MLB Player News

Alexander was unavailable for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cubs due to unspecified soreness, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The 31-year-old likely would have pitched Tuesday if available, but Garrett Cleavinger ended up being the lefty called upon to close out Game 2. Alexander should be considered day-to-day, but a trip to the injured list could be in the cards if he can't be cleared soon, as the Dodgers utilized eight relievers during the twin bill.

Castro won't start Tuesday at St. Louis since the game was postponed due to inclement weather, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The 26-year-old was set to start a bullpen game after Jacob deGrom (lat) was a late scratch, but the game ended up being postponed. Castro may not end up receiving a starting opportunity, as the Mets will have some extra time to square away their pitching staff. The game will be made up via a doubleheader Wednesday with Marcus Stroman starting the matinee, while the starter for the nightcap remains up in the air.

Yamamoto was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The 24-year-old was set to start Opening Day at Triple-A on Tuesday, but he'll instead join the Mets after Jacob deGrom (lat) was scratched from his start. Miguel Castro will start what's expected to be a bullpen game, and Yamamoto is a likely candidate to cover some innings.

Hicks' elbow inflammation is expected to keep him out for at least four weeks, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.

Hicks left his outing Saturday against the Pirates with the injury. His removal was originally called precautionary, but he'll now be out until at least early June. Hicks had only thrown 10 innings since returning from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent back in June of 2019, so the Cardinals have every reason to be cautious with the young fireballer. He had yet to work his way into a high-leverage role, so his absence won't significantly change the team's bullpen hierarchy.

De Los Santos' contract was selected by the Phillies on Tuesday.

De Los Santos was designated for assignment back in August and went unclaimed on waivers. He's since seen his velocity jump a few ticks, which could make him a useful enough bullpen piece for the Phillies. That said, he'll have to do better than his career 5.70 ERA in 30 MLB innings if he's to stick around. Cristopher Sanchez was optioned in a corresponding move.

Bender's contract was selected by the Marlins on Tuesday.

Bender has yet to pitch above Double-A and has only thrown 5.2 innings at that level. He looked quite good in 36.1 minor-league innings (ranging from Low-A to Double-A) in the Brewers' system in 2019, finishing with a 1.49 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Paul Campbell (suspension) landed on the restricted list in a corresponding move.

Weathers (arm) won't start Tuesday against the Pirates, but he could still appear out of the bullpen, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Dinelson Lamet (forearm) will start the game, but whoever follows Lamet out of the bullpen may actually have a better chance of qualifying for the win, as Lamet will likely be handled carefully. Weathers is attempting to get past his own arm issue, as he experienced join inflammation and diminished velocity in his last start.

Castro will start a bullpen game for the Mets on Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Jacob deGrom was a late scratch due to side tightness, so it will be all hands on deck out of the Mets' bullpen. This will be Castro's first start since July 15, 2018, and his season high is 1.2 innings back on April 13, so it's highly unlikely he logs more than a couple frames.

Lamet (forearm) will start Tuesday's game against the Pirates.

He had been on the injured list with forearm tightness, but Lamet ended up missing less time than most would have guessed, given the fact he dealt with an elbow strain last September that was never operated on. It seems somewhat unlikely that he will pitch deep enough to qualify for the win.

Graterol's (forearm) MRI came back clean Tuesday but he is without a timetable to resume throwing, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The MRI results, or lack thereof, are encouraging, but it still doesn't sound like Graterol will be back on a mound particularly soon. Blake Treinen and Victor Gonzalez will work as the Dodgers' top setup men in the short term.