MLB Player News

Lugo's scheduled start against the Marlins on Thursday was postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Lugo's first start of the season will have to wait, as the Mets reportedly have a pair of positive COVID-19 cases, resulting in the postponement of Thursday's series finale. It remains to be seen how the Mets will adjust their rotation moving forward.

Manager Don Mattingly said Alcantara looked "really good" in his simulated game Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The skipper added that Alcantara -- who threw around 50 pitches -- is "moving in the right direction," though he didn't offer up a specific timetable for his return. Alcantara has been sidelined all month after testing positive for COVID-19 at the end of July.

Wacha (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Wacha has been sidelined since Aug. 9 with shoulder inflammation but appears close to returning. He threw a four-inning simulated game earlier in the week, and if everything goes well during Fridays' bullpen, it sounds like he could potentially slot back into New York's rotation as early as Sunday.

Wright was sent to Atlanta's alternate camp site Thursday.

Wright has struggled through four appearances this season, posting a 7.20 ERA, 2.20 WHIP and 12:16 K:BB across 15 innings. The Braves don't need a fifth starter until the end of the month, though it remains to be seen whether Wright or someone else -- possibly prospect Ian Anderson -- will get the ball when that time comes. Chris Martin was activated from the IL in a corresponding move.

Gomber (illness), who was activated from the COVID-19 injured list earlier in the day, fired 1.1 scoreless innings during a win over the Cubs in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday. He allowed no hits and two walks, hit a batter and recorded a strikeout.

Gomber's prior designation had not been due to a positive COVID-19 test on his part, so the left-hander wasn't facing any particular health challenges in his return. Gomber's control was a bit spotty after last having pitched July 28, but he was able to navigate his issues Wednesday to extend his season-opening scoreless innings streak to 4.2 frames (three appearances).

Sanchez will be added to Miami's big-league roster Thursday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Heyman added that Sanchez is a candidate to start against the Nationals this weekend. The top pitching prospect, who has reportedly been touching 100 mph with his fastball at the team's satellite camp, registered a 0.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 39:7 K:BB over his final eight starts (47.1 innings) at Double-A last year.

Sanchez is expected to be called up soon, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Sanchez, the Marlins' top pitching prospect, is already on the 40-man roster and the expectation was that he would make his MLB debut sometime this year, even with the shortened season. It is unclear what throwing schedule Sanchez is on, but the Marlins have TBD starters for Saturday's doubleheader and Sunday's game, all of which are against the Nationals. Per Heyman, Sanchez has been touching 100 mph with his fastball, which is not a new development, but worth noting. He had a 0.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 39:7 K:BB in 47.1 innings over his final eight starts at Double-A last year.

Rasmussen made his big-league debut Wednesday against the Twins and struck out three batters over two innings of relief.

Rasmussen's fastball is his calling card, and he wasted no time showing it off, striking out the first batter he faced -- Miguel Sano -- on a 99-mph heater and averaging over 98 mph with his four-seamer over his two frames. Rasmussen started in the minors last year but has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, so he figures to work solely in relief in 2020, and could remain there next year and beyond. Even if he does, though, he has the arm talent to be a factor in fantasy leagues at some point.

Irvin was recalled from the Phillies' alternate training site prior to Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays.

The 6-foot-4 southpaw has given up four runs while striking out one in two innings in the majors this season. He will work in low-leverage spots going forward.

Williams is slated to start Thursday's game against the Indians.

Williams will be making his fifth start of the season for the Pirates. Through four turns, Williams is 1-3 with a 3.98 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.