MLB Player News

Alexander is now dealing with a thumb issue in addition to his arm issue and he will not return until after the All-Star break, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

He had been preparing for a rehab assignment, but the thumb injury represents a setback. Zac Rosscup and Julio Urias are working as the Dodgers' two left-handed relievers in the meantime.

Kimbrel may be unavailable for Friday's game against the Reds, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Kimbrel recorded his first save as a Cub on Thursday, but given that it was his first appearance of the season, manager Joe Maddon may decide to avoid using him back-to-back days out of the gate. The skipper may not have a choice, though, as a couple other relievers will be unavailable Friday, including Pedro Strop.

Diaz will not be available out of the Mets' bullpen Friday night, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Diaz pitched the last two days and threw 34 pitches while being tagged for five earned runs in Thursday's contest, so manager Mickey Callaway will avoid using his closer Friday night. Seth Lugo is seemingly the favorite to close Friday if the Mets find themselves in a save situation, but it should be noted that Lugo was saddled with a blown save each of his last two times out.

Alzolay will start Monday against the Pirates, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay allowed one earned run over 4.2 innings in his first career start Tuesday, and he will get at least one more shot to show what he can do prior to the All-Star break. Alzolay could start the Cubs' final game of the first half next Sunday, but it seems likely Yu Darvish will get the ball that day instead.

Rodriguez gave up a run on two hits while striking out one over an inning of relief in Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Rodriguez continues to pitch in long relief following a rough start to his sophomore season as a starter (5.05 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through eight starts). The 27-year-old has shown some flashes in his reduced role, but the overall results have remained mediocre (4.30 ERA, 4.9 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 as a reliever). It would likely take an injury or trade for Rodriguez to find himself back in the rotation this year.

Gott gave up two runs on a hit and a walk while striking out one over an inning in Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Gott got got in the seventh inning when Carson Kelly made him pay for a leadoff walk with a two-run blast. The 26-year-old was looking like a nice find for the Giants earlier this year, but he has since come unraveled over his last 10 contests (9.31 ERA and 1.76 WHIP). Part of Gott's struggles may be tied to a forearm injury that caused him to miss some time earlier this month.

Nelson was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 26 with a right elbow effusion.

The Brewers did not provide any other details regarding Nelson's status, but according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, in layman's terms, fluid was discovered in Nelson's elbow. It's too early to tell when Nelson will be ready to pitch for the Brewers again, but he almost certainly will not do so prior to the All-Star break. Corbin Burnes was recalled to take Nelson's spot on the roster.

Brigham was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Tayron Guerrero (blister) was placed on the 10-day IL, and Brigham will be up to take his place in the Marlins' bullpen. Brigham has mostly struggled across two prior stints in the big leagues this year, but he's had a nice run with New Orleans, posting an even 1.00 ERA and 22:5 K:BB across 18 innings.

Yamamoto is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Phillies.

With Caleb Smith (hip) on track to make a second minor-league rehab assignment this weekend, Yamamoto and fellow rotation newcomers Elieser Hernandez and Zac Gallen will all be extended at least one more turn. The performances of all three youngsters will likely have significant sway in determining which of the two will stick in the rotation once Smith is presumably reinstated from the 10-day injured list next week. At this point, Yamamoto may have the most job security of the trio after yielding only two runs to go with a 0.79 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 19 innings through his first three outings in the big leagues.

Hernandez is scheduled to start Friday's game against the Phillies.

With Caleb Smith (hip) on track to make a second minor-league rehab start this weekend, Hernandez and fellow rotation newcomers Jordan Yamamoto and Zac Gallen will all be extended at least one more turn. The performances of all three youngsters will likely have significant sway in determining which of the two will stick in the rotation once Smith is presumably reinstated from the 10-day injured list next week. Through his first three starts, Hernandez has posted a 3.78, 1.02 WHIP and 19:3 K:BB in 16.2 innings.