MLB Player News

Wood (back) will throw from flat ground this weekend, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Earlier in the week, Wood apparently suffered a setback in his return from a back injury, but this report provides reason for optimism. Manager David Bell said the Reds are "keeping (their) fingers crossed it wasn't too big of a setback" for Wood, so he's not entirely out of the woods just yet.

Gausman (foot) will take part in a simulated game Sunday, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

This is the first update on Gausman's status since he landed on the injured list earlier this month, but his recovery has apparently been going as planned, as no setbacks have been reported. The Braves figure to determine Gausman's next step after observing him Sunday.

Lopez (shoulder) is scheduled to start a throwing progression Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

This is great news for Lopez, who hit the injured list June 19 with what was diagnosed as a mild shoulder strain. Keep in mind, however, that the full progression takes some time, and the Marlins have reason to slow-play it with a young pitcher who is looking like a big part of their future.

Burnes was recalled from Triple-A San Antonio on Friday.

It's been only six days since Burnes was optioned to the minors, but he will be able to return before the required 10 days with fellow pitcher Jimmy Nelson (elbow) landing on the injured list in the corresponding move. Burnes has had a rough go of it at the big-league level this season, but he did throw two spotless innings in his lone appearance with San Antonio. He pitched out of the bullpen for the Brewers prior to being sent down, and given that he has not tossed more than two innings in a game since May 4, figures to remain in that role.

Williams' next start is scheduled for July 1 against the Cubs in Pittsburgh.

Since Williams started the first of the Pirates' six games this week in Tuesday's loss to the Astros, he would have been available to start Sunday in Milwaukee on normal rest. Instead, he'll be bumped back a day with the Pirates ushering Jordan Lyles (hamstring) back into the rotation this weekend following a three-week stint on the injured list. Williams now lines up for a two step in the final week before the All-Star break, with his second turn set to come at home against the Brewers on July 6.

Soroka (forearm) is listed as the Braves' probable pitcher for Friday's game against the Mets.

With no word surfacing that the Braves are contemplating other options for the series opener, Soroka apparently came out of Wednesday's pre-start bullpen session no worse for the wear. Soroka, who exited his previous outing June 23 against the Nationals early after being struck on the right forearm while batting, was fortunate to escape the contest with a bruise and isn't expected to face any restrictions with his pitch count in his return to action.

Sanchez gave up one run on four hits and two walks over seven innings while striking out a season-high 10 for Double-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

The Marlins' No. 4 fantasy prospect continues to post very strong numbers in the Southern League. Sanchez now boasts a 2.77 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 54:9 K:BB through 52 innings for Jacksonville, although his most impressive stat might be his measly two homers allowed during that stretch. The right-hander threw only 46.2 innings last year, so the Marlins will be keeping a close eye on his workload, but Sanchez is positioning himself for a possible 2020 big-league debut.

Rogers allowed an unearned run on two hits and a walk over a career-high eight innings while striking out eight for High-A Jupiter on Thursday.

Since the beginning of May, the lefty has been on an absolute tear through the Florida State League, posting a 2.44 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 62:13 K:BB through 48 innings over eight starts. Rogers had a disappointing season last year after being the 13th overall pick in the 2017 draft, but something seems to have clicked for the 21-year-old. Despite his relative lack of pro experience, a promotion to Double-A before the end of the year isn't out of the question if he keeps up this pace.

Buehler allowed seven runs on 13 hits and one walk across 5.2 innings in a no-decision Thursday against the Rockies. He struck out four.

Buehler allowed as many hits in this one as he had in his previous four outings combined and gave up seven earned runs for the first time in his big-league career. Of course, it was a difficult matchup that took place at Coors Field, but it was quite different than his previous start, when he went the distance with 16 punchouts at home against this same lineup. Buehler will look to bounce back in his next start at home against the Diamondbacks, currently lined up for Wednesday.

Alcantara (4-7) allowed six runs on seven hits and one walk across six innings while taking the loss Thursday against the Nationals. He struck out one.

Alcantara fell victim to the long ball in this one, as all the Nats' runs came via a pair of solo home runs and a pair of two-run shots. He threw just 90 pitches and could've perhaps gone deeper into the game, but he got the hook after finishing a five-run sixth inning. Alcantara had delivered a quality start in back-to-back outings heading into this one and will look to get back on track in his next turn on the road Wednesday for a rematch in the nation's capital.