the board. It was the fifth consecutive quality start for Valdez, who has gone at least seven innings in seven of his last nine starts. Among all qualified American League starters, Valdez ranks second in innings (188.2), fifth in ERA (3.20), sixth in WHIP (1.09), seventh in strikeouts (183) and second in quality starts (20). He's currently penciled in to face the Royals again next weekend in Houston.

Williamson (4-5) yielded three runs on six hits and a walk over four innings Sunday, striking out two and taking a loss against the Mets.

Williamson began the game with a pair of scoreless frames before coughing up three runs in the third. In two starts since returning from the COVID-19 injured list, he's allowed eight runs in eight innings. He's produced a 4.68 ERA in eight outings since the start of August. Williamson's next start is projected to be at home against the Pirates.

Quintana (3-5) struck out two batters and earned a win over the Reds on Sunday. He allowed two runs on eight hits and a walk over 6.2 frames.

Quintana coughed up a run in the first inning but held the Reds in check until Nick Senzel knocked a solo shot in the fifth. Quintana has allowed two or fewer runs in four straight starts and seven of his last eight. During that eight-start stretch, he's posted a 2.81 ERA, lowering his season mark to 3.02 through 65.2 frames. Quintana's next outing is currently projected to be in Philadelphia.

Cease (7-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over six innings against the Twins. He struck out five.

The positive is that Cease contributed his first quality start in over a month. Cease cruised through four, but a lack of run support combined with a 34-pitch fifth inning that was culminated by an Edouard Julien three-run homer sealed Cease's fate and paved the way for his eighth loss. Cease has now allowed 38 hits and 16 walks over his last six starts with an ERA of 7.71 in 31.2 innings. He's currently penciled in to take the mound next weekend in Boston.

Williams (3-5) allowed one run on four hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out seven and earning a win over the Rangers.

Williams gave up a run in the second inning and didn't face any issues the rest of the way as he cruised to a win. He walked four batters in each of his previous two outings but was much more efficient Sunday, tossing 62 of 97 pitches for strikes. Williams owns a 2.50 ERA over his last four appearances, lowering his season ERA to 3.29 through 82 frames. The rookie's next start is currently lined up to be at home against the Orioles.

Gray (8-7) earned the win Sunday, allowing five hits and zero walks over seven scoreless innings against the White Sox. He struck out six.

Gray was staked to a three-run lead in the fifth, then cruised from there to earn his eighth win. It was an efficient and relatively stress-free outing for Gray, who never allowed more than one baserunner in an inning and needed only 81 pitches to complete seven frames. In 30 starts covering 174 innings, the veteran Cy Young contender is first in home run rate, allowing 0.36 per nine, and second in the American League with a 2.84 ERA. However, his eight wins are lower than any of the other top 20 pitchers who qualify for the ERA title. He's next scheduled to take the hill during a weekend series at home against the Angels.