MLB Player News

Cease (not injury related) was reinstated from the restricted list Friday.

Cease was unavailable for the White Sox's recent road trip to Toronto, but he'll rejoin the team ahead of this weekend's series against the Rays. He's listed as the probable starter for Saturday's matchup against Tampa Bay.

Martin was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte and is starting Friday against the Rays.

Martin made his major-league debut May 17 against the Royals and struck out seven while allowing just one run over five innings. Vince Velasquez (groin) was listed as Friday's scheduled starter before being placed on the 15-day injured list, and it seems likely that Martin will remain in the rotation while Velasquez is sidelined.

Velasquez was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain Friday, retroactive to May 31.

The 29-year-old was slated to start Friday's game against the Rays, but Davis Martin will step in as the starter after he was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte. It's not yet clear how much time Velasquez will miss, but it's possible he'll take on a bullpen role once he returns to action since Lance Lynn (knee) is closing in on a return.

Cobb was scratched from Friday's scheduled start against the Marlins due to back tightness, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Cobb showed improvement during Sunday's start against the Reds and allowed two runs while striking out eight in six innings, but he'll be unable to take the mound Friday. He's considered day-to-day, but it's not yet clear when he'll be able to make his next start. John Brebbia will start Friday's matchup as the Giants utilize a bullpen game against Miami.

Criswell, who recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts over 5.1 innings against Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, sports a 3.38 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 10.9 K/9 across nine starts at High-A Lansing this season.

The 23-year-old right-hander's strikeout tally versus the Kernels was a career best, and Criswell has shown a solid degree of progress overall compared to his initial five-start stint with the Lugnuts in 2021. However, Ethan Sands of MLB.com reports Criswell's control still has plenty of room for improvement; even in Tuesday's stellar performance he issued three walks and hit two batters, and he's handed out at least one free pass in all but one start.

Walker (3-1) was the losing pitcher Thursday against the Dodgers, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out two over 5.2 innings.

Walker held Los Angeles scoreless for four frames before yielding his first run in the fifth. The right-hander gave up another run with two outs in the sixth and was subsequently lifted for a reliever. The Mets couldn't get anything going offensively in the contest, resulting in Walker's first loss of the campaign. He's been solid overall this season, allowing three runs or fewer in all but one start. Walker is expected to next take the mound next week in San Diego.

Gonsolin (6-0) earned the win over the Mets on Thursday, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing two hits and one walk while striking out five.

Gonsolin has been outstanding without being overpowering this season, and he made easy work of one of the league's best offenses Thursday, allowing only three baserunners while fanning five. The right-hander pitched exactly six innings for his fourth straight outing, and he has picked up a win while notching a quality start in three of those contests. Overall, Gonsolin has yet to give up more than two runs in any appearance this season and is tied for the MLB lead with six victories. His 1.59 ERA ranks third in the majors, and he'll look to keep rolling in his next start, which is expected to take place in Chicago against the White Sox next week.

Matz (shoulder) will require at least one rehab appearance prior to rejoining the Cardinals' rotation, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Matz is scheduled to throw side sessions Thursday and Sunday, but he'll be forced to miss at least one more turn through the rotation since he'll make an appearance with a minor-league affiliate. The Cardinals haven't yet revealed who will step in as a starter next week, but manager Oliver Marmol listed Andre Pallante, Zack Thompson, Johan Oviedo, Packy Naughton and Jake Woodford as candidates for a spot start.

Gomber (2-6) took the loss against Atlanta on Thursday, allowing nine runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings.

Gomber got out of the first inning allowing only a walk, but Atlanta got to him for four runs over the next two frames. He hurled a scoreless fourth before serving up a grand slam to Travis d'Arnaud in the fifth that sealed his fate. Gomber recently had a promising month-long run, tossing five quality starts across six appearances between April 23 and May 22. His past two outings have been disastrous, however, as he's allowed a combined 17 runs over 6.1 innings. That has pushed his season ERA up to 6.54 and removed him from fantasy consideration in almost every format. Gomber is slated to take the mound in San Francisco next week.

Liberatore was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Liberatore made his third major-league start Thursday against the Cubs and allowed four runs in 3.1 innings to take the loss. The southpaw has had an inconsistent start to his big-league career with a 5.54 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 13 innings over three outings. However, the 22-year-old remains one of the Cardinals' top prospects, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the major-league club at some point. Liberatore's demotion could signal that Steven Matz (shoulder) will be ready to rejoin the rotation next week.