MLB Player News

Ferrer (shoulder) played catch from 60 feet Friday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Ferrer had been shut down since mid-March with a strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder. He's on the 60-day injured list and it will be a while before he can return, but he's ready to begin a throwing progression.

Garcia (illness) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Fredericksburg on Saturday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia had a stomach bug bad enough that it forced an injured list move last month, but he's ready for action again. The reliever should return to the Nats' bullpen next week when first eligible.

Mears could be in the mix for save opportunities this weekend against the Pirates after the Rockies placed closer Justin Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Mears was an effective high-leverage option through the first few weeks of the season with a 2.08 ERA and three holds in nine outings, but he's surrendered six runs over his past four appearances. Jake Bird should also be on the shortlist for saves, but neither pitcher provides much fantasy upside. The Rockies have only three saves as a team this season, and Lawrence should rejoin the club early next week.

Bird could be in the mix for save opportunities this weekend in Pittsburgh after Colorado placed closer Justin Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Bird has one save and two holds in 13 outings this season, though he has an unimpressive 5.52 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 8:7 K:BB over 14.2 innings. Nick Mears could also be an option, but neither pitcher offers much fantasy upside since Lawrence should be back in a few days, plus the Rockies have just three saves as a team this season.

The Rockies placed Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Lawrence will step away from the team for a few days to be with his growing family. Angel Chivilli was called up in a corresponding move, while Jake Bird and Nick Mears are the likely favorites to serve as fill-in closer if any save chances arise this weekend.

Marte was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to May 1, with right shoulder inflammation.

Marte has seen his velocity drop from 97.8 MPH to 95.7 MPH this season and had surrendered five runs (three earned) during his last three appearances with Philadelphia, both potentially a result of the shoulder injury. Marte will be out for at least the next couple weeks while Jose Ruiz fills in for him after being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

The Rockies recalled Chivilli from Double-A Hartford on Friday.

The 21-year-old will skip the Triple-A level and joined Colorado for his first taste of the big leagues. Closer Justin Lawrence was placed on the paternity list in a corresponding move, so it figures to be a short stay in the majors for Chivilli.

The Cardinals recalled Leahy from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

The right-hander served as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader and will quickly rejoin the major-league roster as Steven Matz (back) heads to the injured list. Leahy has made four appearances over the past two years with the Cardinals and has given up six runs over three innings.

The Brewers recalled Martin from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Martin was claimed off waivers from the Diamondbacks last month. The 28-year-old missed the 2023 season following lat surgery and had spent all of 2024 at the Triple-A level, holding a 6.14 ERA and 8:7 K:BB over 7.1 frames. Martin had mostly been a starter in the past but has made a full-time move to relief this season.

Smyly (hip) has been cleared to begin playing catch, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Smyly hasn't pitched in nearly two weeks because of a right hip impingement but is ready to begin ramping things back up. The left-hander seems likely to require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Cubs' bullpen.