MLB Player News

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday that Brown is still experiencing lingering discomfort in his neck, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Brown has been shelved since mid-June with a neck strain and doesn't appear to have made much progress. He had been cleared to resume throwing in late June, but it's uncertain where he currently stands in his throwing program.

Alzolay (forearm) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Alzolay appears to have responded well to what was his first time throwing off a mound since he was shelved with a flexor strain in mid-May. Before coming off the 60-day injured list, Alzolay will need to make multiple rehab appearances in the minors, and it's unclear when he might be ready to begin an assignment.

Mastrobuoni is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

The lefty-hitting Mastrobuoni had been included in the lineup in each of the Cubs' last three matchups with right-handed pitchers, but the uptick in playing time looks to have been the result of outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong being unavailable due to a thumb injury. After serving as a pinch runner in Tuesday's 9-2 win, Crow-Armstrong has received the green light to re-enter the starting nine Wednesday for the first time in a week, so Mastrobuoni will head back to the bench.

Nido is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

Nido had started behind the plate in four of the past five games, but he'll cede catching duties to Miguel Amaya on Wednesday. Since signing with the Cubs on June 19, Nido has put together a .133/.156/.200 slash line with a 31.3 percent strikeout rate, so his hold on the No. 1 catcher's role may be tenuous.

Crow-Armstrong (thumb) will start in center field and bat eighth in Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

Crow-Armstrong will pick up his first start in a week, as he went without an appearance in four straight games while he contended with a sore left thumb before he made a cameo off the bench as a pinch runner in Tuesday's 9-2 win. Though the lefty-hitting Crow-Armstrong may continue to sit against most left-handed starting pitchers, he should get the chance to play regularly against righties now that he's healthy again. He may be at risk of a demotion to Triple-A Iowa, however, once the Cubs get Mike Tauchman (groin) back from the injured list.

The Mets recalled Young from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Young has posted a 5.11 ERA and 16:6 K:BB over 12.1 frames this season at the big-league level. He will give manager Carlos Mendoza a second lefty in the bullpen to pair with Jake Diekman.

The Mets placed Garrett on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right elbow inflammation, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Garrett allowed three runs and retired just two batters in an appearance Tuesday versus the Nationals, which was his third outing in four days. He complained of forearm tightness after the appearance and will be sent for an MRI. Garrett will be eligible to return from the IL on July 25.

Benson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

Even though injuries have decimated the Cincinnati outfield of late, the lefty-hitting Benson will still hit the bench Wednesday while the Reds oppose a southpaw (Kyle Freeland). Despite slashing just .173/.225/.309 since the beginning of June, Benson looks like he should still have a regular spot in the lineup against right-handed pitching, at least until Cincinnati reclaims some health.

India (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff in Wednesday's contest versus the Rockies.

India was scratched from the lineup ahead of Tuesday's 12-6 win due to a left knee contusion, but he's feeling well enough to at least handle a non-defensive role Wednesday. The Reds will go with Santiago Espinal at India's usual spot at second base.

Blackmon is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game in Cincinnati.

The lefty-hitting Blackmon sat out Tuesday's 12-6 loss with a lefty (Nick Lodolo) on the mound, but it's a bit more surprising that he's on the bench again Wednesday while right-hander Frankie Montas takes the hill for Cincinnati. The Rockies will give Brenton Doyle a start at designated hitter in Blackmon's stead while Sam Hilliard patrols center field.