MLB Player News

Diaz (biceps) threw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

On tap next for Diaz should be a brief minor-league rehab assignment before he returns from the 15-day injured list. Hunter Strickland has seemingly built some security as the Reds' primary closer while Diaz has been sidelined with right biceps tendinitis, but Diaz should still have a high-leverage role in the bullpen waiting for him once he's activated.

King was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

King has been a piece of Texas' bullpen all season but will now make his way to the minors. He has a 4.60 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 22:13 K:BB across 31.1 innings this season.

Ferguson (forearm) was activated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Ferguson has been sidelined the past few weeks by forearm tendinitis, and he'll rejoin the Dodgers without requiring a minor-league rehab assignment. The left-hander has made only six appearances this season and has yet to allow a run with a 5:4 K:BB across five innings.

Harvey (forearm) will report to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday to continue his minor-league rehab assignment, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Harvey began his rehab assignment last week with the Nationals' rookie-level Florida Coast League affiliate, and he's now ready to move up to Triple-A. The right-hander has been on the injured list with a pronator strain in his right arm since April 21, so he'll likely require a handful of outings with Rochester to get back up to speed.

Adon will be called up from Triple-A Rochester to start Thursday's game against the Phillies, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Adon was sent to the minors June 21 and allowed an unearned run while striking out three in five innings a day later. However, he hasn't pitched since then due to a planned break, so he should be fully rested when he takes the mound Thursday. The right-hander has posted a 6.97 ERA and 1.75 WHIP in 60.2 innings over 13 major-league starts this year.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that the team envisions Mears (elbow) playing catch in the coming days, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Mears has been shut down for two weeks after he experienced right forearm tightness following a rehab start at Triple-A Indianapolis in June. However, the right-hander had his rehab transferred to the Pirates' alternate spring training facility in Florida and is close to resuming a throwing program. Once he's ultimately cleared to resume throwing, Mears will presumably need to build his workload back up following his shutdown.

Peters (back) will make another rehab appearance at Triple-A Indianapolis, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Peters began his rehab assignment June 28 and has allowed just one hit and no walks while striking out three in four innings over three appearances in Indianapolis. The southpaw will make at least one more outing in the minors before the Pirates determine whether he's ready to return.

Kimbrel had a CT scan on his back come back clean, and he'll be available to pitch Wednesday against Colorado, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kimbrel was struck by a line drive Sunday and has not pitched since then, but he received good news from the CT scan and appears to be ready to return to the mound. Brusdar Graterol picked up his second career save in Kimbrel's stead Tuesday, but it will likely be Kimbrel handling ninth-inning duties if a save opportunity arises Wednesday. Ardaya previously reported that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is "not even considering" moving the veteran Kimbrel -- who has blown two of his past three save chances -- out of the closer role.

The Pirates reinstated De Los Santos from the COVID-19-related injured list Wednesday.

Since De Los Santos was first placed on the IL on Sunday, he may not have even tested positive for the virus, or he was able to clear the necessary protocols quickly if he did. Due to the brevity of his absence, De Los Santos won't need to regain conditioning and should be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale with the Yankees.

Diplan was designated for assignment by the Orioles on Wednesday.

After being sent down by the Orioles on June 25, the right-hander will lose his spot on the 40-man roster since the Orioles claimed left-hander Kirk McCarty off waivers from the Guardians on Wednesday. Diplan will likely remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed on waivers.