MLB Player News

Woodruff was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Monday.

After holding his own in a spot start Sunday -- he allowed one unearned run on one hit and two walks across four innings -- Woodruff will head back to the minors to open up a roster spot for Eric Thames (thumb), who was brought back from the disabled list in a corresponding move. The 25-year-old will rejoin the Sky Sox's rotation, where he owns a solid 2.10 ERA across six starts this season.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon acknowledged the possibility Sunday that Darvish (triceps) might not return from the 10-day disabled list until after the All-Star break, Matthew Martell of MLB.com reports. "I think we'll know more by the end of this coming week exactly what we think about hopefully being able to lay out a plan about getting [Darvish] back," Maddon said. "But we're not at that point yet."

Darvish has progressed to playing catch off flat ground over the last several days, but the Cubs have been reluctant to issue a specific timetable for the right-hander's reinstatement from his second DL stint of the season. While Darvish's MRI revealed no structural damage to his throwing arm when he was placed on the DL in late May, the Cubs understandably want to take a cautious approach with the 31-year-old, given the organization's six-year, $126 million investment. Darvish's hazy return timeline coupled with his disappointing numbers this season (1-3, 4.95 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 40 innings) could be enough for fantasy owners in the shallowest of leagues to cut bait in pursuit of a healthier, more effective pitcher.

Eickhoff (lat) remains hopeful to pitch again this season after doctors recently concluded that he isn't dealing with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

It was feared that Eickhoff might have been dealing with the condition after experiencing tingling in the fingers on his pitching hand during a May 20 rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but doctors don't believe the 27-year-old's situation is quite as dire. Eickhoff expects to receive a firmer diagnosis on his injury within the next few days, at which point a timetable for his return from the 60-day disabled list could be established. Even if the tingling sensation subsides and Eickhoff is cleared to resume a throwing program, he'll likely need several weeks to ramp up again after having logged only 6.1 innings in affiliated ball this season. It thus appears unlikely that he'll be a rotation option for the Phillies until the second half.

Peralta covered six innings Sunday for Triple-A Colorado Springs in its 3-2 loss to Sacramento. He gave up two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out 11.

Peralta was viewed as a candidate to start Sunday for the Brewers in Philadelphia, but those duties ultimately fell to Brandon Woodruff, who was summoned from Colorado Springs to fill in for an injured Zach Davies (shoulder). It's uncertain if Davies will return from the 10-day disabled list for his next scheduled turn, but Woodruff probably fared well enough in Sunday's outing to garner another start if necessary. With that in mind, Peralta's return to the big club doesn't appear imminent and he should continue to pitch for the Triple-A club on his normal schedule. The 22-year-old has posted a 2.89 ERA and 79:27 K:BB over 56 frames in the Pacific Coast League this season.

Gore (finger) struck out three over two no-hit innings in his return from the 7-day disabled list Sunday in Low-A Fort Wayne's 15-0 win over Lansing.

Aside from a walk and hit batsman, Gore was flawless in his return from nearly a month-long absence due to a blister on his throwing hand. The lefty was limited to only 36 pitches, but he should see that count rise in his subsequent starts as he builds his arm up again following the layoff. Despite a bumpy start to his first taste of full-season ball, the 19-year-old remains a top pitching prospect in the San Diego system and one of the most highly touted hurlers in the lower levels of the minors.

Musgrove, who was skipped Sunday as the Pirates watch his workload, is expected to make two starts in the coming week.

The righty threw a combined 123 innings in 2017 (including the postseason) and the team is being extra cautious with the 25-year-old's balky right shoulder. He'll face the Diamondbacks in Arizona on Monday and then start against the Reds in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Musgrove's thrown much better at home (3.28 ERA) than on the road (5.94 ERA) in his fledging career. Arizona could present a tough matchup Monday as it totaled 29 runs in three games at Colorado over the weekend. Musgrove has pitched just 1.1 innings against the Diamondbacks and has never seen Cincinnati.

Dunn fired seven scoreless innings Sunday for Double-A Binghamton in his Eastern League debut, allowing two hits and four walks while striking out nine in a win over Trenton.

The Mets' No. 5 fantasy prospect didn't seem to miss a beat after slicing through High-A to begin the season. Dunn's control wavered a little -- he threw only 57 of 98 pitches for strikes -- but Trenton's hitters couldn't do anything with the pitches that were over the plate. The 22-year-old right-hander could put himself in line for a September cup of coffee in the majors if he continues to dominate in the high minors over the rest of 2018.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway acknowledged after Sunday's 2-0 win over the Yankees that Lugo is making a case to stick in the club's rotation, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic New York reports.

Though he was limited to 84 pitches Sunday while starting for just the second time in his 23 appearances of the season, Lugo was brilliant throughout the evening, spinning six shutout innings while striking out eight and allowing just two baserunners. Lugo has proven similarly effective in his extended relief outings and maintains a stellar 1.77 ERA and 0.85 WHIP for the campaign, so it would certainly seem that he's deserving of a more vital role on the Mets' pitching staff. While the Mets have yet to confirm whether Lugo's next appearance will come in relief or as a starter, the team may have set in motion the right-hander's addition to the rotation by skipping Jason Vargas' initially scheduled turn Tuesday against the Braves, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Mets will next require a fifth starter over the weekend in Arizona, so it should be clear at that time whether Lugo or Vargas sticks in the rotation.

The Mets promoted Peterson to High-A St. Lucie on Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Peterson, the Mets' top overall selection in the 2017 first-year player draft, didn't endure many difficulties during his time in the South Atlantic League, as he tallied a 1.82 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 57:11 K:BB in 59.1 innings for Low-A Columbia. The 6-foot-6 lefty doesn't boast premium heat -- his fastball typically sits in the 90-to-92 mile-per-hour range -- but thanks in part to a deceptive delivery and long arms that give him extra extension toward the plate, his velocity plays up. He should continue to find success in the Florida State League and further solidify his standing as one of the top arms in the Mets' system.

Wheeler will now start Tuesday against the Braves, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Wheeler had originally been scheduled to pitch Wednesday, but a Monday off day allows the Mets to skip Jason Vargas and slide everyone else up one day. That means that Wheeler is likely in line for a two-start week, as he'd be able to pitch again Sunday in Arizona.