MLB Player News

Rodriguez's (shoulder) MRI came back clean Saturday, and he's expected to throw a bullpen session soon, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Saturday's follow-up MRI confirmed that Rodriguez's shoulder has fully healed and marked the southpaw's final checkpoint to clear before beginning mound work. The 31-year-old hasn't pitched in 2024 and will require a lengthy ramp-up period that includes a rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list. Still, Rodriguez could be back in late July or early August.

Marte (back) is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Padres, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Marte was removed from Friday's 10-8 loss with lower-back tightness, so his absence from the lineup Saturday isn't overly surprising. However, manager Torey Lovullo said that Marte could be available off the bench if needed. Marte should be considered day-to-day.

Ortiz will start Sunday's game against the Mets, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

After being deployed as a starter or bulk reliever for most of June, Ortiz had made a two-inning relief appearance in most recent outing Tuesday versus the Cardinals. Given that the 25-year-old covered a season-high six innings in his prior appearance June 26, he should be able to handle a typical starter's workload as he steps back into the rotation Sunday. Through 55 innings on the season, Ortiz owns a 3.27 ERA and a 47:18 K:BB.

The Padres placed Darvish (elbow) on the restricted list Saturday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Darvish has been on the injured list since the beginning of June due to a groin strain and right elbow inflammation, but he will now move to the restricted list as he deals with a personal matter. The Padres didn't provide any information regarding how long the 37-year-old might be away from the team.

The Cubs will promote Bigge from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Bigge has been dominant out of the bullpen for Iowa, posting a 0.77 ERA and 19 strikeouts across 11.2 innings while picking up a save in all six of his save opportunities. The 26-year-old has been in the Cubs farm system since being drafted in the 12th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft.

Yamamoto (shoulder) will begin playing catch next week, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Yamamoto has been shut down from throwing since being diagnosed with a right rotator cuff strain June 16, but he will resume a throwing program in the coming days. The 25-year-old is no longer feeling pain in his shoulder and seems to be on track for an August return.

Falter was removed from his start Saturday against the Mets due to left posterior arm discomfort.

Falter was only able to get through two innings before making an early exit, surrendering three earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two batters. The Pirates' medical staff will take him in for further testing, and the team will likely have a better idea of his availability for his next start once his results come back.

Manager Rob Thomson said Saturday that Harper (hamstring) had a "good day" running the bases and that the 31-year-old will run the bases again Sunday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Harper has been out with a low-grade hamstring strain since June 27, but he's been progressing well enough to potentially return prior to the All-Star break. He was participating in on-field drills at 70-75 percent intensity earlier this week. Harper becomes eligible to come off the injured list Tuesday.

Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Muncy (oblique) has been shut down from swinging a bat, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Roberts added that Muncy hasn't progressed through his rehab as fast as the team had hoped, and the chances of the third baseman beginning a rehab assignment near the All-Star break have been reduced significantly. A right oblique strain has kept Muncy on the injured list since May 17, and his latest setback once again leaves him without a clear return timeline.

Mitchell is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

With southpaw James Paxton on the mound for Los Angeles, the lefty-hitting Mitchell will take a seat on the bench. Since being activated from the injured list July 1, Mitchell is 2-for-13 (.154) with four walks and four strikeouts.