MLB Player News

Pivetta (forearm) will throw a live batting practice session this week, Annie Heilbrunn of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

It's a big step for Pivetta, who will face hitters for the first time since going down with a right flexor strain in mid-April. The veteran right-hander could be ready for rehab assignment if his live BP goes well, but he will require several rehab starts to get built back up before rejoining the Padres' rotation.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Monday did not rule out Diaz (elbow) being activated from the 60-day injured list during this weekend's series against the Mets, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Diaz underwent surgery in late April to remove loose bodies in his right elbow. He's made four rehab appearances, facing just one over the minimum while logging a 7:1 K:BB over four innings. Diaz has not yet appeared in back-to-back games on his rehab assignment, and the Dodgers likely want him to check that box before he's reinstated. The 32-year-old Diaz is a safe bet to get his closer job back, but the Dodgers could have him make a lower-leverage appearance or two first.

The Marlins recalled Brzykcy from Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday.

Brzykcy has spent nearly all of the season at Jacksonville, where he's logged a 4.09 ERA and 35:19 K:BB over 33 innings. The right-hander will operate in low-leverage relief.

The Diamondbacks recalled Burgos from Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Burgos can provide multiple innings for an overused Arizona bullpen. The 26-year-old allowed one run in 1.1 innings in his lone appearance for the Diamondbacks earlier this season, and he's posted a 5.88 ERA and 23:15 K:BB over 33.2 frames with Reno.

The Diamondbacks optioned Abner to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Abner threw 46 pitches over two shutout innings in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh bullpen arm. It will be Juan Burgos taking Abner's spot on the roster.

The Cubs designated Pomeranz for assignment Monday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Pomeranz latched on with the Cubs earlier this month after being released by the Angels, but he fared worse during his time with the Northsiders. Between the two stops, the lefty holds a 5.59 ERA and 17:16 K:BB over 29 innings this season. The 37-year-old Pomeranz could have to accept a minor-league contract if he wants to continue pitching.

The Cubs placed Maton on the 15-day injured list Monday with right knee tendinitis, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Maton returned just over a week ago from the same injury and is now back on the IL after making just one appearance. Manager Craig Counsell said Monday that it will be "a little more of an extended absence" for Maton this time around, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. The reliever will receive multiple opinions on his knee before deciding on a course of action. It's been a struggle this season for the veteran reliever, as Maton has posted an ugly 6.18 ERA and 1.81 WHIP in 31 outings after inking a two-year, $14.5 million contract last offseason.

The Dodgers optioned Hurt to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.

Hurt will head back to the minors after he was summoned from Oklahoma City to serve as the 27th man for the Dodgers' doubleheader with the Yankees on Sunday. The right-hander struck out a batter and allowed no hits and two walks over two scoreless innings out of the bullpen in the Dodgers' 2-1 loss in the second game of the day.

The Phillies optioned Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Reliever Alex McFarlane was recalled from Double-A Reading in a corresponding move, but the Phillies will eventually need to add a new fifth starter to the mix following Rangel's demotion. The right-hander was sent back to the minors after he was torched for five runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings in Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Mets. Over six appearances (three starts) with the big club this season, Rangel has gone 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.59 WHIP across 23.1 frames.

The Rockies acquired Frasso and Landyn Vidourek from the Dodgers on Monday in exchange for Seth Halvorsen (shoulder), Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Frasso has moved to the bullpen this season at Triple-A Oklahoma City and turned in a 4.74 ERA and 40:17 K:BB over 24.2 innings. The 27-year-old was added to the 40-man roster by the Dodgers in June but has yet to make his major-league debut. Frasso could get an opportunity with the Rockies sooner rather than later.