MLB Player News

Cease yielded one run on four hits and two walks over six frames in Friday's win over Miami. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision.

Cease rolled through four shutout frames before coughing up a solo homer in the fifth inning. The 27-year-old has been shaky all season but has allowed just two runs over 11.1 innings in his last two starts. He's given up three or fewer runs in five of his last six starts, posting a 2.94 ERA during that span. Cease is now sporting a 4.38 ERA and an 81:34 K:BB through 74 innings. He's projected to face the Dodgers on the road next week.

Perez allowed one run on five hits and two walks over five innings in Friday's loss to the White Sox. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

The only damage against Perez was a solo shot by Yasmani Grandal in the second inning. Perez tossed 10 shutout innings over his previous two starts and has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his first six MLB starts. He lowered his season ERA to 2.17 with a 30:13 K:BB through 29 frames. Perez is lined up for a start in Seattle next week.

Urias (hamstring) won't be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's game against the Phillies, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Urias' strained left hamstring was still giving him problems after a bullpen session Thursday, so his return to the Dodgers rotation will be pushed back. The 26-year-old lefty will return to throwing off flat ground and his new return date is uncertain, though he will probably require a rehab assignment. A replacement starter for Sunday's game has yet to be announced, but manager Dave Roberts said a bullpen game is likely.

Sale was diagnosed Friday with a stress reaction in his left scapula, Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican reports.

The injury to the scapula -- which is more commonly referred to as the shoulder blade -- won't require surgery, but Sale will be shut down for at least 3-to-4 weeks. The veteran southpaw was transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier Friday, a transaction that means he won't be eligible for activation until Aug. 2.

Alexander (shoulder) is beginning a rehab assignment Friday in the Arizona Complex League, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Alexander has been on the shelf since February because of a right rotator cuff strain, but he's finally ready to take the mound again in live games. The 30-year-old could be an option for the Brewers' pitching staff toward the end of June.

Velasquez underwent season-ending surgery Friday on his right elbow, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Velasquez was originally diagnosed with elbow inflammation when he lasted only two innings in his return from the injured list May 28, but further testing revealed the need for a surgical repair of his ulnar collateral ligament. He didn't undergo Tommy John surgery, but he could still miss a full calendar year while rehabbing. The 31-year-old right-hander finishes the 2023 campaign with a 3.86 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB in eight starts (37.1 innings). He is scheduled to become a free agent this winter.

Manning (foot) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Sunday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Manning has been on the injured list since mid-April due to a fracture in his right foot. Tuesday marked the first time Manning faced live hitters, and he will likely require multiple rehab starts in Triple-A before returning to the Tigers' rotation.

Sale (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list by the Red Sox on Friday, Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora had expressed hope a week ago that Sale's left shoulder injury was minor, but clearly it's more serious than originally expected. The southpaw won't be eligible to return from the IL until early August.

Grove is in line to serve as a bulk reliever for the Dodgers on Friday against the Phillies, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

He had been the projected starter, but the Dodgers have elected to use Victor Gonzalez as an opener instead with lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper at the top of the Phillies' batting order. Grove holds a 5.14 ERA over five starts with the big club this season, although that's come with a 21:7 K:BB in 25 innings.

Woodford (shoulder) was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday and optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

Woodford is recovered from the bout of shoulder inflammation that sent him to the injured list in early May, but the Cardinals will keep him in the rotation at Memphis for now. The 26-year-old right-hander posted a 3.38 ERA with six strikeouts in three rehab starts covering eight innings.