MLB Player News

Williams will start for the Cubs in Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Williams will receive his second straight turn through the rotation coming out of the All-Star break while Jake Arrieta (hamstring) remains out of commission. Arrieta is set to throw a simulated game Monday, so Williams could be pushed into a long-relief role if the former is activated from the injured list by the time a fifth starter is next needed July 30 in Washington.

Schmidt (elbow) threw two simulated innings at the Yankees' complex in Florida on Wednesday and could be sent on a minor-league rehab assignment soon, per MLB.com.

The right-hander's first simulated session is said to have gone well, and the organization is now deciding whether to have him toss another sim game or to send him out on a rehab assignment. When he does get back into game action, his first outing is expected to cover three innings and 45 pitches. Schmidt hasn't pitched at all this season after suffering an elbow strain during spring training.

Lynch was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and will start Sunday's game against the Tigers.

The left-hander was previously announced as Sunday's starter and has now officially rejoined the big-league roster. Lynch got his first taste of the majors in May and surrendered 14 runs on 18 hits in three starts (eight innings) before returning to the minors.

The Marlins optioned Garrett to Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Miami's decision to demote Garrett is likely more of a roster-management move rather than a result of any dissatisfaction with his performance; the 23-year-old lefty submitted the best start of his MLB career in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Padres, working seven innings while allowing only two runs and striking out 10. The Miami rotation is extremely shorthanded at the moment, so Garrett likely won't have to wait long for a call-up. The Marlins play only five games during the upcoming week, with the pair of off days allowing the club to get by with a three- or four-man rotation in the short term.

The Marlins reinstated Alcantara (personal) from the bereavement list ahead of Sunday's game against the Padres, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

According to McPherson, Alcantara was seen throwing a side session Sunday, so the Marlins presumably won't look to him to eat innings in the series finale, which Miami is treating as a bullpen game. Instead, Alcantara will likely slot back into Miami's rotation for Tuesday's series opener in Baltimore for what would mark his second start since the All-Star break.

The Phillies reinstated Anderson from the COVID-19-related injured list Sunday.

Anderson was placed on the COVID-19-related IL for the second time this season June 10, but he's been healthy for quite some time, as he's made five rehab appearances at Lehigh Valley over the past three weeks. Though he was stretched out for starting duty during his time in the minors, Anderson is expected to fill a long-relief role in his return to Philadelphia.

The Phillies optioned Sanchez to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Sanchez will cede his spot on the active roster and in the bullpen to Chase Anderson, who was reinstated from the COVID-19-related injured list in a corresponding move. Since he worked two innings in relief in Saturday's blowout loss to Atlanta, Sanchez was unlikely to be available out of the Philadelphia bullpen for the next two days.

Strasburg (neck) is scheduled to meet with a specialist Monday before the next step in his rehab program is decided, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Since the All-Star break, Strasburg has experienced two setbacks in his recovery from the neck strain, so the Nationals will send him in for another medical evaluation. Washington is hopeful the checkup will provide an answer regarding why Strasburg is able to complete long-toss sessions without issue yet continues to experience recurring discomfort when he throws off a mound. The injury has kept Strasburg on the shelf since early June, and given the multiple setbacks he's incurred in addition to the extensive buildup time he'll require as he advances through a throwing program, he's likely multiple weeks away from returning from the injured list. Fantasy managers in shallower leagues with limited bench or IL spots available could be better off cutting bait with Strasburg at this point rather than waiting on his potential return.

DeGrom (forearm) threw off a mound Sunday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The Mets haven't disclosed whether deGrom completed a true bullpen session, but even light throwing off the mound would mark the first time that he's toed the rubber since being shut down more than a week ago with right forearm tightness. Before making his return from the injured list, deGrom will likely need to complete at least one more bullpen session and face hitters in a live batting practice session or simulated game. He could return to make a start in next weekend's series versus the Reds in a best-case scenario, but it's more likely deGrom's absence stretches into August.

Mize didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 9-8 loss to the Royals, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk over 4.2 innings. He struck out six.

The whiffs were nice, but Mize hit a wall after four scoreless innings and let Kansas City back into the game after Detroit has jumped out to a 6-0 lead. The young right-hander hasn't completed five innings in any of his last four starts, but on the season he still sports a respectable 3.63 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 85:28 K:BB through 104 frames.