MLB Player News

Kilian (0-2) allowed seven runs (five earned) on three hits across 2.1 innings to take the loss Monday against the Pirates. He walked five and struck out three.

Kilian couldn't find the plate Monday, as he walked five of the 15 batters he faced and also uncorked a wild pitch. Through 11.1 innings so far this season, the 25-year-old now has 11 walks. Kilian is considered the Cubs' top pitching prospect, though it seems like he still needs some refinement before taking off at the MLB level. For now, he's slated to start again Saturday against the Cardinals, but he may return to Triple-A Iowa at some point.

Thompson is expected to work out of the bullpen for now, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Thompson has made one start and two relief appearances thus far in his career. He was knocked around for five runs in five innings by the Pirates in his lone start but allowed just one run in a combined seven innings as a reliever. His next relief outings may be shorter, however, as the Cardinals appear set to match him up against other teams' toughest lefties rather than use him in a multi-inning role.

Hicks (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Hicks has been out for nearly a month with a flexor injury. The length of his absence means he'll probably need more than one rehab outing, though the Cardinals have yet to specify exactly when he's expected to return. The righty is reportedly expected to pitch in a relief role upon his return to the majors.

Knehr was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Monday.

Knehr spent the weekend in the Padres' bullpen and struck out four in two scoreless relief innings during Friday's game against the Rockies. However, he'll head back to the minors after CJ Abrams was recalled Monday.

Hader (personal) was activated off the restricted list Monday.

Hader was placed on the paternity list Wednesday and wound up shifting to the restricted list later in the week in order to spend a few extra days with his family. He's ready to go again now and should recapture the dominance which has seen him hold the opposition scoreless in 20 of his 21 appearances this season. Aaron Ashby (forearm) landed on the injured list in a corresponding move.

Kimbrel (0-3) took the loss against Cleveland on Sunday, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two in one inning.

Kimbrel entered the contest in the ninth inning with the score tied 3-3. He struck out the first batter he faced but then allowed a pair of hits and two walks (one intentional) to the next four batters. The Guardians added a sacrifice fly and netted two total runs in the inning on their way to victory. Kimbrel has been struggling for over a month, posting a 7.30 ERA and 1.86 WHIP while taking three losses and a blown save over his past 13 games. He does have seven saves and a massive 17.5 K/9 over 12.1 innings during that span, and his closer job is probably secure for the time being.

Gott (groin) will report to High-A Wisconsin on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment.

Gott was placed on the 15-day injured list June 7 with a right groin strain but looks as though he could be ready to rejoin the Brewers shortly after a minimum-length stay on the shelf. Prior to being deactivated, he appeared in 22 games of the bullpen and submitted a 3.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 21:3 K:BB across 21 innings.

Long struck out one and allowed an earned run on three hits over 1.2 innings of relief in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Pirates.

After making a three-inning start Wednesday against the Royals, Long moved to the bullpen and came on in relief of starter Alex Cobb on three days' rest. The Giants' decision to make Long available out of the bullpen suggests that the team anticipates Anthony DeSclafani (ankle) returning from the 60-day injured list during the upcoming week to replace Long as its No. 5 starter.

Mears (elbow) moved his rehab assignment to Triple-A Indianapolis on June 7 and has made five appearances for the affiliate, covering 4.1 innings while giving up three earned runs on three hits and three walks and striking out six.

Mears opened his 30-day rehab window at Single-A Bradenton on May 25, so the Pirates will either have to pull him off the assignment or activate him from the 60-day injured list during the upcoming week. Since the Pirates may not have a spot available for him in the big leagues once he's formally reinstated, Mears could end up being optioned to Indianapolis.

Castano is listed as the Marlins' scheduled starting pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Rockies in Miami.

With Jesus Luzardo (forearm), Cody Poteet (elbow) and Edward Cabrera (elbow) all stuck on the injured list, Castano will be awarded a second straight turn in the rotation. The 27-year-old lefty impressed last week against the Phillies in his first start of the season at the MLB level, covering 6.2 scoreless innings while scattering five hits and two walks. He'll line up for two starts this week, with his second turn set to come Sunday at home against the Mets.