MLB Player News

Matz (knee) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday with no problems, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander threw a low-intensity side session over the weekend but has now progressed to mound work, and the Cardinals are apparently quite pleased with his recovery progress. Matz has pitched in only one game since May and is likely to require a multi-start rehab assignment in the minors before being reinstated from the injured list, so he shouldn't be expected back for at least a couple more weeks.

Greinke was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday retroactive to Aug. 21 due to right forearm tightness, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

The veteran exited his last start with forearm cramping but appeared clear of the injury since he was listed as Kansas City's probable starter for Saturday's matchup with the Padres; however, he'll instead require a trip to the injured list. It's unclear who will take Greinke's spot in the rotation, or if he's expected to be sidelined beyond the 15-day minimum.

The Tigers returned Garcia to Triple-A Toledo on Aug. 16.

Though he didn't move into the rotation at Triple-A until July 10 after working as a reliever the past few seasons, Garcia has fared better than anticipated across his three spot starts with Detroit. Garcia was especially impressive in his last outing for the Tigers on Aug. 15, when he struck out five and allowed three earned runs over six innings to pick up the win over the Guardians in the second game of a doubleheader. Since he was designated as the 27th man for the twin bill, Garcia was sent back to Triple-A immediately after the outing, and he may have to wait for another injury to hit the Detroit rotation before he gets another look in the big leagues. The Tigers will be able to get by with a four-man rotation until next week, when Michael Pineda (triceps) is on track to come off the injured list. Along with Garcia, Garrett Hill and Daniel Norris -- who were both recently moved to the bullpen -- are candidates to pick up spot starts as needed over the final month of the campaign.

Farrell had his contract selected from Triple-A Iowa and will start for the Cubs against the Cardinals on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Farrell joined Chicago on a minor-league deal in April and has a 5.03 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 49:28 K:BB across 59 innings at Triple-A this year. It's likely to be a spot start for the 31-year-old, who has a 4.93 ERA over 63 career appearances in the big leagues.

Hendricks (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hendricks' move to the 60-day IL isn't surprising since the Cubs announced Monday that he won't return to the field this season. The right-hander isn't expected to need surgery and is on track to resume strengthening work in a few weeks, so it seems likely that he'll be ready to go in time for spring training in 2023.

Hill is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Rays at Fenway Park, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Manager Alex Cora had previously suggested that Hill could piggyback Brayan Bello in the latter's start Wednesday against the Blue Jays, but Hill may only be available in relief in an emergency now that he's been confirmed to make his next start this weekend. When he takes the mound Saturday, Hill will be pitching on nine days' rest after having made his previous start Aug. 17 in Pittsburgh.

Houser (elbow) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's start against the Dodgers.

Houser recently completed a three-game rehab assignment in which he allowed six runs (three earned) on six hits and seven walks while striking out 10 in 8.1 innings. He was slated to throw 60-75 pitches during a rehab start Sunday before the Brewers decided to bring him back for Wednesday's series finale, so he'll likely be on a pitch count against the Dodgers.

Sanchez was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley ahead of Wednesday's start against the Reds.

Sanchez has been in the minors since mid-July but will make a spot start Wednesday to give the rest of the Phillies' rotation an extra day of rest. Over 10 appearances (two starts) in the majors this year, he's posted a 3.80 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 23.2 innings.

The Red Sox reinstated Bello (groin) from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

Boston optioned starting pitcher Josh Winckowski to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move, a transaction that may hint that Bello will be installed as a permanent member of the rotation. Bello, who has been on the shelf since sustaining a left groin strain in a relief appearance Aug. 3, built up to 4.1 innings in his second rehab start at Triple-A last Friday, so he shouldn't face any major restrictions as he takes the hill Wednesday.

Gore (elbow) threw off a mound Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Gore increased his throwing distance to 120 feet last week, and Wednesday's throwing session marked the first time that he's thrown off a mound since joining the Nationals. The southpaw still needs to ramp up his intensity, but the team hopes that he'll be able to return prior to the end of the regular season.