MLB Player News

Nelson (back) could return during the series against San Francisco that begins July 19, Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA reports.

Nelson hasn't pitched since July 6, but he has been playing catch and appears to be feeling better after a left lumbar strain sent him to the IL last week. The right-hander has emerged as one of the Dodgers' most consistent and effective bullpen arms this season, as he has registered a 2.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 13.7 K/9 across 27 innings. He also has picked up six holds.

Weber was claimed off waivers by the Mariners on Friday.

The 30-year-old righty has tossed 6.2 innings at the big-league level this season, allowing 11 runs. He owns a career 5.27 ERA in parts of seven seasons in the big leagues. He'll report to Triple-A Tacoma for now.

Sims (elbow) isn't expected to return before August, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims has been out with a sprained elbow since late June. The injury was originally expected to cost him three or four weeks, but it now looks likely to keep him out for closer to six. He reportedly hasn't suffered a setback, however, so it's possible the initial timeline was simply overly optimistic.

Antone (forearm) isn't expected to return before August, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone has been out since late June with a forearm strain, the same issue which kept him out for the middle part of that same month. An MRI revealed no structural damage, and he was previously thought to have a chance to return in late July, but he's now slightly behind that timeline.

Gonzalez (foot) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday.

It was reported earlier Friday that the southpaw was nearing a rehab assignment, and now he'll officially make the short trip to Rancho Cucamonga. The 25-year-old has only been out 10 days with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, so he shouldn't need more than an appearance or two in the minors before being activated. With that in mind, he could rejoin the Dodgers' bullpen as soon as Sunday in Colorado or Monday when the club returns home to play the Giants.

Gonzalez (foot) is a strong candidate to begin a rehab assignment in the coming days, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Gonzalez landed on the 10-day injured list July 6 with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The southpaw is eligible to be reinstated Friday, though it sounds like the club could be leaning toward the 25-year-old getting an appearance or two under his belt in the minors first. If Gonzalez does indeed begin a rehab stint in the next few days, he should have a good chance to return to the Dodgers' bullpen by the end of next week.

Adam (ankle) re-signed Monday with the Cubs on a minor-league contract.

Adam posted an 8.22 ERA and 1.96 WHIP across nine appearances out of the big-league bullpen earlier this season before he was designated for assignment in late May. The roster move came shortly after Adam sustained an ankle injury that required surgery, and the Cubs ultimately released him once he cleared waivers. Nearly six weeks after being cut loose, Adam is back with the Cubs, signaling that the organization is comfortable with where he stands on the health front. The veteran right-hander will report to the Cubs' Arizona Complex League affiliate as he looks to build up following the long layoff, but he's expected to eventually settle at Triple-A Iowa.

Foster was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander impressed as a rookie last year with a 2.20 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB across 28.2 innings, but he's struggled to find that form in 2021. Foster has a 6.15 ERA this season and will head to Triple-A in an attempt to straighten things out.

Bummer (hamstring) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Bummer has been on the shelf since late June with a strained hamstring, but he'll rejoin the White Sox for the start of the second half. The left-hander has 10 holds and two saves with a 3.26 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 43:17 K:BB over 30.1 innings this season and should return to a high-leverage role for Chicago.

Lopez was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander has been at the Triple-A level all season but will join the White Sox for the start of the second half. Lopez has exclusively pitched as a starter since joining Chicago in 2017 and started in all 10 of his outings this year at Triple-A, but he'll work out of the bullpen this time with the big-league rotation currently in good health. The 27-year-old has a 7.62 ERA over 39 Triple-A innings this season, but the White Sox are apparently hoping he'll produce better results as a reliever.