MLB Player News

Garcia (elbow) has yet to pitch on back-to-back days during his rehab assignment, or even twice in three days, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander did show improved velocity during his most recent appearance for Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, but as yet he hasn't been able to bounce back quickly after an outing as he completes his recovery from surgery late last season to remove scar tissue from his elbow. That could delay Garcia's 2026 debut if the Blue Jays want to make sure he can handle a more regular usage pattern before adding him to an already overworked bullpen. Over his last four rehab appearances between Single-A Dunedin and Buffalo, Garcia has a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP over 3.2 innings with a 4:3 K:BB.

Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to face live hitters in a simulated game or batting practice Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Johnson has spent just over the minimum amount of time on the 15-day injured list after being deactivated May 30 due to right elbow inflammation, so if he fares well in Monday's live session, he could bypass a rehab assignment and rejoin the Cincinnati bullpen later this week. The right-hander has been a key high-leverage arm for the Reds this season, notching two wins, four holds and one save while pitching to a 3.27 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 22 innings.

Morejon notched a hold against the Orioles on Sunday, allowing one hit with no walks or strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Morejon entered in the seventh inning with the Padres up 4-2 and a runner on first base. He needed just three pitches to get out of the frame, as he induced a double-play grounder off the bat of Adley Rutschman. Morejon then retired the first two batters he faced in the eighth before giving up an infield single, and he was subsequently replaced by closer Mason Miller. The southpaw Morejon recorded his 12th hold of the campaign, which is second-most on San Diego behind Jason Adam. Morejon's 4.00 ERA isn't exceptional, but he has a more appealing 1.06 WHIP and 41:7 K:BB over 36 innings spanning 33 relief appearances.

Knipp (elbow) was assigned to Single-A Inland Empire on June 5 and made his debut for the affiliate a day later, striking out a batter and scattering one hit and two walks over a scoreless inning.

Knipp hasn't pitched for Inland Empire since making his debut, though it's unclear if his absence over the past week was the result of a setback or simply part of a workload-management plan coming off Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in early 2025. Before joining Inland Empire, Knipp made six appearances in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, where he turned in a 5.68 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB over 6.1 innings.

The Cubs designated Nikhazy for assignment Monday.

Nikhazy was a casualty of the Cubs needing to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of right-hander Yosver Zulueta, who was acquired via trade. A waiver claim by the Cubs in late April, Nikhazy has turned in an 8.44 ERA and 30:21 K:BB over 26.2 innings covering six starts and two relief outings with Triple-A Iowa.

Paredes will start Monday's game against the Rangers in Arlington, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Paredes made two long relief appearances for Minnesota before faring well in his abbreviated first major-league start last week in Detroit, striking out four over three innings of one-run ball. The 25-year-old had made seven starts and two relief appearances with Triple-A St. Paul this season, posting a 3.38 ERA and 33:8 K:BB over 34.2 innings. Paredes hasn't thrown more than 68 pitches in an appearance at any level this season, so he's unlikely to pitch deep into Monday's contest.

Triple-A Sacramento placed Santos on its 7-day injured list May 26 due to a right adductor strain, MLB.com reports.

Santos maintains a spot on the Giants' 40-man roster but has spent most of the season at Sacramento, with whom he's turned in a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 14 innings across 12 appearances. The righty reliever is projected to return to action for Sacramento in late June or early July.

Foley (shoulder) struck out two over a scoreless inning in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

Foley compiled a 2.89 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB in 9.1 innings across his first nine rehab appearances between Sacramento and Single-A San Jose before being shut down earlier this month when he experienced renewed soreness in his right shoulder. The right-hander didn't pitch for eight days before being cleared to resume his rehab assignment over the weekend, and he seems to have come out of Friday's appearance no worse for the wear. Foley appears poised to return from the 60-day injured list and join the Giants bullpen at some point over the next two weeks.

Pagan (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is expected to throw another Monday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

If Pagan comes out of Monday's session without incident, then he could face live hitters as soon as Friday. A separate report on MLB.com indicates the reliever will throw a simulated game/live BP on Tuesday. However the schedule shakes out, Pagan is ramping up activity and could be back with the Reds before the end of June.

The Royals optioned Morgan to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Morgan made one scoreless appearance during this most recent stint in the Royals' bullpen. His spot on the roster is poised to be filled by Mitch Spence, who will be summoned from Omaha to start Monday's game versus the Nationals.