MLB Player News

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said that Lopez (knee) completed a bullpen session Tuesday, Jesus Cano of The Athletic reports.

Shortly after Lopez landed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 2 due to left knee inflammation, Weiss indicated that Lopez was expected to return when first eligible Friday. The 32-year-old righty looks like he'll need at least a little extra time beyond that before being activated, and he may also be headed for a role change upon his return. Though Weiss noted Tuesday that he still views Lopez as a starter, the skipper noted that Lopez could be an option out of the bullpen, depending on the club's needs. Atlanta has gotten excellent results from trade-deadline pickup Tyler Mahle in his first two starts, and Weiss may prefer to keep Mahle in the rotation ahead of Lopez, who had started in his last six appearances prior to landing on the shelf and posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 28 innings over that span.

Nootbaar is absent from the lineup for Friday's game in Atlanta.

The Diamondbacks have faced two lefties since the trade deadline and the left-handed-hitting Nootbaar has been out of the lineup both times. Tyler Locklear is in the designated hitter slot and Ryan Waldschmidt will play left field for Arizona.

The Pirates recalled Dotel from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Dotel has made 14 appearances for the Pirates this season, collecting a 5.06 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 29:11 K:BB through 26.2 innings. He's taking the roster spot vacated by Yohan Ramirez (paternity) and could be sent back down in a few days when Ramirez returns.

The Pirates recalled Cook from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Cook has produced a .200/.200/.267 slash line with 18 strikeouts in 45 plate appearances at the big-league level this season. He is likely slated for a reserve outfielder role.

The Pirates placed Ramirez on the paternity leave list Friday.

He will likely be away for the full weekend series against the Red Sox before rejoining the club early next week. Ramirez has given the Pirates quality work out of the bullpen this season, logging a 2.67 ERA and 79:38 K:BB over 67.1 frames.

The Pirates optioned Garcia to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Garcia had not started a game in more than a week and has gone just 8-for-48 at the plate during his time with the Pirates. He will try to get back on track with more regular playing time at Indianapolis.

Pagan will be available out of the Reds' bullpen Friday versus the Marlins after his hand checked out fine, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Pagan was unavailable to take a save chance Thursday against the White Sox due to hand soreness. He still feels it a bit while throwing his splitter, so it's possible he'll reduce the usage of that offering, but Pagan will be available for a save opportunity Friday, should one arise.

The Giants optioned Furman to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Furman was called up at the beginning of the month and is still looking for his first major-league hit, having gone 0-for-6 at the plate while playing sporadically. The 25-year-old will receive more regular reps back in Sacramento.

The Giants optioned McCray to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

McCray hadn't been playing much for the Giants lately and now finds himself back in the minors. Turner Hill and Jonah Cox have been added to the roster as part of the outfield mix for the Giants.

The Giants recalled Cox from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Cox has gone 7-for-26 with one home run, four stolen bases and a 0:15 BB:K in his first 29 plate appearances in the majors. The speedy outfielder could be a useful sources of stolen bases in fantasy if he receives regular playing time, but there's no guarantee that will happen.