MLB Player News

Falter was removed from Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks with a right groin injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The 25-year-old made a second straight turn through the rotation Wednesday in place of Zack Wheeler (forearm), and the lefty allowed only one run on five hits with six strikeouts and zero walks before the injury forced his exit with one out in the seventh inning. Falter left with a double-digit run lead and is in line for the victory, and it's an unceremonious end to a strong outing. Regardless of his health, Falter may not receive another start with Wheeler possibly reclaiming his rotation spot next week.

Bubic (2-10) allowed two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out one over six innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus the White Sox.

By his recent performances, this was actually a good start, though the four walks were the second-highest amount he's allowed in one game this year. Bubic limited the damage to solo home runs by AJ Pollock and Elvis Andrus, but the Royals' lack of run support did him in. Through 23 outings (22 starts), Bubic has a 5.47 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 84:53 K:BB through 105.1 innings. The southpaw is lined up for a home start versus the Guardians next week.

Quintana pitched 4.2 innings, surrendering two runs on seven hits while walking a batter and striking out one in Wednesday's extra-inning victory over the Reds. He did not factor into the decision.

Quintana pitched two scoreless innings to open Wednesday's contest before the Reds were able to scratch across two runs in the bottom of the third. He was later removed from the game after giving up a two-out single to Nick Senzel in the bottom of the fifth frame. Quintana has not been quite as sharp since he was traded to the Cardinals on Aug. 1, compiling a 3.38 ERA with an inflated 1.53 WHIP over 29.1 innings in six starts.

Lynn (4-5) allowed one run on four hits and a hit batter while striking out eight over seven innings to earn the win over the Royals on Wednesday.

Lynn didn't miss a turn through the rotation during his time on the bereavement list. The right-hander returned with his fourth quality start in six outings in August. Across 36.2 innings for the month, he allowed just 11 runs (10 earned) while striking out 42 and walking just three. The strong month lowered his season ERA to 4.70 with a 11.4 WHIP and 91:13 K:BB through 84.1 innings across 15 starts overall. Lynn is projected for a road start in Seattle next week.

Gonzales (10-12) earned the win after he tossed six innings, giving up three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out one versus the Tigers on Wednesday.

Gonzales gave up two runs in the bottom of the second after allowing the first three batters he faced to reach base in the inning. He later surrendered another run in the bottom of sixth on a Jeimer Candelario RBI single. Gonzales has now produced three strong starts in a row after he gave up five runs against the Rangers on Aug. 13, compiling a 2.76 ERA over those three outings.

McKenzie (9-11) was charged with the loss after he pitched five innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven Wednesday versus the Orioles.

McKenzie didn't have his best stuff Wednesday, failing to pitch at least six innings for the first time since July 23. He walked in a run in the top of the third frame and surrendered a solo homer to Gunnar Henderson in the fourth. The outing snapped the 25-year-old's streak of four consecutive quality starts. McKenzie has produced a 2.48 ERA with 36 strikeouts over 32.2 innings in his last five outings.

Lyles (10-9) earned the win after he pitched 6.2 innings, giving up four hits and three walks while striking out two versus the Guardians on Wednesday.

Lyles was electric Wednesday, blanking the Guardians for 6.2 frames while allowing his lowest hit total since July 28. The right-hander has now produced back-to-back quality starts after a rough stretch in the middle of August, allowing one run over 13.2 frames in his last two outings. Lyles now owns a 4.25 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with 123 punchouts over 152.1 innings in 27 starts this year.

Wheeler (forearm) is expected to throw a bullpen session this weekend, and if all goes well, he could be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday against the Marlins, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The veteran right-hander landed on the shelf last week with forearm tendinitis, but he may be looking at a minimum-length stay on the IL. If Wheeler is able to return next week, he may not have any significant workload limitations given the brevity of his absence.

Lorenzen (shoulder) will continue his rehab assignment Friday with Single-A Inland Empire, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Lorenzen surrendered six runs over 3.2 innings during his second rehab outing with Triple-A Salt Lake last weekend, and he'll require at least one more start in the minors before potentially rejoining the Angels. The 30-year-old has been sidelined by the shoulder strain since July 1 and has a 4.94 ERA this season in his first extended run as a starter since his rookie campaign in 2015.

Steele (back/personal) is expected to start Tuesday against the Reds, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Steele exited his start against the Brewers on Friday due to low-back tightness and is on the restricted list for the Cubs' series in Toronto that concludes Wednesday. The southpaw will get some extra time to rest upon his return from the restricted list, but he'll likely return to the mound for Tuesday's series opener against the Reds at Wrigley Field.