MLB Player News

Stripling was removed from Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Angels with left abdominal discomfort.

Stripling delivered two scoreless frames with one hit and one walk allowed before exiting the contest. The right-hander's status for his next turn through the rotation is uncertain.

McKenzie allowed two runs on four hits and one walk with five strikeouts through six innings, taking a no-decision in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Oakland.

McKenzie got better as the game went on Tuesday night, striking out four consecutive Oakland batters in his third trip through the order. The only damage to his line came on a Sean Murphy RBI double in the second and a Seth Brown solo homer in the fourth. While this is McKenzie's fifth straight start in which he has allowed multiple earned runs, the 24-year-old needed just 86 pitches to get through six innings and scored a quality start. McKenzie has never thrown more than 93 pitches in a start in his career, suggesting there is a limit as to how far Cleveland will push him. However, he has now gone six or more innings in four of his last six starts. The lanky right-hander didn't venture beyond 5.1 innings in any of his first 11 starts this season.

Smyly (8-3) allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out seven across six innings, earning the win over the Reds on Tuesday.

Smyly allowed just four baserunners through six innings. The only damage against him came on a two-run homer by Aristides Aquino in the second inning. It was Smyly's first quality outing since June 25, but he hasn't lost in his last 12 starts. The 32-year-old carries a 4.41 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 92 strikeouts in 102 innings. His next start is scheduled for Sunday in Washington.

Hill will start Thursday against the Nationals rather than Wednesday as previously expected, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

The Mets are opting to swap Hill and Stroman's start days in order to keep the latter on normal rest. The shuffle sets Hill up to take the ball on six days of rest after he allowed just one unearned run across five innings in his previous outing against Miami.

GM Zack Scott said Tuesday "it would be a good thing" for the Mets to get Syndergaard (elbow) "back in September in a role where he can help the club in relief," Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Scott indicated in late July a relief role could be on tap for Syndergaard as he makes his return from Tommy John surgery, and the general manager strengthened that stance Tuesday. The right-hander has recently been throwing bullpen sessions, and returning as a reliever would shorten his rehab program compared to the buildup necessary for a starting role.

Manager Chris Woodward said Dunning (ankle) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Friday against the Athletics, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports.

Dunning landed on the shelf following his last start Aug. 2, and he's set to rejoin the rotation after being sidelined for the 10-day minimum. Assuming he's cleared to pitch Friday, the right-hander shouldn't face any significant workload limitations in his return to the mound.

German (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

German was shut down for approximately one week after landing on the injured list Aug. 1 with right shoulder inflammation. Manager Aaron Boone announced Monday that the right-hander was close to throwing again, and it sounds like he'll throw off a mound Thursday. It's not clear how many pitches German will deliver during the session, but if all goes well, it's possible he rejoins the rotation without requiring a rehab outing.

Stroman will start Wednesday against the Nationals rather than Thursday as previously scheduled, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Rich Hill was previously slated to toe the rubber Wednesday, but he will now swap starting spots with Stroman in order to keep the latter on a normal four days of rest. Stroman last pitched Friday, allowing two runs on five hits in a loss to the Phillies.

Manager Aaron Boone said Montgomery (COVID-19) could rejoin the Yankees this weekend to throw a bullpen session, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Montgomery was placed on the injured list Aug. 3 after testing positive for COVID-19, but he's nearing his return to the active roster. If he's able to throw this weekend with no issues, the left-hander could rejoin the rotation next week.

Manager Aaron Boone said Cole (COVID-19) could rejoin the Yankees this weekend to throw a bullpen session, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cole was placed on the injured list Aug. 2 after testing positive for COVID-19, but he's closing in on his return to the Yankees. The 30-year-old could rejoin the rotation next week if he throws this weekend with no issues.