MLB Player News

Assad struck out two and allowed two hits and no walks over three scoreless innings of relief Tuesday in the Cubs' 4-3 win over the White Sox.

Though he was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Monday as the corresponding move to Edward Cabrera (finger) returning to the 15-day injured list, Assad won't end up replacing Cabrera in the rotation. After the Cubs called upon Assad to work in long relief following a short start by Kevin Gausman (hand) on Tuesday, David Peterson will end up taking over Cabrera's spot in the rotation this weekend in Seattle, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.

Vesia was charged with a blown save Wednesday against Colorado after giving up two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out two batters over one inning.

Vesia was summoned from the bullpen to begin the seventh inning with the Dodgers up 4-2. The lefty reliever couldn't protect the lead, issuing a two-out walk that was followed by a two-run Mickey Moniak homer. Vesia was excellent in the first half of the campaign, posting a 2.27 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 31.2 innings. However, he's been much less effective since the All-Star break, compiling a 5.68 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with a 13:10 K:BB across 12.2 frames spanning 15 appearances. He's likely to remain a high-leverage option for manager Dave Roberts, however, given his history of playoff success.

Gordon is slated to start Friday's game against the Guardians at Coors Field.

Gordon had made each of his first five appearances following the All-Star break as a long reliever, but he'll re-enter the rotation this week as a replacement for Michael Lorenzen, whom the Rockies released Wednesday. In Lorenzen's final start last Saturday against the Giants, Gordon ended up working behind him while covering four innings and 63 pitches, so the 28-year-old righty will be reasonably stretched out as he returns to the rotation. Gordon had previously made five starts for the Rockies, posting a 6.26 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB in 23 innings.

The Phillies recalled Reyes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday and placed him on the 60-day injured list with a right wrist fracture.

Reyes suffered the injury last week at Lehigh Valley when he was hit by a pitch, and he will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. Putting Reyes on the 60-day IL frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Andrew Hoffmann, who was claimed off waivers.

The Phillies claimed Hoffmann (undisclosed) off waivers from the Diamondbacks on Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Hoffmann has not made an appearance since early June because of an undisclosed injury suffered at the Triple-A level, but the Phillies felt comfortable enough with the reliever's health to scoop him up via waivers. When Hoffmann is ready to pitch, he'll provide relief depth at Lehigh Valley.

Pratt is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Mariners.

Pratt went 0-for-4 at the plate Wednesday in his return from the 10-day injured list. He's being eased back into action with a day off during Thursday's matinee. Joey Ortiz will hold down shortstop for the Brewers.

Contreras is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Mariners.

It's a rare day off for Contreras, who had started each of the previous 12 contests for the Brewers. Gary Sanchez will do the catching and will bat cleanup in Thursday's rubber match.

Mitchell (foot) will start in center field and bat seventh in Thursday's game against the Mariners.

Mitchell was held out of action Wednesday due to a sore foot, but he is feeling well enough to return to action for Thursday's series finale. The outfielder has been scuffling so far in August with a .173/.307/.192 batting line.

Doyle has posted a 1.82 ERA and 51:22 K:BB over 39.2 innings covering his last eight starts with Double-A Springfield.

Doyle logged nine strikeouts -- including six in a row at one point -- over five innings of one-run ball in his last outing Wednesday. Walks have been an issue throughout the season for Doyle, but the control has been better over his last four starts as evidenced by a 10.0 percent walk rate. Doyle looks ready to be challenged at Triple-A Memphis, though it's unclear if there are plans to promote the first-round draft pick.

King made his professional debut at third base Wednesday with Triple-A Rochester, going 3-for-4 with a walk, a home run, two runs scored and two RBI.

The 23-year-old has been one of the hottest hitters in the minors of late, hitting safely in 10 straight games while compiling a .463/.532/.951 slash line with six homers and three steals. King's gone yard in three straight games, and the defensive switch from shortstop to third base did nothing to slow his momentum. He's not expected to get a late-season promotion to the majors and isn't on the 40-man roster yet, but if he adapts well to playing the hot corner, King could head into spring training next year with a real chance to win the Opening Day starting job.