MLB Player News

Bieber (elbow) is scheduled to make the fourth start of his rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Buffalo, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After pitching for three different affiliates during his first three rehab outings, Bieber will stick around with Buffalo for a second consecutive appearance. Per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Bieber could push up to the 70-75-pitch range Thursday, which would put him in consideration for a 2026 MLB debut as soon as next week. However, the right-hander may realistically need another rehab appearance or two beyond Thursday, given the uneven results he's had as he works his way back from inflammation in his surgically repaired right elbow. While Bieber has posted a strong 8:0 K:BB in seven innings during his time in the minors, he's been knocked around for eight earned runs on 15 hits.

Wantz signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Saturday.

Wantz will report to Triple-A Iowa with his new organization. Before electing free agency last week upon clearing waivers, Wantz was lit up for five earned runs over 1.2 innings in his lone relief appearance for the Rays and posted a 7.04 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 23:11 K:BB across 23 innings with their Triple-A affiliate in Durham.

Perkins is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Brewers in Las Vegas.

Perkins made his first 17 appearances of the season out of the bullpen before the Athletics elected to slide him into the rotation last week in the wake of Aaron Civale (shoulder) and Luis Severino (shoulder) both landing on the injured list within a few days. The right-handed Perkins was handed a limited workload in his first start Friday, tossing 75 pitches and four innings while striking out six batters and yielding five earned runs on five hits and two walks. While Perkins should have the opportunity to build up his pitch count in Wednesday's outing, he'll carry plenty of risk as a streaming option while pitching in an even more hitter-friendly venue (Las Vegas Ballpark) than the Athletics' usual home park in Sacramento (Sutter Health Park). The Brewers and Athletics combined for 29 runs and 11 home runs -- both MLB single-game season highs -- over 12 innings during Monday's series opener.

The Astros recalled Loperfido from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday.

Loperfido was optioned last week after recovering from a quadriceps strain, but he's now back in the big leagues as a replacement on the active roster for LaMonte Wade (hamstring), who was placed on the injured list. The 27-year-old Loperfido will be among a handful of players in the mix for starts in left field for the Astros.

The Astros placed Wade on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a right hamstring strain.

Wade suffered the injury during Monday's game versus the Angels while legging out a double. The severity of his hamstring strain isn't yet known, but even a mild one could result in longer than a minimum 10-day absence. Joey Loperfido was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to replace Wade on the 26-man active roster.

The Cubs selected Kelly's contract Monday.

Acquired from the Dodgers on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations, Kelly will fill an open spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster. The 26-year-old lefty may have to wait a bit to make his MLB debut, however; the Cubs don't list him as a member of the 26-man active roster, which suggests that he'll report to Triple-A Iowa. Kelly had spent the entire season to date with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City, posting a 5.14 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 22:19 K:BB across 21 innings.

The Cardinals optioned Scott to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Scott remains an elite defensive center fielder, but his bat has become untenable, as he's slashing just .194/.276/.258 across 61 games this season. Nathan Church (shoulder) will be activated from the 10-day injured list to grab Scott's roster spot and is also the favorite to see the bulk of the playing time in center field.

Gurriel (hamstring) began a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Monday, going 1-for-4 with an RBI single.

Gurriel played seven innings in left field Monday in what was his first game action since he went down with a left hamstring strain nearly three weeks ago. He'll eventually move up to a higher affiliate to continue his rehab and is tracking toward a mid-June return from the 10-day injured list.

Marte went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Monday's 6-2 loss to the Padres.

Marte singled and stole second base in the sixth inning before scoring Cincinnati's second run. He's started three of the last four contests after being recalled from Triple-A Louisville last week and has recorded hits in all three while scoring two runs. The steal was the second for Marte, who recorded one in an earlier stint with the Reds this season and stole 10 bases over 90 games in 2025. Marte raked while in the minors and will be given an opportunity to reclaim a spot in the outfield.

Arozarena went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Monday's 6-3 win over the Orioles.

Aroazarena's now 7-for-14 with two doubles and four RBI in his last four games. While his power numbers have dropped off -- Arozarena has six homers through 67 games after hitting a career-high 27 last year -- it's been an excellent year overall for the outfielder, who's now slashing .293/.381/.447 with 30 RBI, 43 runs scored and 18 stolen bases.