MLB Player News

Grove will be recalled to start Monday against the Pirates if Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) is placed on the injured list, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kershaw has dealt with left shoulder inflammation for several days, and the team continues to evaluate him ahead of Monday's series opener. Manager Dave Roberts said after Sunday's loss to the Royals that it's possible Kershaw lands on the IL, and he also said that Grove will take the mound to begin Monday's game if Kershaw is unavailable. Grove made five appearances for the major-league club in June and posted a 6.86 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 21 innings during that time.

Suarez (2-3) took the loss Sunday, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks over 5.1 innings in a 5-4 loss against Washington. He struck out five.

Four of the five runs against Suarez came on Stone Garrett's grand slam with two outs in the third inning. It was the first time since May 30 that Suarez has allowed more than one run in a start -- he'd pitched to a 1.08 ERA over his previous five outings (33.1 innings). The 27-year-old southpaw now sports a 3.67 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP and 55:18 K:BB across 10 starts (56.1 innings) this season. Suarez will look to get back on track in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in Miami.

Rodon (back/forearm) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Friday against the Cubs, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The Yankees have an open spot in their rotation Tuesday versus Baltimore, but Rodon lines up to pitch Friday given he made his last rehab start Saturday with High-A Hudson Valley. The right-hander threw 58 pitches in that outing, so he'll likely have some workload limitations in his Yankees debut.

Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Kershaw (shoulder) could be placed on the injured list Monday, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Kershaw has been managing left shoulder inflammation in recent days, but the team has been hesitant to place him on the injured list. The southpaw threw off flat ground Saturday, and his turn through the rotation comes Monday against the Pirates, but it seems possible that the Dodgers will choose to shut him down through the All-Star break. If Kershaw lands on the IL, Michael Grove is a candidate to be recalled.

Manager Alex Cora said after Sunday's win over the Blue Jays that Whitlock (elbow) will undergo an MRI on Monday, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

The right-hander lasted just one frame Sunday before being lifted due to right elbow tightness, which Cora indicated is presenting similarly to the elbow injury that kept him on the IL for most of May. It remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old will require a trip to the shelf this time around, but the Red Sox could play it safe given he's scheduled for just one more start before the All-Star break.

Williams (5-4) earned the win Sunday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over five innings against Philadelphia. He struck out one.

It was a rough start for Williams, who allowed three runs on a pair of homers in the first inning. However, he'd settle down to pitch four scoreless innings as the Nationals rallied to a 5-4 victory. The 31-year-old Williams has made it through six innings just once in his last eight outings. He now sports a 4.34 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP and 63:27 K:BB across 17 starts (85 innings) this season. Williams currently lines up for a tough home matchup with the Rangers in his next outing.

Hill (7-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks over five innings against the Brewers. He struck out eight.

All the damage against Hill came on William Contreras' three-run homer in the third inning. The 43-year-old southpaw has struggled a bit over his last four starts, pitching to a 5.48 ERA in that span. Hill now sports a 4.50 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP and 88:35 K:BB across 17 starts (94 innings) this season. Hill is currently lined up for a road matchup with the Diamondbacks in his next outing.

Painter (elbow) is expected to throw live batting practice Tuesday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The right-hander has been building up his arm in bullpen sessions over the past few weeks and has now been cleared to face live hitters. Painter could soon progress to a simulated game or a minor-league rehab assignment if all goes well during Tuesday's session.

Rea (5-4) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk over 6.2 innings against the Pirates. He struck out three.

Rea was sharp Sunday, holding Pittsburgh to a pair of runs on Nick Gonzales' two-run homer in the second inning. The 33-year-old Rea has won back-to-back starts, allowing just two runs on eight hits over 13 innings in that span. His ERA is down to 4.40 with a 1.19 WHIP and 60:25 K:BB across 14 starts (75.2 innings). Rea is currently lined up for a home matchup with the Reds in his next outing.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kershaw (shoulder) made some progress during Sunday's throwing session, though a decision has yet to be made about whether the left-hander will start Monday versus the Pirates, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers have been hesitant to place Kershaw on the injured list as he manages left shoulder inflammation, but that transaction could be forced if he's unable to start on turn Monday. The beginning of the All-Star break is just one week away, which is sure to be a factor as Los Angeles makes its decision.