MLB Player News

The Brewers optioned Koenig to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

He's being dispatched to the minors in order to clear a spot on the active roster for Lance McCullers. Koenig was roughed up for five runs without recording an out in his final appearance before the All-Star break Sunday versus the Pirates.

The Brewers activated McCullers (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

McCullers -- who has been out since mid-May with a shoulder impingement -- was acquired via trade from the Astros earlier this week and is now on the active roster after completing a rehab assignment. Manager Pat Murphy said Friday that McCullers will pitch out of the Milwaukee bullpen for the time being, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. McCullers holds a 6.86 ERA and 43:22 K:BB over 39.1 frames covering eight starts in the majors in 2026.

Ohtani (knee) will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff in Friday's game versus the Yankees.

Ohtani has dealt with left knee irritation in recent weeks and was expected to have his knee drained Sunday following the Dodgers' last game of the first half. The issue prevented Ohtani from making his final start on the mound before the break, but it has not kept him from hitting, as he will make an eighth straight start at DH in Friday's series opener in the Bronx.

Triolo is absent from the lineup for Friday's game in Cleveland.

Triolo had drawn six straight starts at shortstop since Konnor Griffin (finger) was injured, but Triolo will begin the first contest of the second half on the bench. Jacob Gonzalez will handle shortstop Friday in what will be his first start since being acquired via trade last week.

Hicklen will start in right field and bat ninth in Friday's game versus the Rangers.

Hicklen has started in right field against two straight right-handers since he was called up last weekend. However, with Ronald Acuna (hamstring) due back from the injured list any day now, Hicklen could either head to the bench or back to the minors soon.

Holmes (fibula) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Brooklyn on Saturday.

Holmes has been ramping his throwing program up and has been cleared to try things out in a game. The veteran hurler posted a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 45:18 K:BB through 52.2 innings before going down in mid-May with a fractured right fibula. Holmes is a trade candidate and should be able to return to make at least one start before the Aug. 3 deadline.

The Nationals recalled Ford from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Ford's promotion was reported earlier this week and is now official, as he'll absorb the roster spot vacated by the injured Drew Millas (finger). The 23-year-old has slashed a disappointing .223/.370/.335 with four homers, zero stolen bases and a 45:65 BB:K across 257 plate appearances at Rochester. Ford should operate primarily as the backup catcher behind Keibert Ruiz.

Sirota is sporting a .319/.475/.562 slash line with 14 home runs, 11 stolen bases and a 74:79 BB:K over 77 games between High-A Great Lakes and Double-A Tulsa this season.

Sirota's 2025 campaign was interrupted by a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly three months, but he's shown no ill effects in 2026 as he continues to emerge as one of the best position player prospects in baseball. The 23-year-old has split time between center field and right field this season and could find himself at Triple-A Oklahoma City before the end of the summer.

Hernandez (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez has been cleared to test things out in a game setting after being sidelined since late May with a left oblique strain. The utility player is expected to remain on his rehab assignment through the entirety of the Dodgers' current road trip before rejoining the active roster July 28.

The Reds optioned Johnson to Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

He's clearing out to make space on the roster for the return of Dane Myers (shoulder) from the injured list. Johnson is still looking for his first major-league hit, having gone 0-for-5 at the plate after being promoted in late June.