MLB Player News

Ray allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five batters over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Monday.

Ray and Braxton Ashcraft traded zeroes until the sixth inning, when Pittsburgh notched a pair of runs on Ray's ledger. The first came on an Esmerlyn Valdez solo homer, while the second run crossed the plate on a double after Ray departed. While his final frame spoiled Ray's shot at a second straight quality start, it was nonetheless an overall positive outing by the left-hander, who has given up two or fewer runs in three of his four outings since joining San Diego at the trade deadline. Ray will likely need to clean up his 15:13 K:BB across 20.1 innings during that span to build consistent success, but he's being counted on to fortify a Padres rotation that could get back both Joe Musgrove (elbow) and Nick Pivetta (forearm) at some point in September.

Ramirez earned a save against the Padres on Monday by striking out all three batters he faced in the 12th inning.

With primary closer Mason Montgomery as well as top setup man Luke Weaver having pitched earlier in the game, manager Don Kelly turned to Ramirez after Pittsburgh took a 3-2 lead in the top of the 12th frame. The righty reliever performed in dominant fashion, striking out the side on 17 total pitches. It was the second save of the season for Ramirez and the ninth of his seven-year MLB career. Montgomery has been outstanding of late and is in no danger of losing his closer role, so fantasy managers in need of saves need not speculate on Ramirez getting many (if any) final-inning chances moving forward.

Ashcraft allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out two batters over six innings in a no-decision against San Diego on Monday.

Ashcraft held the Padres scoreless until the sixth inning, when he balked home a run. That ended up being the only time San Diego scored while the righty starter was in the game, as he notched his third consecutive quality start and 13th overall this season. Ashcraft has given up exactly one run in each of his past three outings, posting a remarkable 1.17 ERA across 23 innings during that span. The 26-year-old has blossomed this season into a very promising MLB starter, posting a 13-5 record with a 3.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 161:34 K:BB across 155.1 frames spanning 26 starts.

Wheeler (10-5) took the loss against Seattle on Monday, allowing eight runs on nine hits and five walks while striking out four batters over four-plus innings.

Wheeler looked entirely off his game Monday -- he tied season-worst marks with five walks and four homers allowed while needing 103 pitches to cover just four frames. The veteran hurler's outing ended on an especially sour note when he gave up back-to-back long balls leading off the fifth inning before being pulled. Wheeler has now gone six straight starts without completing six innings, and he's given up four or more runs four times during that span while going 0-3. After posting an outstanding 2.13 ERA across 15 first-half appearances, he's stumbled to a 7.18 ERA through seven second-half starts. He'll try to turn things around the next time he takes the mound, which lines up to be a road matchup versus the Angels.

Whisenhunt left Monday's game against the Reds due to left elbow pain, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

This update doesn't provide much additional information, so it appears the team needs to run additional tests to determine the severity of Whisenhunt's elbow injury. It's not yet clear if the southpaw will be able to make his next start, which tentatively lines up for Saturday against Arizona.

Gray (elbow) is scheduled to make the third appearance of his rehab assignment Tuesday with High-A Wilmington, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Gray has spent the entire season on the injured list after suffering a right flexor strain during spring training. He was cleared to begin his rehab assignment at Single-A Fredericksburg last week and covered three innings between two appearances, striking out three batters while allowing one run on four hits and one walk. Gray was deployed in relief in both of those outings, so the Nationals may be leaning toward bringing him back from the 60-day IL as a multi-inning reliever rather than stretching him out for a starting role.

Phillips will start Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Phillips was deployed as a reliever in his last appearance Aug. 18 against the Phillies, but he'll work as a starter Tuesday as the Marlins look to bounce back from a loss in the series opener. The 28-year-old has been a solid option for the Marlins over his last eight outings, posting a 3.98 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with a 27:10 K:BB across 31.2 frames.

The Cubs outrighted Miller to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Miller was booted off the 40-man roster Friday, and after going unclaimed on waivers, he'll stay in the organization and report to Iowa. He's slashed .299/.352/.459 with seven home runs and 10 stolen bases over 96 games this season at Triple-A.

Whisenhunt left Monday's start against the Reds due to an apparent left arm injury, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He allowed two hits and one walk while striking out three over 2.2 scoreless innings prior to exiting.

Whisenhunt walked off the field with team trainers in the top of the third inning, though the severity of the injury remains unclear. He'll likely be sent for further tests to determine whether he'll require a trip to the injured list.

Vivas went 3-for-5 with two RBI, a run scored and a strikeout during a 13-3 win over Colorado on Monday.

Vivas recorded his second three-hit game of the season and first since June 27 on Monday. The 25-year-old slashed a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh to extend the Nationals' lead to eight. On the campaign, Vivas is slashing .239/.324/.320 with three homers and 24 RBI in 287 plate appearances.