MLB Player News

Wacha (arm) is likely to be placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Wacha was already ruled out from his scheduled start Friday, and it now appears that he will be in for a lengthier absence. To this point, the right-hander has only been diagnosed with a "heavy arm," so he may be able to return shortly after the All-Star break. Connor Seabold is expected to enter the rotation in Wacha's place.

Hendricks underwent an MRI on his right shoulder Thursday that revealed no structural damage, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

This news eliminates the possibility of surgery to correct the shoulder issue, which likely would have sidelined Hendricks for the rest of the season. There's no timetable for his return, though the team expects to update Hendicks' status once it finishes the weekend series in Los Angeles.

Falter was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after starting Thursday's game against the Nationals.

Falter threw four innings while allowing two earned runs on six hits and a walk in a no-decision. He also struck out six, his highest mark in any outing in the majors this season. Falter will remain a candidate to work in long relief or make spot starts for the Phillies throughout the season, but for now he'll head back to the minors.

Stroman (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the injured list and start during the Cubs' weekend series against the Dodgers, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Stroman threw a bullpen session Thursday and apparently felt well after the activity. Drew Smyly (oblique) is also expected to be activated from the injured list this weekend, which likely means that two of Matt Swarmer, Adrian Sampson and Mark Leiter will lose their rotation spot. Stroman has yet to get on track this season, as he has a 5.32 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 47.1 frames.

Smyly (oblique) is expected to be activated from the injured list either Saturday or Sunday to make a start against the Dodgers, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Smyly threw a bullpen session Thursday and apparently felt well coming off the activity. Though he made only one rehab start, Smyly told reporters he anticipates being able to throw roughly 85 pitches. Smyly is a candidate to replace Justin Steele -- who is awaiting the birth of his child -- on Saturday, or the team could opt to shift its rotation and start Smyly on Sunday.

Steele did not travel with the team to Los Angeles while he awaits the birth of his child, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Steele has not officially been placed on the paternity list yet, but he will not make his scheduled start Saturday against the Dodgers. The team has not announced a replacement, though Drew Smyly (oblique) is among the top candidates.

Gausman (ankle) threw on flat ground Thursday and is scheduled for a bullpen session Friday to determine when he will make his next start, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Gausman underwent a follow-up MRI on Thursday, which confirmed that he had a bone bruise in his ankle rather than a fracture. While that's good news, his status for a potential start Sunday at Seattle is uncertain. If he is unable to take the mound Sunday, Max Castillo is the likeliest candidate to start, with Gausman then tentatively slotting into Tuesday's matchup against the Phillies.

Smyly (oblique) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Smyly is following a similar rehab plan to Marcus Stroman (shoulder), and the duo threw bullpen sessions in front of the Cubs' training and coaching staffs Thursday. Smyly has already made one rehab start with High-A South Bend, so the team could opt to activate him soon and limit his pitch count. Alternatively, he could be sent back to the minors to complete at least one additional outing prior to rejoining the big-league rotation. Clarification on Smyly's status should come in the next couple days.

Stroman (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

He recently rejoined the team after one rehab start with Triple-A Iowa, and the bullpen session could be the final step before the right-hander returns from the injured list. Stroman will continue to be evaluated after Thursday's session, and there should be more details regarding his status within the next few days.

Sanchez (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Sanchez resumed mound work in mid-June and has continued to throw side sessions over the last several weeks. The right-hander isn't expected to be cleared to pitch in 2022, but it's encouraging to see him continue to throw off a mound.