MLB Player News

Pivetta (forearm) has advanced to playing long toss and could soon begin throwing off a mound, MLB.com reports.

Pivetta has been sidelined by a right flexor strain since mid-April. The right-handed hurler began a throwing program in late May, but he's yet to start up mound work. With that big step potentially looming, Pivetta appears to be making tangible progress in his recovery. Nonetheless, he's not expected to return to San Diego's rotation until sometime after the All-Star break.

Soto (4-2) blew a save and took the loss against the Reds on Saturday, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks with one strikeout in the ninth inning.

Soto was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and surrendered a go-ahead, three-run homer with two outs. It continued a rough June for the 31-year-old, who's yielded runs in four of eight outings and owns a 12.15 ERA for the month. On the year, he's 11-for-15 in save chances with a 3.93 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 40:15 K:BB across 34.1 innings.

Palencia (elbow) is progressing in his rehab from elbow tendinitis, but he won't be activated from the injured list until after the All-Star break, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Palencia landed on the injured list June 16 and hasn't thrown since. Per MLB.com, the righty reliever could begin a throwing program at the beginning of the coming week, but he's nonetheless expected to remain out of action until after the All-Star break. Jacob Webb and Trent Thornton have each logged saves since Palencia went down, and Caleb Thielbar is also in the temporary closer mix.

Milner (abdomen) will be sidelined 4-to-6 weeks after undergoing emergency appendectomy surgery on Friday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Milner will miss a chunk of time after undergoing emergency surgery to address appendicitis Friday. If the 35-year-old misses the minimum four weeks, he could be back by the end of July. The Cubs bullpen has been heavily dismayed by injuries this season as Daniel Palencia (elbow), Phil Maton (knee), Riley Martin (elbow) and Hunter Harvey (triceps) are among their relievers currently on the injured list.

The Cubs recalled Ferguson from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Ferguson was sent back to Triple-A after throwing two shutout innings during Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets, but he'll now rejoin the big club to replace Hoby Milner (abdomen). The 32-year-old Ferguson will likely be limited to low-leverage opportunities while with the Cubs.

The Cubs placed Milner on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to appendicitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Milner will make his way to the 15-day IL after last appearing against the Mets on Thursday, when he failed to record an out while giving up an earned run on three hits. On the campaign, the 35-year-old has posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 18:9 K:BB in 35.2 innings. Tyler Ferguson will make his way up to the big-league club to fill the open spot on the roster.

Hart will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Hart has given up just one run in 7.1 innings since joining the big club June 15, and the Padres will now trust him to handle the top of the Dodgers' order to begin the game. He'll likely work an inning or two before handing the game over to bulk reliever Randy Vasquez.

The Cubs optioned Murray to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After a rocky appearance Friday against Milwaukee, Murray will head back down to Iowa after just being recalled Tuesday. The 29-year-old made two appearances after being called up, giving up six earned runs on six hits and two walks through three innings. Bryse Wilson will be added to the active roster as a corresponding move.

Rangel will serve as a bulk reliever in Saturday's game against the Mets, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Rangel allowed just one run in five innings while following Tim Mayza out of the bullpen Monday, so the Phillies will aim to recreate that success by having the two pitchers work together again Saturday.

Mayza will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Mets, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Mayza worked as the opener for Alan Rangel on Monday, and the two pitchers are now set to work in tandem again Saturday. Mayza will presumably remain in the game for an inning or two before Rangel enters to handle the bulk of innings out of the pen.