MLB Player News

Buehler will take the hill Tuesday for High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Buehler was optioned to the minors after a poor outing against the Cubs, as he surrendered five runs in just one inning of work. The Dodgers hope to stretch him out in the minors, with a possible return to the big club in mid-July if he performs as expected.

Hendricks will take the hill for the Cubs' first game of the week Tuesday against the Tigers, but isn't expected to pick up a second start over the weekend versus the Reds, MLB.com reports.

Team off days Monday and Thursday would allow manager Joe Maddon to temporarily streamline the rotation if desired, but it appears the Cubs are planning to dole out one start apiece to each of their rotation members during the five-game week. Tyler Chatwood (4.54 ERA, 8.1 BB/9) has been the most unreliable of the Cubs' starters this season, but Hendricks' recent form hasn't been much better, which may explain why Maddon may not be eager to go with a four-man staff this week. During his five June starts, Hendricks failed to cover more than six innings and posted a 7.03 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 18:15 K:BB.

Stripling didn't factor into the decision against the Rockies on Sunday, giving up four earned runs on nine hits over six innings, striking out seven and walking one as the Dodgers eventually prevailed 6-4.

Stripling wasn't as dominant in this contest as he has been in recent weeks, but he still posted a respectable final line, only missing a quality start by one earned run. He's having a standout season, as the right-hander has a 2.27 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP to go along with a spectacular 96:13 K:BB through 83.1 innings.

Taillon allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out four across 4.2 innings Sunday against the Padres. He did not factor into the decision.

Taillon struggled in a couple uncharacteristic ways Sunday, allowing a home run and surrendering three walks. He has now handed out three free passes in two consecutive starts after only doing that twice in his first 15 starts this season. That will be a trend worth monitoring going forward: In order to maintain his value, Taillon needs to work deep into games due to a less-than-elite strikeout rate.

Peralta (3-1) surrendered three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five across five innings as he took the loss Sunday against the Reds.

Peralta threw 43 pitches and allowed all three runs in the first inning, but he managed to settle down and piece together four scoreless frames after a nightmare beginning to his outing. Prior to Sunday's start, he'd been close to untouchable in his last two appearances, tossing 13 scoreless innings while fanning 17. He'll look to get back on track in his next outing, which figures to come Friday against Atlanta.

Matz (4-5) threw 5.1 innings Sunday, yielding one unearned run on three hits and two walks while striking out six batters in a 5-2 win over Miami.

Matz picked up his second win in his last four starts with the solid performance Sunday. Granted, the only run that scored was off an error by Matz. The 27-year-old southpaw lowered his season ERA to 3.46 alongside a respectable 76:32 K:BB. Matz will take the mound again next Sunday against the Rays.

Despite Lorenzen hitting a pinch-hit grand slam in Saturday's win over the Brewers, the Reds are not planning to change Lorenzen's role, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports. "I think the way you use Mike is kind of what we're doing," Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman said on Sunday. "Try to pitch him in two- or three-inning segments where we're not going to use him the next day and/or two days, and then have him available to hit when needed. ... We don't have any thoughts or plans yet to even discuss doing anything with him except what we're doing now. We're not going to look to have him start a game at something other than pitcher."

Lorenzen now has three homers on the season including two as a pinch hitter the last two games. But while his bat gives the Reds more flexibility, including the ability to avoid double-switching when he comes into games, he won't be a two-way player anytime soon.

Syndergaard (finger) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Tuesday in Port St. Lucie, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

This was the next step in the progression for Syndergaard, who completed a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday. Should all go as planned, look for the team to announce a date for a regular minor-league rehab appearance prior to the All-Star break. They could always elect to activate him outright, though that appears unlikely due to the length of time he's spent on the shelf and the team having little incentive to rush him back.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Thompson will be called upon to provide bullpen help after the team's relievers threw a combined 14.1 innings over the past two games. His last stint in the majors didn't go so hot, as Thompson allowed eight earned runs on 12 hits across 10 innings (five appearances).

Velasquez (forearm) was placed on the 10-day DL on Sunday.

Velasquez was struck with a comebacker in Saturday's matchup, and was ultimately diagnosed with a right forearm contusion after X-rays came back negative. The right-hander will miss at least one start as a result, but should be back to take the mound one more time prior to the All-Star break.