MLB Player News

Grove (0-2) took the loss against the Yankees on Saturday, allowing four runs on four hits and no walks while striking out seven batters over five innings.

The Yankees reached only four times against Grove, but Jake Bauers ensured that no runners were left on base by swatting a pair of two-run homers. Despite the loss, there were some positive takeaways for the right-hander -- he didn't walk any batters for the first time in five outings this season, racked up a career-high seven punchouts and induced 13 swinging strikes, also a career-high mark. Grove was called up to start after a stint on the injured list due to a groin injury, and he took over the rotation spot that had previously been filled by Gavin Stone, who has struggled in the big leagues when given the opportunity this season. Los Angeles' rotation is in a bit of flux right now -- Julio Urias (hamstring) is unlikely to return from the IL until at least next weekend, and Noah Syndergaard has pitched so poorly that the team may need to make a decision about his rotation spot soon -- so there's an opening for Grove to be more than just a temporary replacement if he's able to build upon Saturday's positives in his next start.

Megill did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing one run on five hits and five walks over 5.1 innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out five.

Megill struggled with control once again Saturday, setting a season high with five walks while hitting the strike zone on just 58 of his 103 pitches. However, the 27-year-old managed to limit the damage with just a single tally against him. Though Megill owns a 5-3 record, he has stumbled to a 4.40 ERA and 48:32 K:BB through 59.1 innings, and a 5.19 FIP doesn't indicate a major turnaround is on the horizon.

Gomber did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over 2.2 innings against the Royals. He struck out four.

Saturday's start marked Gomber's shortest since April 19, and he need 74 pitches to record just eight outs. The left-hander yielded a solo home run to Nick Pratto in the opening frame, marking his 13th long ball allowed on the season. Although Gomber owns an ugly 8.64 ERA in seven home starts (33.1 innings), he has shown mild promise on the road with a 4.63 ERA over five outing (23.1 innings).

Cubs manager David Ross said Saturday that Wesneski will likely replace Justin Steele (forearm) in the rotation while Steele is on the 15-day injured list, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Ross believes Steele will miss only two turns through the rotation. Wesneski opened the season as a starter for the Cubs, but the right-hander struggled to a 5.03 ERA before being demoted to Triple-A Iowa in mid-May. Wesneski has shown the ability to miss bats, but he'll be a risky fantasy streamer while he's a member of the rotation, and he doesn't look as though he'll be in line for a long-term appointment.

Steele was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to June 2, with a left forearm strain by the Cubs on Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Steele was removed from Wednesday's start with a "mild" left forearm strain, and it's not a surprise that the southpaw will miss a couple of weeks while he recovers. Miguel Amaya has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take Steele's place on the roster. The Cubs will likely make another roster move when Steele's turn in the rotation comes up.

Urias (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Urias also threw a 15-pitch bullpen session last Tuesday and continues to make progress toward a return to the Dodgers' rotation. If all goes according to plan, Urias will face hitters Tuesday before potentially returning against the Phillies next weekend. The 26-year-old lefty landed on the injured list May 20 and gave up 10 runs in 15.2 innings across his last three starts.

Cincinnati transferred Lodolo (leg) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Lodolo remains in a protective walking boot more than two weeks after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his left tibia. The move to the 60-day IL means he'll be out until at least mid-July.

Grove (groin) was activated from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

As planned, Grove will get another look out of the Dodgers' starting rotation -- beginning with Saturday's game against the visiting Yankees -- after he missed a little over five weeks because of a right groin strain. The 26-year-old was excellent in his second and final rehab start last weekend with Triple-A Oklahoma City, tallying seven strikeouts with no walks across 5.2 scoreless innings.

Strasburg (neck/shoulder) has been completely shut down from all rehab activities for more than a month while dealing with "severe nerve damage," Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Strasburg has made only eight big-league starts since helping the Nationals to a World Series title in 2019. Just one of those starts has come since he underwent thoracic outlet surgery in June 2021, with his comeback attempt last season quickly getting shut down. Each setback makes it increasingly likely that Strasburg has already thrown his final major-league pitch, though he's yet to officially call it quits.

Taillon (1-3) allowed one run on three hits across 5.2 innings to earn the win Friday against the Padres. He had no walks and struck out three.

Taillon finally earned his first win with the Cubs after joining the team in the offseason on a four-year, $68 million deal. The righty did miss some time with a groin injury, so perhaps he could round into form now that he appears to be fully healthy. Taillon's 7.05 ERA still looks ugly overall, and he's yet to complete six innings in a game. He'll look to build on this positive outing and possibly go a bit deeper in his next start, which should come in the middle of next week against the Angels on the road.