MLB Player News

Winn (ankle) will make his next scheduled start Sunday at Salt Lake, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Winn was hit in the ankle by a comebacker in his previous start but escaped without serious injury. He'll return without missing a turn in the rotation and will look to build on his 2.20 ERA and 15:5 K:BB through his first four starts.

Walker (shoulder) was activated off the injured list as expected ahead of his scheduled start Saturday against the Phillies, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

Walker threw just two innings in his season debut before exiting with a shoulder injury that wound up costing him nearly three weeks. He's still not quite fully built up and is unlikely to get past 85 pitches in his return to action, though that could still give him a shot at a win if he pitches efficiently. Yoan Lopez was optioned to clear space on the roster.

Overton's contract was selected by the Reds on Saturday ahead of his scheduled start against the Rockies.

Overton's first major-league start of the year comes in the tough environment of Coors Field. Through 19 innings for Triple-A Louisville this season, the 28-year-old owns a 2.84 ERA, striking out 22 batters while walking just two. Aristides Aquino was designated for assignment to clear space on the roster.

Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Houck will continue to pitch out of the bullpen for now, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Houck's last two appearances came out of the bullpen to work around his placement on the restricted list, and he struck out six in 4.2 scoreless innings. Garrett Whitlock has impressed this season, so he'll draw the start Wednesday against the Angels. However, Cora didn't commit to Whitlock as a long-term starter, so it's certainly possible Houck rejoins the rotation at some point.

Whitlock will start Wednesday's game against the Angels, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Whitlock has been dominant over six appearances (two starts) this season, posting a 0.54 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 16.2 innings. The right-hander's start against the Blue Jays on Thursday happened since Tanner Houck was on the restricted list due to his vaccination status. However, Whitlock made enough of an impression to draw at least one more start, while Houck will continue to pitch out of the bullpen. Manager Alex Cora didn't commit to Whitlock as a long-term starter and instead said that his role will be determined one turn at a time.

Wolf is on the 7-day minor-league injured list with an undisclosed injury.

Wolf, who was part of the package from the Mets in the Francisco Lindor trade, has yet to pitch in 2022. The right-hander posted a 5.35 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 67:34 K:BB at Single-A Lynchburg last season and will likely begin the season at that level once he's healthy.

Espino was removed from Friday's start at Double-A Akron due to patella tendinitis, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Espino apparently felt something in his knee during his last start, and he received treatment ahead of Friday's outing. He exited Friday's matchup after he aggravated the issue while covering first base. Prior to the right-hander's departure, he allowed a run on three hits and a walk while striking out five in 4.2 innings. Espino drew attention in spring training and has posted a 2.45 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 35:4 K:BB in 18.1 innings over four starts in Akron to begin the season. It's not yet clear whether his injury will force him to miss additional time.

Cobb (groin) will start Sunday against the Nationals, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Reports from Friday indicated that Cobb was likely to return Sunday, and that's now been confirmed by manager Gabe Kapler. He'll wind up missing just over the minimum 10 days with his strained right groin.

Pepiot is 2-0 with a 1.66 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB across 21.2 innings over five starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season.

Pepiot's first stint at the Triple-A level last season didn't go well, as he posted a 7.13 ERA and allowed a .305 average over 41.2 frames. However, the right-hander has turned things around considerably this season -- he has yet to allow more than two runs in a start and has posted a 12.3 K/9 along with a career-best 3.8 BB/9. The walk rate could still use improvement, but Pepiot has shown the ability to dominate at every minor-league level and could get his first call-up to the Dodgers at some point this season.

Syndergaard (illness) returned to the Angels' clubhouse Saturday after being scratched from Friday's start against the White Sox, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Syndergaard's illness wasn't believed to be related to COVID-19, and his quick return to the clubhouse supports that optimism. Manager Joe Maddon said Friday that the right-hander could pitch later in the team's series against the White Sox, but it's not yet clear when that might occur. Left-hander Jose Suarez is slated to start Saturday's game.