MLB Player News

An MRI revealed that Hamels is dealing with a left oblique strain, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

This isn't unexpected news for Hamels, and he'll continue to receive treatment as the All-Star break approaches. According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, a timetable for Hamels' return has not been set. "We were encouraged by the results," stated manager Joe Maddon. "We still don't have any timetable, but he's feeling a lot better more quickly than we anticipated. The results weren't overly negative."

Hendricks (shoulder) has been activated from the 10-day injured list and will start Tuesday's game against the Pirates.

As expected, Hendricks is listed as the starting pitcher for the second game of the series after missing time with right shoulder inflammation. The right-hander is putting together another solid season thus far, posting a 3.36 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with a 75:16 K:BB over 88.1 frames.

Burnes retired all three batters he faced via strikeout en route to securing his third hold Monday in the Brewers' 8-6 win over the Reds.

Even though Burnes has struggled mightily with keeping the ball in the yard both as a starter and reliever this season, it hasn't stopped manager Craig Counsell from turning to the righty in high-leverage spots. In his first two appearances since returning from Triple-A San Antonio, Burnes has been asked to protect leads of three runs or fewer in the seventh inning and has delivered clean frames in both outings to collect a pair of holds. He could quickly solidify himself as one of the top setup options for closer Josh Hader.

Quantrill is listed as the Padres' probable starter for Wednesday's game against the Giants.

Per Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres look set to close out the first half with a different starting pitcher for all seven games this week. After making his last four appearances in relief, Quantrill will slot back into the rotation for a spot start, while Dinelson Lamet (elbow) appears on track to return from the 60-day injured list Friday to start against the Dodgers. In Quantrill's case, he seems less likely to stick around in the rotation than Lamet after the All-Star break, though the Padres could have spots for both if one or both of rookies Logan Allen and Chris Paddack are optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Quantrill will at least make for a decent streaming option this week while matching up with one of the majors' worst offenses in the favorable pitching environment of Petco Park.

Hamels' (oblique) MRI results are still pending, but "it doesn't sound like any worst-case scenario," Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Rogers says we will likely know more Tuesday. While this report is encouraging, the worst-case scenario was that it was season-ending -- there is a fairly wide range of possible recovery timetables for this sort of injury, depending on the severity of the oblique strain. Hamels left his June 28 outing against the Reds after feeling something in his left side in the first inning and was subsequently placed on the injured list.

Williams (3-2) yielded five runs on nine hits and three walks across 5.2 innings Monday, striking out four batters and earning the win over the Cubs.

It obviously wasn't a great performance, but Pittsburgh's offense erupted for 18 runs Monday to give Williams the win. Most of the damage came against him in the fourth inning where he allowed three runs on four hits and two walks. Since returning from the injured list with a side injury, the 27-year-old has coughed up 16 runs over 17.1 innings. Williams will look to turn things around at home against the Brewers on Saturday.

Houser yielded three runs on six hits and a walk over five innings Monday, striking out two and taking the no-decision in the win over the Reds.

It was the longest outing of the season for Houser and he actually kept the Reds scoreless through five innings. However, before he could record an out in the sixth, Jesse Winker hit a home run and Joey Votto drew a walk before Eugenio Suarez ended his night with a two-run shot. The 26-year-old will carry a 3.26 ERA into Saturday's contest in Pittsburgh.

Mahle allowed three runs on three hits and two walks in six innings Monday, striking out eight batters and taking the no-decision in the loss to Milwaukee.

Keston Hiura's solo homer in the fifth inning was the only run Mahle allowed through six frames. Then, Lorenzo Cain drilled a solo shot to start the seventh before Mahle allowed a single to Eric Thames, ending his outing. The 24-year-old righty owns a 4.36 ERA with a solid 92:22 K:BB. He'll face Cleveland at home Sunday.

Smyly agreed to a minor-league contract with the Brewers on Monday, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports.

Smyly was cut loose by the Rangers on Friday, so his trip to the open market didn't last long. The lefty posted an 8.42 ERA and 1.91 WHIP with 52 strikeouts over 51.1 innings this season for Texas, and he'll now head to the minor leagues where he'll serve as organizational depth.

The Marlins expect to activate Urena (back) from the 60-day injured list around when he's first eligible to return in mid-August, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Urena was put on the shelf June 12 and transferred to the 60-day IL two days later after it was determined he was dealing with a herniated disc. Just over two weeks after Urena's shutdown, the Marlins are already encouraged by the progress the right-hander has displayed and believe he'll be able to contribute again over the final month and a half of the season. Though Urena served as the Marlins' Opening Day starter, he may not have a rotation spot waiting for him upon returning with multiple youngsters staking claims to permanent starting roles. Once Urena's return date draws nearer, the Marlins will likely assess the makeup of their rotation at that time before determining how the veteran will be used.