MLB Player News

The Dodgers transferred Pepiot (oblique) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Pepiot has yet to resume throwing after straining an oblique in late March, so the Dodgers' decision to rule him out through late May by pushing him to the 60-day IL isn't overly surprising. The transaction also clears a spot on the 40-man roster.

Stone is being considered for a start with the Dodgers next week, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

A spot opened up with Michael Grove (groin) landing on the injured list. Stone is just one of the options to fill in, as the Dodgers are also mulling bringing Tony Gonsolin (ankle) back early or shortening the rotation for a turn. It might not be the best timing for Stone's debut, as he's off to a slow start at Triple-A Oklahoma City with a 7.20 ERA and 12:8 K:BB over 15 innings. However, he remains one of the team's top pitching prospects so there would be plenty of intrigue if he does garner the call.

Gonsolin (ankle) could rejoin the Dodgers' rotation rather than make another rehab start, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Michael Grove (groin) has landed on the injured list, creating an opening in the rotation. The team could just skip his turn since they have an off day Monday, but bringing Gonsolin back early or promoting Gavin Stone are also options. Gonsolin went only three-plus innings in his first rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday but he looked sharp, striking out seven while yielding two earned runs on one hit and two walks. He threw 57 pitches in the outing, so the righty would be on an abbreviated pitch count if the Dodgers do decide to activate him next week in Pittsburgh.

Los Angeles placed Grove (groin) on the 15-day injured list Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Grove tweaked his right groin in the bullpen prior to his start Thursday against the Cubs and then was removed from the outing in the fourth inning when it flared up on him. The injury isn't considered serious, so Grove has a shot at returning from the IL in the minimum 15 days.

Taillon (groin) played a light game of catch Thursday and will do so again Friday, Ryan Herrera of AllCHGO.com reports.

Taillon landed on the injured list Thursday with a mild-to-moderate left groin strain. That he's already playing catch is a good sign and would seem to indicate he could return around the time he's first eligible.

Liberatore has a 2.38 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 30:8 K:BB in 22.2 innings over four starts for Triple-A Memphis.

The 6-foot-4 southpaw's fastball ticked up into the mid-90s this spring, and he has used that added velocity to get off to a strong start in a return to Triple-A. Adam Wainwright (groin) is nearing a return to the Cardinals' rotation, but Liberatore won't need much more seasoning before he is ready for another shot in the big leagues if other injuries occur ahead of him on the depth chart.

Whitley gave up five earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out six in 4.2 innings Tuesday against Triple-A Las Vegas.

This was Whitley's first stumble of the year, as he gave up just one run while striking out 11 in eight innings over his first two appearances. He was done in by the long ball in his third start of the year, as he gave up two home runs at home for Sugar Land. Despite this hiccup, Whitley has put himself squarely back on the dynasty and redraft radar with a 0.95 WHIP and 17 strikeouts in 12.2 innings.

Espino (shoulder) is on track to return from the 60-day injured list by June or July, Brad Bournival of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Espino is on the 60-day IL with a subscapularis strain and anterior capsule tear in his right shoulder. The Guardians seem to be holding him back as a precaution, as Double-A Akron manager Rouglas Odor noted that Espino was already throwing and playing catch when minor-league camp ended in late March. The right-hander has impressive raw stuff but has had trouble staying healthy during his professional career; he hasn't made a start since last April.

Perez gave up two hits and a walk over five scoreless innings while striking out five for Double-A Pensacola on Thursday.

Just a few days after his 20th birthday, the right-hander carved up an overmatched Birmingham lineup, producing 17 swinging strikes among his 71 pitches. It's Perez's first win of the year, and while his 17:5 K:BB through 14 innings in three starts perhaps isn't as dominant as many expected, it's important to remember that he's the youngest pitcher at the Double-A level. Merely holding his own against much older hitters would be impressive enough, but Perez has the talent -- and the high 90s heat -- to do much more. Despite his age, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him force a promotion to Triple-A sometime over the summer.

Lopez signed a four-year, $73.5 million contract extension with the Twins on Friday.

It was reported earlier this week that the extension was nearing the finish line and it's now been officially announced. Lopez had been set to enter free agency following the 2024 campaign, but he'll now remain in Minnesota through 2027. The right-hander boasts a 1.73 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB across 26 innings through his first four starts this season.