MLB Player News

Leiter (forearm) began a throwing program Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Manager Craig Counsell said Leiter is slated to throw again Saturday as the right-hander begins his ramp-up process. It's certainly is a positive sign that the 33-year-old was able to start a throwing program just five days after landing on the IL with a strain in his right (throwing) forearm. He'll still most likely remain on the injured list for more than a minimum-length stay, but a return before the All-Star break hasn't been ruled out yet.

Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that Brown (neck) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Brown was cleared to resume throwing last week, and Saturday will mark his first time working off a mound since he landed on the injured list June 11 with a left neck strain. The 24-year-old righty remains without a firm return timeline, though he will likely require another bullpen session or two before moving on to facing live hitters.

Manager Oliver Marmol said Saturday that Edman (wrist) was able to field grounders again Friday without any problems with his sprained ankle, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Marmol added that Edman remains on track to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield or Triple-A Memphis sometime next week, barring any setbacks. The 29-year-old infielder has spent all season on the injured list, so an extended stint in the minors will likely be necessary, though it's still possible he'll be able to rejoin the big-league club before the All-Star break.

Ortiz was scratched from the Brewers' lineup ahead of Saturday's game versus the Cubs due to neck soreness.

Ortiz was originally in line to make his return to Milwaukee's lineup after neck problems kept him from playing Friday, but he'll instead require another day to rest up. As a result, Andruw Monasterio will pick up another start at third base and bat ninth.

Laureano (back) isn't in Atlanta's lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Laureano is still managing a sore back, so he'll take a seat for the third game in a row as Atlanta faces Paul Skenes and the Pirates. Adam Duvall will pick up another start in right field while Laureano recovers.

Rosario isn't in the Nationals' lineup for Saturday's game against Tampa Bay.

Rosario will get a breather Saturday after going 1-for-4 in Friday's series opener -- his first hit in his last four games. His absence will allow Harold Ramirez to serve as Washington's DH while batting sixth.

Winker (knee) is starting in left field and batting third Saturday against the Rays.

Winker was battling knee problems after getting his foot caught in the outfield grass during the first inning of Friday's game, but he appears to be in good enough shape to play Saturday. The 30-year-old has slashed .260/.377/.412 through 302 plate appearances this season, though he may see limited work in the outfield after top prospect James Wood officially joins the Nationals for his MLB debut Monday.

Pederson isn't in Arizona's lineup Saturday against the Athletics.

Pederson will sit down for the second game in a row with the Diamondbacks matching up against a left-handed starter (Hogan Harris) again Saturday. Ketel Marte will fill in as Arizona's designated hitter, allowing Blaze Alexander to start at the keystone while batting second.

Carroll isn't in Arizona's lineup for Saturday's game against Oakland.

The lefty-hitting Carroll will take a seat Saturday with fellow left-hander Hogan Harris slated to start on the mound. Lourdes Gurriel, Jake McCarthy and Randal Grichuk will start across the D-backs' outfield while Carroll rests.

Perdomo isn't in the Diamondbacks' lineup for Saturday's game against the Athletics.

The switch-hitting Perdomo has posted just a .476 OPS against southpaws since being activated off the injured list June 11, so he'll get a day off against left-hander Hogan Harris. Kevin Newman will enter the lineup as Arizona's shortstop and bat eighth.