MLB Player News

The Reds optioned Petty to Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

Petty made a spot start during Monday's 5-4 loss to the Cubs, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks in 5.2 innings. With Nick Lodolo (finger) due back from the injured list this weekend, Petty will rejoin the Louisville rotation.

The Reds activated Johnson from the bereavement list Wednesday.

Johnson is ready to rejoin the bullpen after being away from the club for a few days. The veteran reliever will move up in the Reds' bullpen hierarchy while Emilio Pagan (hamstring) is out and could see some high-leverage opportunities.

The Reds placed Pagan on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a left hamstring strain.

Pagan suffered the injury on the first pitch he threw during an appearance Tuesday against the Cubs. It's the second time this season he's had a left hamstring issue. He was unavailable for only a couple days the first time, but the reliever will miss at least a couple weeks of action this time around. Tony Santillan is the favorite to serve as the Reds' closer while Pagan is sidelined, and Graham Ashcraft could also be in the mix.

Pauley is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Orioles.

Pauley is 0-for-15 at the dish over his last six games to drop his season batting line to an ugly .173/.225/.293. He'll get a day to regroup while Connor Norby handles third base.

Lopez is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's tilt versus the Orioles.

It's the first day off since April 8 for Lopez, who is riding a modest eight-game hitting streak. Javier Sanoja will occupy shortstop and bat ninth for the Marlins.

Stott is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

As is usually the case, the left-handed-hitting Stott will bow out of the lineup Wednesday while the Phillies oppose a lefty starter (Jeffrey Springs). Edmundo Sosa will cover second base in Stott's stead.

Crawford is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

The left-handed-swinging Crawford will get a day off as the Athletics send southpaw Jeffrey Springs to the bump. Brandon Marsh will shift over to center field, and Felix Reyes will get a start in left field for the Phillies.

Castro is out of the lineup for Wednesday's contest versus the Mets.

Castro will get a breather after starting each of the past six games. The Rockies will go with Edouard Julien at second base against the Mets.

Perez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Mets on Wednesday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Perez secured a spot on the Nationals' Opening Day roster coming out of spring training but was dropped from the 40-man roster last week after submitting a 6.19 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 9:11 K:BB in 16 innings. After clearing waivers, Perez elected to become a free agent and was able to quickly catch on with a new organization. Perez is expected to report to Triple-A Syracuse and will likely need to show improved control before he receives a look in the New York bullpen.

The Cardinals announced that Church was removed from Wednesday's game against the Brewers due to a left leg contusion, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Church sustained the injury in the bottom of the second inning, when he was hit by a pitch. He took his base and played an inning in the outfield before he was lifted from the game in the top of the fourth. The injury doesn't seem to be a major concern, but fantasy managers will still want to keep close tabs on Church's status heading into Thursday's series opener versus the Padres.