MLB Player News

Nola (10-8) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up four runs on four hits and four walks over five innings in a 9-4 victory over the Blue Jays. He struck out seven.

An anticipated pitchers' duel between Nola and Kevin Gausman never materialized, but the Phillies' right-hander came away with his first win since July 18 thanks to an offensive outburst highlighted by Bryce Harper's first multi-homer game of the year. The four free passes were a season worst for Nola, who has now failed to last six innings in four straight starts while stumbling to a 6.75 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 27:9 K:BB through 20 innings over that stretch. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, likely to come at home early next week against the Giants.

Paxton came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Nationals, giving up two runs on five hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out three.

Both runs the veteran lefty allowed came on solo shots, and Paxton exited the game in line for his fourth loss of the year until Boston tied the game in the top of the eighth inning. The quality start was his first in August and eighth in 16 outings overall. Paxton sports a 3.34 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 93:23 K:BB through 86.1 innings on the season, and his next trip to the mound is likely to come early next week in Houston.

Liberatore (2-5) took the loss Wednesday, surrendering six runs (five earned) on 10 hits and three walks over 4.1 innings as the Cardinals fell 8-0 to the A's. He struck out five.

The rookie southpaw got little help from his teammates, but Liberatore did himself no favors as he got only 55 of 92 pitches into the strike zone, and his lack of command or control led to a four-run first inning for Oakland. He's had one good start and two poor ones since rejoining the big-league rotation after the trade deadline, and he's likely to remain a volatile fantasy option the rest of the season. Liberatore will carry a 6.12 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 35:21 K:BB through 50 innings into his next outing, which is likely to come early next week in Pittsburgh.

Blackburn (3-3) picked up the win in Wednesday's 8-0 victory over the Cardinals, allowing six hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings. He struck out eight.

In his best performance of the season, Blackburn generated 33 called or swinging strikes on just 86 pitches, and he only ran into trouble in two frames -- he escaped a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the second, then Luken Baker got thrown out at home in the seventh on a one-out double. Since getting rocked by the Red Sox in his first outing after the All-Star break, Blackburn has been sharp, posting a 2.10 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB through 30 innings over his last five starts. He'll look to keep rolling when he next takes the mound, which is likely to come at home early next week against the Royals.

Eovaldi (forearm) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session this weekend, MLB.com reports.

Eovaldi has thrown two encouraging bullpen sessions this week, including Wednesday when he worked the equivalent of two innings. The Rangers presumably will check to see how the right-hander is feeling following this weekend's session before deciding on next steps.

Cecconi did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over four innings against Colorado. He struck out four.

Cecconi struggled in the opening frame, allowing a walk and three hits, including a solo home run to Ryan McMahon. The right-hander would throw three scoreless innings from that point on but was relieved by Tyler Gilbert in the bottom of the fifth after hitting Ezequiel Tovar with a pitch to begin the frame. The 24-year-old Cecconi has now allowed two runs in two of his three appearances this season, while his 76 pitches Wednesday marked a season high.

Gomber did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks over 5.1 innings against the Diamondbacks. He struck out one.

After giving up a two-run home run to Christian Walker in the opening frame, Gomber seemed to find his groove, as he responded with four shutout innings. However, the lefty fell apart in the sixth, walking three of the first five batters he faced while also surrendering two hits, which would lead to four more runs coming across for Arizona. Despite allowing six runs, Gomber was able to escape with the no-decision, though he's now given up at least six hits in seven straight starts. He's also issued three walks in two of his last three outings, and the six runs were the most he's allowed since June 9 against the Padres.

Maeda did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings against the Tigers. He struck out six.

Maeda struck out four batters over the first two innings and appeared to be on track for his third quality start in a row. However, the right-hander ran into trouble in the top of the third after allowing a leadoff single to Akil Baddoo, which would be followed by home runs from Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson in two of the next three at-bats. Maeda had gone at least five innings in each of his previous five starts coming in, and the seven hits allowed Wednesday were the most he's given up since April 26. Despite the poor outing, he still holds a 2.81 ERA to go along with a healthy 17:2 K:BB through three starts this month.

Oviedo (6-13) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs on five hits and five walks over four innings against the Mets. He struck out three.

Oviedo really struggled with his command early on, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks in the second inning while also being charged with a balk. He issued five walks in the contest, which matched his season high, and needed 78 pitches to get through just four innings. The right-hander has now lost back-to-back starts after previously winning three in a row, logging an uninspiring 7:7 K:BB over that two-game stretch.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo would not commit to activating Davies (back) for a start Sunday, Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports.

Davies had a second rehab start Tuesday, throwing 80 pitches, which lines up perfectly for a Sunday return, but the skipper isn't ready to make that decision. "We're just gonna evaluate him day to day," Lovullo said. "He's gonna rejoin us at some point. When that happens, we're not sure." Perhaps the results of Tuesday's start linger with the manager. The right-hander allowed seven runs on 11 hits with just two strikeouts in three innings. Lovullo was encouraged that Davies pitched with more of a gameplan following a five-run first inning, then added he wants to make sure Davies is feeling good following the outing.