MLB Player News

Alzolay (elbow) has struck out four batters and allowed two earned runs on four hits and three walks across three innings in three appearances for Triple-A Syracuse since being reinstated from the 7-day injured list June 4.

Alzolay was on the shelf for the first two months of the minor-league season, presumably because he was still working to regain command and velocity following his August 2024 Tommy John surgery. After making six rehab appearances across three different lower-level affiliates, Alzolay received the green light to join Syracuse earlier this month, but he's looked rusty in his initial opportunities at the Triple-A level. Though Alzolay is only three seasons removed from saving 22 games for the Cubs, he'll probably need to return to dominant form over a prolonged period at Syracuse before getting another look in the majors.

Triple-A Syracuse placed Lambert on the 7-day injured list June 4 due to an unspecified injury.

Lambert, 23, has struck out one-third of the batters he's faced this season, but a bloated 18.7 percent walk rate played a big part in him submitting an inflated 6.19 ERA and 1.62 over 16 innings at Triple-A. He's without a clear timeline to return to action for Syracuse.

Kessinger (hamstring) has gone 2-for-19 (.105 average) with five RBI in five games since Triple-A Syracuse reinstated him from the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Kessinger is back in action for Syracuse after completing his recovery from the significant left hamstring injury he sustained early in spring training. Before reporting to Triple-A, Kessinger slashed .172/.442/.414 with one home run, one stolen base and a 11:12 BB:K in 10 games between the rookie-level Florida Complex League and High-A Brooklyn.

Glasnow (back) has yet to resume throwing, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

It was reported over the weekend that Glasnow could throw in the near future, but he's yet to make any progress. He's been on the injured list since suffering a back injury May 6 in his start against the Astros, and until he can gain clearance to resume throwing, a return date will be difficult to estimate.

McCann (quadriceps) is expected to begin playing in complex league games next week, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

McCann has been on the shelf since May 19 due to a right quadriceps strain. However, he was cleared to resume baseball activities earlier this month, and assuming everything goes to plan, he'll face live competition as early as next week. The backstop hasn't appeared in a game since May 18, so he'll presumably need to participate in at least a handful of matchups before being activated from the 10-day injured list.

Diaz (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this week, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Diaz was given the green light to resume throwing at the end of May, and it seems he's now been cleared to ramp up his throwing progression. He'll presumably need to make it through at least a few BP sessions before advancing to pitching against live hitters.

Steele (elbow) will throw plyo balls for the next week and then progress to throwing a baseball, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The club has already ruled Steele out through the All-Star break, but he's moving in the right direction. Montemurro notes that he'll be around the team for the next three weeks while continuing his rehab, and he could resume throwing a baseball as early as next Monday, which would be the first step in building up his throwing progression. The Cubs have yet to provide a firm timetable for Steele's return.

Hernandez (hamstring) is expected to ramp up his baseball activities this week, and if all goes well, he could be sent out on a rehab assignment by the weekend, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Hernandez landed on the 10-day injured list at the end of May after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. He was initially expected to miss one month, but if all goes well during the week and he's cleared to embark on a rehab stint by the weekend, there's a chance he could beat that one-month timeline.

Edman (ankle) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Edman is expected to be penciled into the starting lineup upon his return Tuesday, which likely means Alex Freeland will get bumped to the bench. Katie Woo of The Athletic reports that Edman should see opportunities at second base, third base and in left field and should play in 3-to-4 games a week as he continues to get acclimated to live action.

Boyd (knee/shoulder) will throw an up-down bullpen session Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs will make a decision about next steps for Boyd after the bullpen session. Boyd had been slated to rejoin the big-league rotation this past weekend following last month's meniscus surgery, but that was scrapped after he developed left shoulder soreness after a bullpen session. Following the setback, it seems likely that the Cubs will ask Boyd to make another rehab start. However, more clarity on that front will be available after Tuesday's session.