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Four of the runs scored in the second. The Cubs had the bases loaded with no outs in the inning, but it looked like Nola might escape with little damage after inducing a double-play ball from Miguel Amaya. Instead, he walked Pete Crow-Armstrong and gave up a three-run homer to Dansby Swanson. Nola fell to 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA. Things here still seems a little better than last year, when he posted a 6.01 ERA, but a major rebound doesn’t appear to be on the way. He’ll face the Braves next weekend.

It was part of a two-hit, three-RBI game for the 23-year-old. Walker’s homer came off Paul Skenes in the first inning, just a few batters after JJ Wetherholt took him deep. Walker hadn’t homered since April 13th, and the strikeouts had been piling up lately, so this is a promising development. The swing-and-miss (plus his ground-ball rate) will continue to be what fantasy managers should track, since the bat speed and raw power are proven to play against major league pitching.

Dobbins also struck out five in the no-decision, which St. Louis went on to win 10-5. The right-hander was making his Cardinals debut after working back from last season’s ACL tear with the Red Sox. Acquired in an offseason trade for Willson Contreras, Dobbins mostly represents pitching depth for this staff. His next start could come at home against the Brewers if he remains in the rotation.

Skenes struck out nine and walked none, needing 102 pitches to get 15 outs. He gave up three runs in the top of the first, as both JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker took him deep. The reigning Cy Young winner had allowed one run or fewer in five straight entering Thursday. He’ll look to get back on track next time out in Arizona.

Wetherholt’s long ball came on the third pitch of the game and was one of two that Paul Skenes surrendered on Thursday. The rookie sensation has played second base and batted leadoff in all but one game for the Cardinals this year. He’s up to seven homers and four stolen bases to go along with a .256/.378/.479 triple slash.

That makes 25 RBI for Burleson, tying him for eighth in the MLB lead. One of them came on a near-check swing off Paul Skenes that fell perfectly into shallow left field. It’s been a surprisingly strong offensive start to the season for St. Louis, and Burleson’s role as the everyday three-hitter is certainly helping him drive teammates in.

The homer notably came off lefty reliever JJ Romero, Lowe’s second off a southpaw this season (and eighth total). He’s only started against one of the past five lefties Pittsburgh has faced, but he hits second against all right-handers. Not much about his hitting profile has changed since being traded to the Pirates. Health willing, he’ll remain one of the top power-hitting second basemen in the league.

Prior to exiting, Springs had given up two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four over his three innings of work. Unfortunately, he exited with a 5-2 lead and in line for a potential victory had he been able to work through another couple of frames. Expect the A’s to provide an update up his status and a potential timeline for his return as soon as more information is available.

Murphy relayed that Woodruff told him he doesn’t feel like he’s injured, that’s it’s just a dead arm situation. It sounds like a trip to the injured list could be in store for the 33-year-old hurler. Expect the Brewers to provide an update on his status after that evaluation.

Richards, 32, was off to a brilliant start at the Triple-A level, registering a 1.93 ERA, 0.57 WHIP and a 26/3 K/BB ratio over 14 innings in his first nine appearances. He’ll add a fresh arm to a depleted Phillies’ bullpen and if he can replicate his performance at Triple-A, there’s a chance that he could work his way into a high leverage role at some point.

The Phillies made the move in-between games of Thursday’s twin bill against the Giants. Trevor Richards was promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take his spot in the club’s bullpen. No word yet on the severity of the elbow issue for Backhus or how long he’ll be shelved for.