MLB Player News

Gray (oblique) is throwing Friday and is scheduled for a bullpen session Sept. 1, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

The bullpen session will be the right-hander's first time on the mound since suffering an oblique strain during his last start Aug. 1. Gray is expected to rejoin the Rangers before the end of the campaign, though he's likely to have a modified workload given the limited build-up time.

Wheeler (forearm) is on track to begin throwing in three-to-five days, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Wheeler hit the injured list Thursday with right forearm tendinitis, but he's since downplayed the issue, saying he's dealt with the problem before and that he could have potentially pitched through it. He'll instead skip at least two turns through the rotation, but it's possible he misses no more than that, as he expects to return after throwing just a pair of bullpen sessions. Bailey Falter has stepped into the rotation in Wheeler's place and will start Friday against the Pirates.

Kershaw (back) will throw Saturday with an eye toward returning next Thursday or Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Kershaw has been out since early August with a back issue, but his absence doesn't appear set to stretch on too much longer. He's expected to skip a rehab assignment and should return in no more than a week if all goes well.

Megill (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled for live batting practice Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Megill has been sidelined by a shoulder injury since mid-June but is closing in on his return from the injured list. If all goes well Monday, the right-hander could start a rehab assignment later next week. Megill is still expected to rejoin the Mets as a reliever, so he shouldn't require a lengthy rehab stint to get stretched out.

Sanchez was diagnosed with inflammation in his right shoulder Friday and is scheduled to receive a cortisone injection Monday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Sanchez had his rehab program pause after he experienced shoulder discomfort last week, and the next steps in his recovery won't be known until after he receives the injection. The 24-year-old shouldn't be expected to see game action this year, but it appears he's avoided a significant setback.

Darvish (personal) was reinstated from the paternity list Friday.

Darvish will start Saturday's game in Kansas City, and he'll rejoin the active roster a day before his start. The right-hander has recorded quality starts in seven of his last eight outings, posting a 3.15 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 54.1 innings across that span.

Keuchel will be called up to start Saturday against the Tigers.

Keuchel has already been released by both the White Sox and the Diamondbacks this season, and it's not hard to see why. In 12 starts, he's struggled to an 8.53 ERA and 2.03 WHIP while averaging 87.9 mph with his fastball. He'll make at least a spot start or two in place of the injured Cole Ragans (calf), but it's hard to see the veteran having much success.

Ragans was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained left calf Friday.

Ragans made his MLB debut in early August and recorded a 4.42 ERA in his first four starts, though his 9:10 K:BB suggests things could have gone much worse. He'll miss at least two turns in the rotation, with Dallas Keuchel expected to take his place.

Cavalli had his contract selected from Triple-A Rochester ahead of his start against the Reds on Friday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

The 24-year-old was previously announced as Friday's starter for Washington, and he's now officially on the big-league roster. Cavalli has a 3.71 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 104:39 K:BB across 97 innings at Triple-A this season, and he has a favorable matchup for his MLB debut against a below-average Reds offense.

Falter was recalled as expected ahead of his start Friday against the Pirates.

Falter allowed one run on two hits in six innings against the Mets his last time out, earning his first major-league win of the season. He was sent down after that outing but is allowed to return just six days later as that game was part of a doubleheader. In eight starts and four relief appearances at the MLB level this season, Falter owns a 4.40 ERA and 1.29 WHIP, with his 2.0 HR/9 standing as his most significant red flag.