MLB Player News

Lipscomb is out of the lineup for Friday's game versus the Brewers.

It's the second straight game on the bench for Lispcomb after he finished July with a .167/.206/.200 slash line and 27 percent strikeout rate over 17 games. Ildemaro Vargas, who posted a .731 OPS last month, will receive another start at third base and could receive more consistent playing time if Lipscomb continues to struggle.

Rodriguez (shoulder) is expected to make his season and Diamondbacks debut Tuesday in Cleveland, John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix reports.

Things were pointing to Rodriguez getting a start against the Guardians and now we have an exact date for the left-hander's first major-league start of the season. He's been out all year with shoulder issues but is now ready to go following a four-inning simulated game Wednesday. Rodriguez did not make any rehab starts and he had been slated to throw 65 pitches in the sim game, so he will be limited from a pitch count perspective and might also be rusty in Cleveland.

Kelly (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Hillsboro on Tuesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Kelly threw a three-inning simulated game Wednesday, clearing the way for him to make a rehab start. It could be the only one he needs before rejoining the Diamondbacks' rotation. Kelly has been shelved since late April with a teres major strain in his right shoulder.

Ginkel and A.J. Puk are the favorites to see save chances after Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald as the team's closer Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Ginkel recorded five saves as Arizona's closer when Sewald was on the injured list to begin the season, but he's been limited to setup duties over the past few months. Puk was acquired from the Marlins last week and may have a slight edge in terms of upside. Lovullo declined to name a replacement for Sewald, and it's possible the manager utilizes a committee approach.

The Marlins optioned Kitchen to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Kitchen was recalled last week and allowed three runs over two innings in his lone appearance. The lefty is clearing out to make room on the roster for Valente Bellozo, who is the starting pitcher for Friday's game in Atlanta.

Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the favorites for save opportunities after Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Puk has recorded a hold and has five strikeouts in three scoreless appearances since being acquired by Arizona last week, and the closer role is now open after Sewald's rough July. Lovullo didn't name a replacement, but Puk and the right-handed Ginkel are the likeliest candidates to take over. Ryan Thompson could also be involved.

The Marlins recalled Bellozo from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Bellozo will start Friday's game in Atlanta, taking the rotation spot vacated by Trevor Rogers, who is now with the Orioles. The 24-year-old right-hander will have a golden opportunity to prove he belongs in the Marlins' rotation for the rest of the season.

The Marlins claimed McMillon off waivers from the Royals on Friday.

McMillon has spent all of this season at the Triple-A level, where he has posted a 6.53 ERA in 30.1 appearances. At his best, McMillon has shown late-inning caliber stuff, but he has dealt with arm injuries and his stuff was diminished this season. He'll head to Triple-A Jacksonville, where he represents relief depth for Miami.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that he is removing Sewald from the closer role, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The veteran right-hander allowed two runs on three walks in one-third of an inning Wednesday versus Washington, which capped an ugly July that saw him blow four saves and give up 12 earned runs across 10 innings. Sewald appeared to have turned things around with five straight scoreless appearances after an awful start to the month, but he finished with five runs allowed in his last four outings. Lovullo didn't say who will replace Sewald as Arizona's closer, but A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the likeliest candidates and could even form a matchup-based committee. Ryan Thompson could also be in the mix.

Reds manager David Bell said Friday that McLain (shoulder) recently suffered a stress reaction in his rib cage, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

McLain had been hoping to begin a rehab assignment Aug. 12 and Bell added Friday that it's possible that happens. The young infielder has been working his way back from left shoulder surgery, which he had back in late March. McLain is hoping to rejoin the Reds at some point before the end of the season.