MLB Player News

Pagan (hamstring) is likely to return from the 15-day injured list this week after tossing scoreless innings in a pair of rehab appearances with Triple-A Louisville over the weekend, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Pagan needed just six pitches to retire the side in his first outing with Louisville on Friday. He then faced the minimum in his second appearance Sunday erasing a leadoff single with a double-play groundout before inducing a lineout to end the frame. Since he threw just nine pitches Sunday, the Reds could be comfortable activating him from the IL ahead of Monday's series opener in Milwaukee, though it wouldn't be surprising if he was given a day to rest before being reinstated Tuesday. Whenever he's added back to the active roster, Pagan should reclaim closing duties for the Reds after converting six of nine save chances before hitting the IL on May 6 due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Greene (elbow) struck out four and allowed one hit and no walks over 6.1 scoreless innings Sunday in a rehab start with Triple-A Louisville.

In what was likely the third and final start of his rehab assignment, Greene answered any questions about his readiness to join the big-league rotation. During Sunday's outing, the 26-year-old righty averaged 98.8 mph with his four-seam fastball -- just under a tick below his average with the Reds from the 2025 season -- and racked up 12 swinging strikes on 82 pitches (54 strikes). Assuming he checks out fine following his next bullpen session, Greene will likely come off the 60-day injured list to make his 2026 Reds debut during this weekend's series with the Orioles in Cincinnati. Greene was placed on the shelf coming out of spring training after he underwent arthroscopic surgery March 11 to remove bone chips from his right elbow.

Gil (shoulder) resumed a throwing program June 13, MLB.com reports.

After the Yankees optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on April 26, Gil didn't make any appearances for the affiliate before being placed on the 7-day injured list May 8 due to right shoulder inflammation. Though he resumed throwing just over a month after being shut down, Gil will likely require a lengthy ramp-up period and may need to make one or two starts in the lower levels of the minors before slotting back into the Triple-A rotation.

Estevez (shoulder) didn't feel great after throwing a bullpen Saturday and will be re-evaluated in the coming days, MLB.com reports.

Estevez had been making progress in his recovery from a right rotator cuff strain, but this marks another potential setback for the right-hander, who has been sidelined since March 29, originally due to a left foot contusion. More clarity on the 33-year-old's outlook will likely come following his pending re-evaluation. With Estevez sidelined for all but one appearance in 2026, Lucas Erceg stepped in as the closer and recorded 12 saves before being removed from the role due to poor performance in favor of Alex Lange, who has converted all seven of his save opportunities in June.

France (wrist) was hit by a pitch after entering as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning of Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

France hasn't started since being struck on the wrist by a Roki Sasaki fastball Friday. The veteran infielder had X-rays this weekend that returned negative, and manager Craig Stammen has said that France isn't expected to need a stint on the injured list. That notion was supported Sunday when France entered the contest as a replacement for Gavin Sheets. France got beaned again in that plate appearance -- this time on the left elbow -- but didn't appear to be in any pain and ran the bases before finishing the game on defense at first base. France could return to the starting lineup as soon as Monday's series opener in Chicago against the Cubs.

Mears (shoulder) threw a bullpen Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Mears has been on the injured list since May 29 due to a right shoulder impingement, with his progression halted June 16 after a bullpen session reignited the same soreness and pinching feeling that initially landed him on the shelf. The right-hander is now getting back on track in rehab and came out of Saturday's session feeling good, according to Royals manager Matt Quatraro. Provided no further setbacks ensue, Mears is likely to embark on a rehab assignment in the near future before returning to the big-league club. On the year, he owns a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Sykora (elbow) began a throwing progression at the Nationals' complex in Florida earlier this month and is on schedule in his recovery from the UCL reconstruction surgery he underwent last August, MLB.com reports.

Sykora isn't in line to pitch with an affiliate at any point in 2026, but if he steers clear of any setbacks during his throwing progression and resumes facing hitters by the end of the season, Washington could let him get some innings in during the Arizona Fall League. Regarded as one of the Nationals' top prospects, the 22-year-old righty should head into spring training next February with few restrictions, if any. He could make his MLB debut later next summer if he's able to regain his pre-surgery velocity and command.

Thomas went 2-for-5 with an RBI, a run scored and a steal in Sunday's 5-4 victory over the White Sox.

Thomas was penciled into the leadoff spot with left-hander Anthony Kay on the mound for the White Sox and made an immediate impact, leading off the first inning with a single before stealing second base and scoring on a Carter Jensen hit. Thomas also came through in his second at-bat, lining a slider into left field for an RBI single in the second inning. On the year, the outfielder is slashing .216/.329/.335 with five homers, 23 RBI, 20 runs and four stolen bases across 70 appearances. With Kyle Isbel (foot) sidelined, Thomas has shifted into a regular role in center field for the Royals.

Jensen went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Sunday's 5-4 victory over the White Sox.

Jensen extended his hitting streak to 19 games, doing so with a game-high three hits and a pair of RBI. The young catcher has turned it on in June, slashing .292/.333/.510 with four homers, nine doubles, 19 RBI and 17 runs scored across 24 appearances this month. The surge has significantly boosted Jensen's season line to .251/.317/.438 with 11 homers, 17 doubles, 45 RBI and 39 runs scored across 78 games.

Hicks (back) is expected to return from the 10-day injured list Tuesday in Colorado when first eligible, MLB.com reports.

Hicks participated in full baseball activities Friday and is swinging without limitations and able to catch. The Marlins have an ideal seven-game schedule this week, facing the Rockies and Athletics in hitter-friendly venues. Even though he'll remain out for the Marlins' opening game in Colorado, Hicks looks like a viable option in weekly leagues that start two catchers.