MLB Player News

Stroman said he will not pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game, electing instead to rest up for the second half, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Stroman made the announcement after his final start before the break Thursday, in which he allowed four runs over five innings and settled for a no-decision against the Brewers. "I'm definitely looking forward to having a little bit of a break," he said. "Kind of just reset my energy, clear my mind and have a good second half." Stroman has been reliable at the head of Chicago's rotation so far with a 2.96 ERA across 112.2 innings. However, the righty only logged 138.2 innings last year as he dealt with a shoulder issue, so the extended absence makes sense as he aims to blow past that mark in 2023.

Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

In what had the potential to be a breakout season, Contreras has struggled mightily. He lost his rotation spot in mid-June and has since been hit hard out of the bullpen. All told, he has a 6.59 ERA and 1.57 WHIP. Even so, if he can rediscover his stuff in Indianapolis, there's a strong chance that Contreras returns to the majors before the end of the campaign.

Syndergaard (finger) had his simulated game pushed back to Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Syndergaard was originally scheduled to throw Thursday, but he hasn't suffered a setback according to reports., Instead, he could be needed out of the bullpen given the rash of injuries and other absences currently thinning the Dodgers' relief corps. Syndergaard's long-term role remains in flux, but he could return to the mound earlier than expected if he doesn't need to stretch out in the short term.

Fried (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Fried came out of a live batting practice session Tuesday with clean health and is taking the next step toward a return. He's been sidelined since early May by a forearm strain and will likely require multiple starts in the minors to ramp up his workload, lining him up for a potential return in late July.

Matz will start for the Cardinals on Sunday against the White Sox, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

That would have been Matthew Liberatore's turn, but he was optioned back to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday. Matz has pitched a little better since being moved to the bullpen in late May and could get an extended rotation opportunity with Adam Wainwright (shoulder) also out of the picture, but there's not much fantasy appeal here in general.

St. Louis optioned Liberatore to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Liberatore recorded only one out in his last start Wednesday against the Marlins, ultimately being charged with four earned runs on five hits and one walk. The young left-hander heads back to the farm with an overall 6.75 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 32 major-league frames for the year.

Lively (pectoral) appears lined up to return from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday against the Brewers, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Brett Kennedy was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday after starting Tuesday versus the Nationals, so the Reds have an open rotation spot. Lively will apparently be allowed to skip a minor-league rehab assignment as he makes a swift return from the right pectoral strain that sent him to the injured list June 24.

Cueto (biceps/ankle) is scheduled to make his next rehab start Saturday with Triple-A Jacksonville, FishOnFirst.com reports.

Cueto has already made six starts over the course of two separate minor-league rehab assignments and built up to six innings and 94 pitches in his most recent outing Monday, but the Marlins aren't yet eager to open up a spot in the rotation for a pitcher who has compiled a 10.50 ERA, 1.96 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB over 24 frames between Jacksonville and Double-A Pensacola. The 37-year-old may need a strong showing Saturday to make a compelling case for the playoff-contending Marlins to activate him from the 60-day injured list following the All-Star break.

Matz tossed 2.1 innings out of the bullpen in Wednesday's 10-9 loss to the Marlins, surrendering two earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out two batters.

Heading into the week, Matz looked to be a candidate to start Wednesday, but the Cardinals instead had rookie Matthew Liberatore take the hill on three days' rest. Liberatore recorded just one out on 21 pitches and was shelled for four earned runs before the Cardinals called upon Dakota Hudson (2.2 innings) and Matz to work multiple frames out of the bullpen. With Adam Wainwright (shoulder) moving to the injured list earlier Wednesday, the Cardinals have an opening in the rotation again Sunday, but Matz could be passed over for the assignment in favor of Liberatore once again. Both Matz (32 pitches) and Hudson (52 pitches) handled heavier workloads than Liberatore on Wednesday and could be less fresh for Sunday.

Contreras (3-7) allowed four earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two across one inning to take the loss Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Contreras has been working in bulk relief after being removed from the rotation in mid-June. He's particularly struggled in his last two outings, allowing seven earned runs across 3.1 frames. On Wednesday, he entered the game with a two-run lead but promptly walked two of the first three batters he faced before serving up back-to-back homers. The Pirates have an open spot in the rotation after Luis Ortiz was demoted to Triple-A, but Contreras isn't likely to be in consideration for it due to his recent form.