MLB Player News

Vanasco was officially recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

As anticipated, the Dodgers made this promotion official before Monday's matchup against the Nationals. J.P. Feyereisen was sent to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

O'Brien (forearm) will begin a throwing program this week, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

An MRI on O'Brien's right forearm showed no structural damage, but the team decided to shut him down for a few weeks regardless. It sounds like O'Brien is about ready to begin ramping up his throwing, and provided he avoids any setbacks, a return in mid-to-late May seems plausible. O'Brien has made single appearances in the majors each of the past three seasons, all for different teams (Reds, Mariners, Cardinals).

Vanasco is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Vanasco has allowed one run with an 8:6 K:BB over four relief innings with OKC this season. The 25-year-old will provide some bullpen protection for the Dodgers and will be making his major-league debut if he enters a game.

The Dodgers are expected to recall Hurt from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of Tuesday's game against the Nationals, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear whether Hurt will be used as a starter or reliever, as the Dodgers have an opening in the rotation Tuesday. He made the Opening Day roster as a member of the bullpen, but the 25-year-old has mostly been a starter in the minors. He's made two starts for Oklahoma City this season, allowing three runs with an 8:4 K:BB over four innings.

Middleton (forearm) started playing catch Sunday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Middleton was diagnosed with a right forearm strain in mid-March and received a PRP injection earlier this month after he had to be pulled off his initial recovery program. The team will likely take a conservative approach with Middleton's throwing from here given the nature of the injury and the fact that he's already suffered one setback this spring. There is no set timetable for his return.

Sewald (oblique) will throw a second bullpen session Tuesday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Sewald threw 18 pitches in his bullpen session Saturday, which was his first since being placed on the 15-day IL with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. It's unclear what the next step will be after Tuesday's session, but Sewald will presumably eventually advance to throwing live batting practice before heading out on a rehab assignment.

Bukauskas' injury has been reclassified as a right triceps strain, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Bukauskas was placed on the injured list Sunday with what had been referred to as a right lat strain, but further testing revealed the injury is actually to his triceps. There remains no timetable for his return, as more testing still needs to be done.

Chargois (neck) threw a one-inning, 20-pitch live batting practice session Monday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

He's slated for a two-inning, 35-pitch live BP session Friday. Seemingly, Chargois should be cleared for a rehab assignment after that. He's been out all season with a neck issue but is making nice progress.

Brown is scheduled to start Monday's game against the Diamondbacks in Arizona.

Though Jameson Taillon (back) looks to be in line to return from the 15-day injured list later this week to join the Chicago rotation, Brown will get at least one more turn on the heels of a strong first MLB start April 9 in San Diego. After making his first two appearances in bulk relief, Brown covered 4.2 innings in his start versus the Padres and struck out five while allowing zero runs on three hits and one walk. Another solid effort Monday against the reigning National League champions could make it tough for the Cubs to justify keeping Brown out of the rotation, even with Taillon's return being imminent.

Raley (1-0) picked up the win Sunday against the Royals, striking out two in a perfect eighth inning.

Jose Butto and Cole Ragans posted goose eggs for six innings before turning things over to their bullpens, and Raley was in the right place at the right time as the Mets broke the scoreless tie with two runs in the bottom of the eighth. The 35-year-old southpaw has begun the season with six straight scoreless appearances of his own, delivering a 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB through 5.1 innings along with three holds as the primary setup man to Edwin Diaz.