MLB Player News

Contreras went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer, three RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base in Sunday's 8-3 win over the Nationals.

Contreras had a monster game against the Nationals, contributing in all facets offensively and extending his hitting streak to six games in Sunday's win. He clubbed his ninth home run of the season and his third in his last six games. The veteran had his first three RBI game of the season and picked up his third stolen base in the process. He's been playing well since returning from the IL and is hitting .299/.399/.529 for the campaign.

Amaya went 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Sunday's 5-0 win over the Angels.

Amaya has been seeing less playing time recently, with the newly signed Tomas Nido seemingly taking over as Chicago's top catcher. The 25-year-old Amaya still has some upside, but after hitting .214 in 53 games last year as a rookie he's batting only .194 this season. If he can't get his bat going a bit more, Amaya will likely stick in a reserve role, which caps his fantasy value.

Nootbaar (oblique) is nearing a return and could rejoin the Cardinals as soon as Monday in Washington.

Nootbaar has been out since May 30 while recovering from a left oblique strain, but he appears to be on the cusp of being activated from the 15-day injured list. The outfielder went 6-for-23 with two home runs, three RBI and four runs scored over seven games during his rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield before returning to St. Louis.

The Marlins transferred Weathers (finger) to the 60-day injured list Sunday.

The left-hander has been shut down from throwing due to an index finger strain since he landed on the shelf June 8, so he was already likely to be sidelined for 60-plus days. Weathers is expected to be re-evaluated soon, and he could be back with the Marlins sometime in August if cleared to resume throwing after that evaluation.

The Marlins claimed McCaughan off waivers Sunday and optioned him to Triple-A Jacksonville.

The 28-year-old signed with the Marlins in March but was traded to the Guardians in May, only to end up back in Miami after being designated for assignment by Cleveland. McCaughan has given up 14 earned runs in his three big-league outings between the two clubs this year, and he has a 5.50 ERA over 54 innings at the Triple-A level this year.

The Mets transferred Smith (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

The right-hander was diagnosed with a significant UCL tear in late June, so it's not a surprise he's been moved to the 60-day IL. Smith appears headed for Tommy John surgery but was expected to seek a second medical opinion before deciding his next steps.

Williams (back) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday at American Family Field, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Williams began throwing off a mound in late June, and it didn't take long for him to be cleared to face live hitters. The right-hander will require a minor-league rehab assignment before being reinstated from the 60-day injured list, though it's unclear how many outings he might need. The Brewers have been eyeing the July 30 trade deadline as a general target date for Williams' return.

Gibson (7-3) earned the win Sunday over the Nationals, allowing three runs on nine hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out eight.

Gibson got through the first five innings surrendering just two runs but allowed the first three hitters to reach in the sixth before getting pulled. The veteran has won three of his last four starts and has had quality starts in four of his last seven outings. The 36-year-old has helped stabilize the Cardinals rotation -- he has a 3.96 ERA and 1.29 WHIP through 97.2 innings.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Sunday that Assad (forearm) could be activated from the injured list prior to the All-Star break, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

The right-hander landed on the shelf in late June with a strained forearm, but he wasn't shut down from throwing for long and had a bullpen session Friday. The Cubs have a doubleheader Saturday in St. Louis, and that would be a logicial point for him to be re-insterted into the rotation ahead of the All-Star break.

Herz (1-3) took the loss Sunday against the Cardinals. He allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits, two walks and four strikeouts over 4.1 innings.

Herz pitched a clean first and third inning but ran into trouble the rest of the time before getting pulled in the fifth. His rollercoaster rookie campaign continues as he's scattered impressive starts, like the two with double-digit strikeouts, with rough outings like the one on Sunday. The 23-year-old has a 5.17 ERA with 41 strikeouts over 31.1 innings this season.