MLB Player News

Francis (forearm) threw a bullpen session Monday and is slated to throw two simulated innings Thursday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Barring any sort of setback, Francis is expected to embark on a rehab assignment shortly after his simulated game Thursday. He will serve as a starter while on his assignment, but he will likely be limited to a long-relief role once he returns to the Blue Jays. The 28-year-old righty posted an 8.59 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 14.2 innings before landing on the injured list April 25.

Whitlock (oblique) will throw live batting practice Friday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Assuming all goes well during his live BP session, Whitlock will move onto a rehab assignment next week, though it's unclear if he will require more than one start in the minors. The 27-year-old right-hander has been on the injured list since April 17 and just began his throwing program Saturday.

Cole (elbow) completed a bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to throw another bullpen this weekend, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Cole is continuing to progress toward returning after throwing off a mound May 4 for the first time since being placed on the injured list in March. He tossed another bullpen session Tuesday without a setback and is expected to continue to ramp up his throwing efforts in the coming weeks. Cole appears to be on track for an early-to-mid-June return.

Rodriguez (shoulder) "feels much better" and hopes to be reinstated once he becomes eligible May 15, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reported Tuesday.

Rodriguez has battled inflammation in his shoulder throughout May. However, per Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com, his move to the 15-day IL was to prevent the issue from developing into anything more serious, and he could return to the O's without a rehab start. Rodriguez has a 4-1 record with a 3.71 ERA through six starts and would likely replace Cole Irvin in the rotation once available.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Turnbull will pitch in relief Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Thomson wouldn't reveal exactly how Turnbull will be used, but Gelb says the right-hander will likely pitch three innings or so in what could be a piggyback situation with starter Cristopher Sanchez. Turnbull was demoted to the bullpen recently in spite of a 1.67 ERA and 36:10 K:BB in 32.1 innings this season, as the team has an eye on his workload since he hasn't thrown more than 56.2 innings in a season since 2019.

Wicks (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wicks is just over a week removed from being placed on the injured list with a strained left forearm but is already been cleared for mound work. He'll need to face hitters and will probably be asked to make a rehab start or two before being considered an option to rejoin the Cubs' rotation.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said April 28 that Hall (knee) has started playing catch and is "progressing," but the left-hander remains without a clear timeline for a return from the 15-day injured list, MLB.com reports.

Hall was placed on the IL on April 21, one day after he sprained his left knee while fielding a bunt in his start against the Cardinals. The young southpaw was able to stay in the game upon suffering the injury, but he saw a stark decline in his velocity thereafter, prompting the Brewers to shut him down. Hall is in the process of rehabbing and strengthening the knee and hasn't hit any reported snags in the recovery process, but until he reaches the point that he's able to face hitters, the team likely won't have a concrete target date for his return from the IL.

Alcantara (elbow) was spotted playing catch in Oakland on Saturday during the Marlins' series versus the Athletics, MLB.com reports.

Alcantara has been able to play catch for about two months now and is presumably increasing the distance and frequency of his throwing, but the Marlins haven't indicated when he might be ready to toss bullpen sessions. Regardless, after he underwent Tommy John surgery on October 6, 2023, the Marlins aren't counting on Alcantara contributing at any point in 2024. The Marlins' focus remains on getting the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner back to 100 percent for the start of spring training next year.

Marsh (elbow) struck out six and gave up one hit and one walk over four shutout innings Sunday in his rehab start with Triple-A Omaha.

According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Royals manager Matt Quatraro said prior to Sunday's rehab outing that Marsh was being targeted for 60-to-65 pitches, but the right-hander fell slightly short of that benchmark with 53 pitches (38 strikes). In any case, Marsh mowed down the Triple-A Iowa lineup in efficient fashion and looks as though he could be ready to return from the 15-day injured list when first eligible Friday against the Angels. If the Royals instead decide to give Marsh one more rehab start to increase his pitch count, Daniel Lynch would likely be in store for a second turn through the rotation this weekend.

Rockies manager Bud Black said April 24 that Marquez (elbow) hasn't experienced any setbacks since he resumed facing hitters at extended spring training in Arizona, MLB.com reports.

Marquez opened the season on the 60-day injured list while he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent May 12, 2023. Closing in on the one-year mark in his rehab program, Marquez appears to be coming along as expected, but the Rockies haven't indicated when he'll be able to resume pitching in minor-league rehab games. The team is preparing for Marquez to return from the 60-day IL at some point around midseason.