MLB Player News

McKenzie (9-9) yielded two runs on six hits over seven innings Friday, striking out 14 and earning a win over the White Sox.

McKenzie was nearly untouchable Friday and set new career highs with 25 swinging strikes and 14 punchouts. After allowing two runs on four hits in the first inning, he retired 18 of the next 20 batters, including 13 via strikeout. The 25-year-old lowered his season ERA to 3.11 with a strong 138:35 K:BB over 141.2 innings. Since the start of July, McKenzie is 5-3 with a 1.91 ERA across nine starts. He'll look to keep the momentum rolling in Seattle next week.

Ashcraft yielded three runs on nine hits and a walk over 6.2 frames Friday against Pittsburgh. He struck out eight and did not factor in the decision.

Ashcraft rolled through five shutout frames without much resistance before the Pirates broke through in the sixth inning on their way to a win. The 24-year-old rookie tied his season best with eight strikeouts while firing 62 of 85 pitches for strikes. He's sporting a 3.97 ERA with a 64:23 K:BB through 16 starts. Ashcraft is projected to start in Philadelphia next week.

Kershaw (back) threw a bullpen session Friday, Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA reports.

The veteran left-hander is nearly two weeks removed from an epidural injection, and he's now resumed mound work. Kershaw will be evaluated Saturday and could begin facing live batters next week with a simulated game to follow. Barring any setbacks, he's on track to return from the injured within the next couple weeks.

Peterson will be recalled to start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Phillies, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The left-hander picked up the win with 5.1 scoreless frames in a spot start Aug. 6 against Atlanta, and he'll rejoin the big club Saturday for this twin bill. Peterson has been an effective rotation option for the Mets in 14 starts this year with a 3.17 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 83:33 K:BB over 71 innings.

Sanchez (shoulder) experienced right shoulder discomfort Wednesday while throwing at the Marlins' spring training facility in Jupiter, Fla., Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

Sanchez has been throwing bullpen sessions and was recently scheduled for a simulated game, but his progression will be paused due to the discomfort. According to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald, the 24-year-old is scheduled to resume his throwing program Monday, so it appears to be a minor issue.

Mahle (shoulder) felt good Friday and went through most of his usual routine between starts, but he's likely to have his scheduled turn through the rotation Tuesday pushed back or skipped, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander has been temporarily shut down from throwing after exiting Wednesday's start with general soreness and fatigue in his shoulder, though there doesn't seem to be any major concern regarding the injury. Still, Mahle isn't expected to be ready for his regular turn through the rotation Tuesday, so there's a chance he ends up on the injured list.

Severino (lat) is expected to throw live batting practice Tuesday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Severino threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Monday, marking the first time he's thrown off a mound since July 14. He'll be cleared to face hitters early next week, and he'll likely be in consideration to begin a rehab assignment shortly after. The right-hander isn't eligible to return from the injured list until mid-September, but he appears to be trending in the right direction.

Arihara will make his next start with the Rangers on Sunday in Minnesota.

Arihara turned in a decent season debut Tuesday -- he struck out six while allowing three earned runs over 5.2 innings in a loss to Oakland -- and the coaching staff was satisfied enough with the 30-year-old's performance to hand him another turn through the rotation. He'll draw a much tougher matchup this time around, heading out to Target Field to face a Twins offense that ranks seventh in the majors this season with a 111 wRC+.

Senzatela was placed on the 15-day injured list with a torn left ACL on Friday.

Senzatela sustained his injury during Thursday's start against the Cardinals, and he underwent an MRI that revealed a torn ACL. The right-hander will be unavailable for the remainder of the 2022 season and has a return timetable of 6-8 months, but the Rockies hope that he'll be available sometime this spring, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports. Jhoulys Chacin (toe) was reinstated from the 15-day IL on Friday, but it's not yet clear who will take Senzatela's place in the starting rotation.

Keller (shoulder) will start Wednesday at home against Atlanta, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

He exited his start Tuesday with shoulder fatigue, and will end up getting a few extra days of rest while avoiding a stint on the injured list. Keller has a 4.26 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB in 25.1 innings over his last five starts.