• Matz throws two innings in rehab game
    Cardinals sent LHP Steven Matz on rehab assignment to Triple-A Memphis.

    Advice: Matz threw two scoreless innings and had two strikeouts in his first rehab start on Thursday. The 33-year-old left-hander has been on the injured list since mid-May with a back injury. Rotoworld Today, 5:46 am
    Steven MatzSTL - SP,RP
    5:15 pm vs COL
     
  • Big improvement over Wednesday
    Beeks picked up five outs for the Rockies in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Cardinals, striking out two while allowing no hits or walks between the eighth and ninth innings.

    Advice: This was a major improvement on Beeks' outing Wednesday, in which he allowed five earned runs and blew the save in a loss to the Reds. The bad news, however, is that the Rockies brought in Tyler Kinley to get the final out and record the save Thursday. Beeks does lead the Rockies with six saves, but the team's closing situation is as muddled as it has been at any point this season. Five different players have saves for a team that's won only 22 games all year. Rotowire.com Today, 12:35 am
     
  • Fans eight in victory
    Greene (4-2) earned the win over the Cubs on Thursday, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight batters over 6.2 innings.

    Advice: Greene gave up a pair of two-run homers but otherwise kept the Cubs off the scoreboard. The right-hander racked up 17 whiffs among his 111 pitches and gave Cincinnati 6.2 frames, marking the fifth straight start during which he's completed at least six innings. Greene ranks 11th in the majors with 77.1 frames on the season while recording a 3.61 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 84:32 K:BB. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:31 pm
  • Struggles with control in loss
    Lopez (5-6) took the loss against the Yankees on Thursday, allowing seven runs on four hits and six walks while striking out four batters over four innings.

    Advice: Lopez threw just 54 of 96 pitches for strikes and issued a season-high six walks -- more than he had handed out over his previous seven starts combined. Three of the free passes came to consecutive batters leading off the third frame, and all three of the recipients came around to score. The wildness was probably an aberration for Lopez considering his overall track record, but even when he's finding the strike zone, he's been struggling to get batters out. Over his past four starts, Lopez has allowed 21 earned runs over 20.2 innings, pushing his season ERA to a very disappointing 5.45. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:15 pm
  • Records save Thursday
    Holmes earned a save against the Twins on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

    Advice: Holmes gave up a one-out single after entering the game in the ninth frame, but that's all Minnesota managed against him. The talented closer has held the opponent without an earned run in 27 of his 28 appearances this season, resulting in an excellent 1.32 ERA. Holmes ranks third in the majors with 18 saves (in 21 chances) on the campaign. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 11:08 pm
     
  • Struggles against Twins
    Stroman allowed five runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two batters over 4.2 innings in a no-decision against Minnesota on Thursday.

    Advice: Stroman was handed a 7-2 lead through four innings but couldn't go deep enough to qualify for the victory. He allowed two doubles and a walk while also hitting a batter in the fifth frame, retiring only two batters before he was pulled. This was a big letdown for Stroman after he notched four consecutive quality starts while posting a 1.01 ERA over his previous 26.2 innings coming into Thursday. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, which tentatively lines up to take place in Kansas City next week. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:47 pm
  • Holmes picks up 18th save against Twins
    Clay Holmes tossed a scoreless inning and picked up the save against the Twins on Thursday.

    Advice: The save was Holmes’ 18th of the season. He has allowed an earned run in only one of 28 appearances this year. Holmes has been fabulous with a 1.32 ERA and 28 strikeouts on the season. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:24 pm
     
  • Lopez allows seven runs in loss Thursday
    Pablo Lopez allowed seven runs in four innings and took the loss against the Yankees on Thursday.

    Advice: Lopez gave up four hits, walked six and struck out four. It was a tough matchup against the Yankees, but Lopez was shaky in this one. He hit Austin Wells in the second inning and he scored on a home run by Trent Gresham. In the third inning, Lopez walked the bases loaded and all three of the runners ended up scoring. In the fourth inning, he walked Aaron Judge, who also ended up scoring. Lopez’ ERA is up to 5.45 on the season, but his xFIP is significantly lower at 3.42. The 28-year-old right-hander is set up for a bounce back matchup against the Rockies at home next week. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:20 pm
  • Stroman allows five in no-decision Thursday
    Marcus Stroman allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings and got a no-decision in the Yankees’ 8-5 victory over the Twins on Thursday.

    Advice: Stroman gave up six hits, walked two and struck out two. He didn’t qualify for the win because he was unable to complete five innings. Stroman’s ERA is 3.16 on the season, but his xFIP is significantly higher at 4.48. He’s never been a big strikeout pitcher and has benefitted from an 82 percent left on base percentage this year. Stroman is certainly due for regression in that area. The 33-year-old right-hander is set to face the Royals at home next week. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:18 pm