MLB Player News

Smith (illness) threw another bullpen session Friday and will toss a live batting practice session and participate in a simulated game soon, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Smith is building up his arm strength after missing the entirety of summer camp due to a positive coronavirus test. Smith's target return date is not yet clear, though O'Brien speculates that it could come within a week.

Bowman (elbow) was transferred to the 45-day injured list Friday.

The 29-year-old was placed on the 10-day IL with a right elbow sprain Thursday, and he's apparently looking at an extended absence. Bowman still has a chance to return this season, but he won't be seeing the game action until at least September.

Cabrera allowed a double and home run during Wednesday's live batting practice at the Cardinals' alternate training site in Springfield but was otherwise effective, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The southpaw yielded the two-bagger to John Nogowski and the homer to Dylan Carlson, but reports indicate he was sharp overall. How well Cabrera is recovering from the BP session will play a part in when he's seriously considered for a move up to the active roster, with manager Mike Shildt noting "it's really just about checking off the boxes to get back into game-ready shape" with respect to both Cabrera and fellow hurler and alternate training site mate Alex Reyes.

Reyes' fastball sat at 95-99 mph during Wednesday's live batting practice at the Cardinals' alternate training site in Springfield, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

This is the latest report that supports the notion Reyes is on track for a potential call-up to the active roster in the near future. The right-hander's velocity Wednesday certainly seems to indicate he's worked off any potential rust stemming from a delayed arrival at summer camp earlier in July, and it remains to be seen how quickly the big-league club will opt to summon him.

Sborz was optioned to the Dodgers' alternate training site Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old was promoted earlier in the week to replace Alex Wood (shoulder) on the big-league roster, but he'll return to the alternate site without appearing in a game. Tony Gonsolin was recalled to start Friday's contest in a corresponding move.

Rogers (1-2) took the loss Thursday, allowing six runs (five earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out two in one inning versus the Padres.

Rogers did just fine in the ninth inning, retiring the side cleanly, but it all fell apart when he retook the mound in the 10th. Rogers failed to record an out in the extra inning, and the damage was far too much for the Giants to overcome. The 29-year-old had produced three straight scoreless appearances after a similar blow-up on Opening Day against the Dodgers. Rogers' inconsistent pitching in non-save situations will likely keep him behind Trevor Gott and Tony Watson for closer duties in 2020.

Johnson (1-0) pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one hit and striking out one to earn the win versus the Giants on Thursday.

Johnson got the last out of the eighth inning in relief of Emilio Pagan, and then added a scoreless ninth. The Padres exploded for six runs in the 10th, making Johnson the pitcher of record. The 29-year-old right-hander typically serves in a depth role in the Padres' bullpen and it's unlikely he'll be in the mix for even spot saves with a relief corps headlined by closer Kirby Yates.

Lamet allowed a run on four hits and four walks while striking out seven in five innings in a no-decision versus the Giants on Thursday.

Lamet wasn't punished for allowing so many baserunners, with only an Evan Longoria sacrifice fly putting a run on the board. Lamet needed 91 pitches (54 strikes) to get through his five innings. The right-hander remains at 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through two starts this year. Lamet is expected to make his next start Tuesday at home versus the Dodgers.

Diaz struck out one batter while allowing one earned run on one hit and two walks in Thursday's 4-2 loss to the Red Sox.

Manager Luis Rojas said he was "definitely not concerned" with Diaz after he blew the save in Saturday's loss to the Braves, but that stance has clearly shifted after another rough outing Thursday. The skipper wasn't decisive when asked whether or not Diaz will keep his closer job. Rojas said the Mets' brass is going to discuss the reliever's usage in high-leverage situations moving forward, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Seth Lugo or Jeurys Familia could take over the closing duties if the Mets do indeed decide to move away from Diaz in the ninth.

Melancon earned the save Thursday after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Melancon was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and did so with ease, working around a single by Brandon Lowe to finish things off. The save was his second in as many games after he recorded his first of the season against the Rays on Wednesday. Clearly, the 35-year-old remains the preferred choice for the ninth inning in Atlanta.