MLB Player News

Morton allowed four runs on four hits and two walks with five strikeouts in five innings in a no-decision versus Arizona on Tuesday.

Morton lasted long enough to qualify for the win, but Atlanta's bullpen couldn't maintain the lead. Christian Walker took Morton deep for a two-run home run in the first inning, and Arizona was able to scrape together two more runs that were charged to the starter in the sixth. Morton has only completed six innings once this season, posting a lackluster 5.47 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 46:22 K:BB across 49.1 innings in 10 starts this year. He's projected to make his next start in Colorado this weekend, which is an unfavorable matchup.

Montas (2-5) allowed two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts in seven innings against the Astros on Tuesday. He didn't walk a batter, and he took the loss.

Montas was strong in this contest, but Chas McCormick tagged him for an RBI single and a solo home run. That was enough to send Montas to a hard-luck loss, his fourth in his last eight starts since his most recent win. The right-hander has now posted three games without issuing a walk, though one of those was an injury-shortened start. He's at a 3.20 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 71:15 K:BB through 64.2 innings. The 29-year-old is projected to face the Red Sox at home this weekend.

Javier allowed a run on four hits and four walks with four strikeouts over four innings in a no-decision versus the Athletics on Tuesday.

Javier wasn't efficient in this outing, throwing only 47 of 85 pitches for strikes. The four walks were a season high for the right-hander, but the Athletics were only able to scrape together a single run on a Cristian Pache RBI single. Javier owns a 2.41 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 52:15 K:BB across 41 innings in 10 appearances (six starts) this year. He'll look to pitch deeper in his next scheduled start, which is expected to be at home versus the Mariners next week.

McCullers (forearm) completed a 15-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

McCullers threw changeups and two-seam fastballs, which averaged about 86 mph. The 28-year-old's velocity sat in the low 80s during his previous bullpen session, and he continues to ramp up his throwing program. McCullers is scheduled to take the mound for another bullpen session Friday.

Alexander will be promoted from Triple-A Nashville to start Wednesday's game against the Cubs, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old inked a minor-league deal with Milwaukee during the offseason and will now receive his first opportunity in the majors. Alexander has pitched well through nine appearances for Nashville this season with a 2.64 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 33:12 K:BB over 47.2 innings. The right-hander could receive another look through the rotation with a strong performance Wednesday since Brandon Woodruff (ankle) and Freddy Peralta (lat) are both on the injured list.

Wacha (3-1) was charged with the loss Tuesday after he tossed 5.2 innings, giving up an unearned run on three hits while striking three against the Reds.

Wacha got a tough-luck loss in this one, surrendering his only run with two outs in the top of the sixth when Matt Reynolds scored on a throwing error. The 30-year-old was forced out of the contest after the error and fell one out short of his second quality start of the season. Wacha has now allowed two or fewer runs in seven out of eight starts this year, and he now has a 2.43 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 27 punchouts over 40.2 innings this season. He tentatively lines up to face the Angels in his next start Monday.

Steele allowed three runs on three hits and four walks over five innings in an 8-7 win Tuesday over Milwaukee. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision.

Steele gave up three runs in the third inning on three hits and a walk. Through four innings, the lefty had thrown 89 pitches and walked a batter in each frame. Somewhat surprisingly, he came back out for the fifth inning and retired the side in order, finishing with a career-high 102 pitches thrown. The 26-year-old has completed five innings in only four of his 10 starts and has an alarming 23 walks in 40 innings.

Castillo (2-2) earned the win after he pitched six scoreless innings Tuesday, surrendering one hit and three walks while striking out 10 versus the Red Sox.

Castillo was dominant from the get go Tuesday, limiting the Red Sox to just four baserunners while punching out a season-high 10 batters. He has given up three or fewer runs in all five of his starts this season and has notched two quality starts in his last three outings. On the season, Castillo owns a 3.38 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 28 strikeouts over 26.2 frames. He's tentatively set to pitch again Sunday against the Nationals.

Lauer allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, three walks and a hit batsman in four innings of an 8-7 loss Tuesday against the Cubs. He struck out six and did not factor into the decision.

Lauer tossed 27 pitches in the first and 31 more in the fourth, allowing runs in each inning. All in all, he threw only 55 of 89 pitches for strikes. After issuing just eight free passes in his first seven starts, the lefty has walked seven batters over his last two starts, spanning nine innings. Despite the recent hiccup, Lauer still has a 2.49 ERA and 61:15 K:BB rate over 50.2 innings to start the season.

Syndergaard (4-3) took the loss Tuesday after he gave up five runs on seven hits and a walk over 2.1 innings against the Yankees.

Syndergaard gave up four runs in the first frame, including a two-run homer by Matt Carpenter, before DJ LeMahieu ripped an RBI double in the second. Thor failed to strike out a batter in the contest, marking the second time in his last three outings he's given up four or more runs. Over his last three starts, Syndergaard has allowed 10 runs over 11 innings, raising his ERA from 2.45 to 4.02 on the season. He tentatively lines up to toe the rubber again Monday versus the Red Sox.