MLB Player News

Medina (knee) began a rehab assignment Wednesday in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and was charged with six earned runs on six hits and zero walks while striking out three over two innings.

Though Medina didn't issue a walk in the first start of his rehab assignment, he didn't necessarily exhibit strong control, as he tossed two wild pitches and hit one of the 13 batters he faced. Some rustiness was to be expected from Medina, who hadn't pitched in a competitive setting since his March 4 Cactus League start before he went down with a Grade 2 MCL sprain of his right knee. He'll likely need three or four rehab starts to get fully stretched out, so he shouldn't be viewed as a realistic candidate to return from the 60-day injured list and join the Oakland rotation until around early-to-mid June.

The Dodgers announced that Sheehan (elbow) underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery Wednesday.

Sheehan has been on the shelf all season with what the Dodgers had initially classified as right forearm inflammation. He had been cleared to face hitters in late March, only for the Dodgers to shut him down in mid-April after he experienced a setback in his recovery. A month after being shut down, the 24-year-old still wasn't responding to rest and rehab as well as the Dodgers had hoped, and after meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Sheehan was recommended for Tommy John surgery. He'll miss the rest of the 2024 season and a significant chunk of the 2025 season while he recovers from the procedure.

Wicks (forearm) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Wicks has been on the shelf since late April with a left forearm strain but could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment if things go well Friday. Because he hasn't missed that much time, he probably won't need more than one or two rehab starts. However, given his 4.70 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB across 23 innings before going on the IL, he wouldn't seem to be a given to be re-inserted into the Cubs' rotation once he's ready.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said Thursday in an interview with SportsNet New York that Senga (shoulder) recently had "a good bullpen" session where he was "making some strides."

Senga had to pull back on facing hitters while he dealt with mechanical issues, but he and the Mets were happy with how his last throwing session went. Stearns said he wasn't sure exactly when Senga would be ready to begin a rehab assignment, but it could happen relatively soon. The right-hander has been sidelined all season with a right posterior shoulder capsule strain.

The Mets optioned Lucceshi to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

Lucchesi made a spot start Wednesday in Philadelphia, getting knocked around for five runs over 4.1 innings of work. He'll rejoin the Syracuse rotation while Josh Walker gives the Mets a fresh relief arm.

Waldichuk underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow Wednesday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Waldichuk was initially diagnosed with a UCL tear last October. He opted for a minor procedure on his elbow last fall in hopes of avoiding the surgery he eventually had Wednesday. The left-hander figures to be sidelined until around midseason of 2025.

The Pirates released Lauer on Thursday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Lauer had an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with Pittsburgh and has chosen to exercise it. The left-hander posted a 5.56 ERA over 29.1 innings during his time with Triple-A Indianapolis, but his 37:11 K:BB was more promising. Lauer, 28, shouldn't have trouble landing another gig elsewhere, although it's possible he'll have to accept another minor-league deal.

Hernandez (0-1) was the pitcher of record in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Giants, covering six innings and striking out three while allowing three earned runs on four hits and one walk.

After being called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier in the day, Hernandez held his own in his first start with the Dodgers, retiring seven of the first nine batters he faced before being tagged for two runs on a Mike Yastrzemski home run in the bottom of the third. The right-hander would allow another run on a Heliot Ramos double in the sixth but was still able to get through the frame and log a quality start in his debut. Hernandez produced 10 swinging strikes on the night and certainly made a case for more innings at the big-league level, though manager Dave Roberts said after the game that the right-hander will serve as a long-relief option out of the bullpen in the near term, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports.

German allowed one run while striking out four over four innings in his season debut Tuesday with Single-A Bradenton.

It's his first game action since last July, as the Yankees placed German on the restricted list in August following a clubhouse incident. He became a free agent after being outrighted off New York's 40-man roster and eventually signed a minor-league contract with the Pirates in March. German could eventually become a rotation option for Pittsburgh later this season, but it's unlikely to be anytime soon.

Webb (4-4) earned the win over the Dodgers on Wednesday, allowing three hits and three walks over six shutout innings while striking out five.

Webb allowed three of the first four batters to reach base in the opening frame but managed to work his way out of the jam, getting two of the three outs by way of strikeout. The right-hander would allow just two walks and two singles from that point on en route to earning his fourth win of the season, snapping a three-game losing skid. Webb has now hurled six or more shutout innings in three of his last six starts, posting a 30:12 K:BB over that stretch. He's also logged quality starts in seven of his 10 outings this season.