MLB Player News

Smyly (oblique) allowed four runs on five hits and a walk with one strikeout in two-plus innings Sunday versus the Dodgers. He did not factor in the decision.

Smyly was expected to see a slight workload restriction, but his removal Sunday was instead based on poor performance. He was spotted a five-run lead before he took the mound, but he gave up three runs in the first inning and put traffic on the bases again in the third before his exit. The 33-year-old southpaw missed over a month with the right oblique strain. He has a 4.43 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 35:11 K:BB through 44.2 innings in 10 starts this year. The Cubs could have as many as seven pitchers stretched out as starters for the upcoming week, so it's uncertain if Smyly will get another start before the All-Star break -- if he does, it'll likely be in a home game versus the Mets next weekend.

Suarez (1-2) allowed four runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one in 3.2 innings to take the loss during Sunday's game against the Orioles.

Suarez hadn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last five outings and held Baltimore scoreless over three innings Sunday, but he struggled against the surging Orioles in the bottom of the fourth inning and took his first loss since April 30. Over his last five appearances, the southpaw has posted a 3.80 ERA in 23.2 innings. He tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Dodgers on Saturday.

Alcantara allowed six hits and a walk over seven shutout frames in Sunday's extra-inning win over the Mets. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Alcantara sprinkled six singles and a walk across his scoreless outing and never faced much of a threat from the Mets. The 26-year-old has fired 15 shutout innings over his last two starts, lowering his season ERA to 1.73 across a league-leading 130.1 frames. Over his last 12 outings, he's sporting an outstanding 1.24 ERA with an 80:15 K:BB. Alcantara is projected to face the Phillies at home next week.

Urias allowed five runs on three hits, a walk and two hit batters while striking out three over two innings in a no-decision versus the Cubs on Sunday.

Urias gave up all five runs in the first inning, which included a grand slam by P.J. Higgins. This ended Urias' four-start winning streak, and it was his shortest outing since his season debut. The southpaw has given up four or more runs only four times in 17 starts, so this is likely just a bump in the road rather than a sign of regression. He has a 3.01 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 86:22 K:BB across 89.2 innings, and he'll try to bounce back in a road start versus the Angels next weekend.

Heaney (shoulder) is slated to join the Dodgers on their upcoming road trip and toss a simulated game Tuesday before embarking on a four-inning minor-league rehab assignment, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Heaney tossed a bullpen session Saturday that reportedly went well, and he's next expected to face live hitters in a simulated game. If that goes well, the left-hander could pitch around four innings in a minor-league contest by the end of next weekend. Heaney appears on track to return to the major-league club soon after the All-Star break.

Lodolo (2-2) allowed three runs on nine hits and a walk over five innings Sunday, striking out six and earning a win over the Rays.

Lodolo gave up four hits through three shutout frames before the Rays produced a three-run fourth inning, started by Randy Arozarena's leadoff shot. In two starts since his return from the injured list, the 24-year-old southpaw has posted a 14:4 K:BB while yielding three runs over 9.2 frames. Lodolo is now sporting a 4.44 ERA through five starts this season. He's projected to start in St. Louis next weekend.

Gore (4-4) took the loss during Sunday's 12-0 defeat at the hands of the Giants, allowing eight runs on eight hits and one walk with two strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

Gore delivered a 1-2-3 first inning but it was all downhill from there as the rookie served up two-run home runs in the second and third and surrendered four more runs in the fourth before being pulled. It's the second instance in four turns where the 23-year-old has permitted eight runs, and his ERA has spiked more than 2.5 runs from 1.50 to 4.08 since June 11. The one positive takeaway is the one free pass Gore issued snapped a six-start streak of walking at least three, though he's still averaging a lofty 4.3 BB/9. He'll look to turn things around against Arizona next weekend.

Baz (1-2) allowed seven runs on eight hits over 2.1 innings Sunday, striking out two and taking a loss against the Reds.

Baz turned in a pair of scoreless frames before the Reds tagged him for seven runs in the third. He gave up three two-run homers in the inning to Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson and Mike Moustakas. The 23-year-old righty had allowed just two home runs through 24.2 frames entering Sunday's start. Baz now owns an unsightly 5.00 ERA with a 30:9 K:BB over six starts. He's lined up to face Baltimore at home next week.

Whitley exited Sunday's start at Triple-A Sugar Land due to right shoulder inflammation, Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston reports.

Whitley appeared to be favoring his throwing arm as he left the field Sunday, and he's apparently dealing with inflammation. It's not yet clear whether the issue will require a trip to the injured list.

Wood (6-7) earned the win during Sunday's 12-0 victory over San Diego, allowing three hits and one walk with eight strikeouts in seven scoreless innings.

Wood took a no-hitter into the sixth inning as he cruised through seven easy frames on just 83 pitches while posting season bests with eight strikeouts and a 78 game score. The 31-year-old could've worked deeper but manager Gabe Kapler perhaps opted to play it safe as Wood departed his previous start early with hamstring cramps. Wood has responded to consecutive losses by surrendering only one run over his last 12 innings and now sports a 4.43 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 83 strikeouts in 85.1 innings. He's currently scheduled to pitch again next weekend at home against Milwaukee.