MLB Player News

The Pirates optioned Darrell-Hicks to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Just two days after coming up from the minors, Darrell-Hicks will head back to Indianapolis to make room for the newly signed Genesis Cabrera. Darrell-Hicks has given up eight earned runs over 9.2 innings during his time in the big leagues this year, and his Triple-A performance hasn't been much better (8.14 ERA through 24.1 IP).

Cabrera signed a one-year contract with the Pirates on Thursday.

Cabrera will stay put in the NL Central after being designated for assignment by the Cubs on Saturday, and he'll immediately fill in as a big-league bullpen piece for Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old southpaw owns a 6.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 17 innings on the season, so he'll likely be limited to low-leverage work to begin his tenure with the Buccos, though that could change if he begins to return to form. Michael Darrell-Hicks was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for Cabrera on the active roster, and Hunter Stratton was DFA'd to clear a 40-man spot.

Sanchez did not factor into the decision in Thursday's 2-1 loss to the Astros, allowing one run on five hits and no walks with 11 strikeouts over six innings.

Sanchez allowed a run in the second inning but was otherwise dominant, throwing 69 of 99 pitches for strikes and generating 17 whiffs. The southpaw capped off an exceptional June with his fifth straight quality start, and he hasn't issued a walk in any of his past three outings. He'll carry a 2.79 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 103:28 K:BB across 93.2 innings into a home matchup with the Padres next week.

Winker (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Brooklyn on Sunday, Andrew Tredinnick of The Bergen Record reports.

Winker was officially cleared for rehab games after taking batting practice at Citi Field on Thursday. The 31-year-old is eligible for activation from the 60-day injured list July 4 and has a good shot to return on that date. Winker has been shelved since early May with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Upon his return, Winker should see plenty of action at designated hitter versus right-handed pitching.

Baldwin isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Mets.

Baldwin will grab a seat on the bench Thursday after belting his ninth home run of the season during Wednesday's loss. While he rests, Sean Murphy will start behind the dish and bat fifth.

Alvarez departed Triple-A Gwinnett's game on Thursday due to an oblique strain, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The severity of the strain has not been revealed, but he is surely headed to the 7-day injured list. Alvarez began this season on the major-league IL with a wrist injury before being activated and optioned earlier this month. Heading into action Thursday, Alvarez has slashed .379/.561/.552 with one homer and a 4:9 K:BB in nine games with Gwinnett.

Manaea (oblique/elbow) played catch Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

It's the first time he's thrown since he was given a cortisone shot after being diagnosed with a loose body in his left elbow. Manaea had to pause his rehab assignment briefly after the elbow issue popped up, but he's on track to make what is expected to be his final rehab start next week. The left-hander initially went on the injured list prior to Opening Day with an oblique strain and could make his 2025 Mets debut prior to the All-Star break.

Vientos (hamstring) said Thursday that he will be reinstated from the injured list Friday for the start of the Mets' series against Pittsburgh, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Vientos rejoined the team in New York on Thursday after playing seven rehab games at Triple-A Syracuse, during which he went 5-for-28 with six RBI and four runs scored. He'll receive an extra day off to rest before rejoining the active roster, at which point he'll likely take over as the Mets' primary DH while making an occasional start in the infield.

Wilken will be sidelined for 8-to-10 weeks after being diagnosed with a dislocated patella tendon in his left knee, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Wilken suffered the injury while celebrating Double-A Biloxi's first-half championship. He will not require surgery but will be shelved until at least mid-August. The 23-year-old is one of Milwaukee's top prospects and is slashing .230/.392/.550 with 18 home runs over 283 plate appearances with Biloxi in 2025.

Hill (wrist) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Hill has been sidelined for the past month with a left wrist sprain but has been cleared to play in rehab games. He'll likely require just a handful of rehab at-bats, with a return for the start of the Marlins' homestand on Tuesday representing a possible target date for Hill's return.