MLB Player News

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Palencia (elbow) is hopeful to return to the Cubs' bullpen in mid-August, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Counsell noted that Palencia has been slow to progress through his rehab program, as he's had to repeat a few steps along the way, so his absence could potentially extend into late August or September if he continues to show minimal progress. In the meantime, Jacob Webb and Trent Thornton will be in the mix for saves in Chicago.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Milner (abdomen) will likely return from the injured list sometime around Aug. 1, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Milner has been out since late June after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, but he appears to be in line to return well within the 4-to-6-week timeline he received after his procedure. The 35-year-old southpaw has put up a 3.53 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 35.2 innings this season.

Henriquez (elbow) began playing catch from 60 feet out Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Henriquez has already been ruled out for the entirety of the 2026 campaign after undergoing UCL reconstruction surgery in the offseason, but the fact that he's now playing catch is an encouraging sign of progress. Assuming his rehab continues smoothly, he should be ready for the start of spring training in 2027.

Bender (shin) was cleared to begin a throwing program Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Bender has been on the shelf since the end of June due to a stress reaction in his right shin. He remains without a definitive timeline to return to Miami's bullpen, though his return to activity is certainly a positive sign.

Halvorsen (shoulder) threw live batting practice Thursday, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.

Halvorsen is on the mend from shoulder inflammation that sent him to the injured list July 4. He's started to make significant progress after receiving a cortisone injection, and the Rockies are optimistic that he'll be able to begin a rehab assignment in the near future. A more definitive timeline for his return to Colorado's bullpen will likely emerge once he begins pitching in minor-league games.

The Cardinals selected Blewett's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Blewett exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with the Cards earlier in the week, though St. Louis still held the right to decide whether to add him to their 40-man roster or allow him to walk in free agency. With JoJo Romero (appendicitis) now on the injured list, the team will opt for the former and give Blewett a chance to work with the big club. The 30-year-old righty has put up a 5.18 ERA and 1.68 WHIP across 48.2 innings at Triple-A this season, so he will likely be limited to low-leverage work in the majors.

The Cardinals placed Romero on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Tuesday, due to appendicitis.

Romero has been one of the most reliable members of St. Louis' bullpen as of late, allowing just two runs (one earned) while striking out nine batters and walking four across his last 10 innings, but he'll now have to wait until at least July 29 to make his first appearance of the second half. Scott Blewett will come up from Triple-A Memphis to fill the vacancy in the bullpen.

Hall (pectoral) threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session Thursday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Hall reached up to 95-to-96 mph with his fastball in the session and threw all of his pitches. The left-hander could begin a rehab assignment as soon as Sunday and believes he will be ready to rejoin the Milwaukee bullpen after making 2-to-3 rehab appearances in the minors. Hall has been shelved since early June with a left pectoral strain.

Suarez (elbow) played catch on the field at Truist Park on Friday, Harrison Smajovits of SI.com reports.

Suarez landed on the 15-day injured list nearly one month ago due to right elbow inflammation. He will need to complete mound work and throw to hitters before perhaps going out on a rehab assignment prior to his activation. A clearer picture regarding a return timeline for the setup man should become available as he continues his throwing progression.

The Brewers optioned Koenig to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

He's being dispatched to the minors in order to clear a spot on the active roster for Lance McCullers. Koenig was roughed up for five runs without recording an out in his final appearance before the All-Star break Sunday versus the Pirates.