MLB Player News

Martinez (elbow) threw pitches to rehabbing outfielder Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) in a live batting practice session Saturday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

After completing roughly 15 bullpen sessions over the last few weeks, Martinez took the next step forward in his recovery by facing hitters for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery on June 25, 2025. The hard-throwing righty will likely need to complete multiple live BP sessions before the Diamondbacks eventually send him out on what will presumably be an extended minor-league rehab assignment. His next live BP session is scheduled for Wednesday, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. If he can steer clear of any setbacks while ramping up, Martinez could be a factor in the Arizona bullpen by late August or early September.

Javier struck out two and gave up a double over a scoreless inning of relief in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the Orioles.

Javier made a three-inning start against the Rangers in the Astros' final game of the first half July 12, but he's moved back to the bullpen coming out of the All-Star break. Houston could hand Javier a starting role at some point later on this season, but the club won't have room for him for the foreseeable future with Ronel Blanco (elbow) set to fill the fifth spot in the rotation when he comes off the 60-day injured list Monday.

Teng struck out three and allowed one hit and one walk across 2.1 innings of relief Sunday in the Astros' 5-2 loss to the Orioles.

Before landing on the injured list July 1 due to a right knee sprain, Teng had started in each of his previous nine appearances with the Astros. However, with the Houston rotation having since reclaimed some health, Teng looks like he'll have to settle for a bullpen role while he's with the big club for the time being. Given that Teng tossed 46 pitches Sunday and likely won't be available in relief for at least the next couple of days, it wouldn't be surprising if the Astros optioned him to Triple-A Sugar Land to clear a spot on the active roster for Ronel Blanco (elbow), who will be activated from the 60-day IL to start Monday versus the Marlins.

Manager Walt Weiss said Sunday that Acuna (hamstring) isn't guaranteed to be activated from the 10-day injured list before Atlanta's homestand ends Thursday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. "He's still got some days ahead of him," Weiss said. "We just want to make sure he doesn't have to try to figure it out or struggle up here. A guy like Acuna... moves the needle for our team. But we have to use good judgment there."

Acuna is now five games into a rehab assignment and has gone 2-for-12 with a home run and 4:3 BB:K between stops in the rookie-level Florida Complex League and Triple-A Gwinnett. After serving as a designated hitter in the first four contests, Acuna played right field for the first time Sunday with Gwinnett, and the organization could keep the five-time All-Star at Triple-A for a few more games in order to pick up more defensive reps. Until Acuna is deemed ready to rejoin the big club, Atlanta will get by with a combination of Brewer Hicklen and Eli White in right field.

Scholtens (wrist) struck out a batter and allowed four earned runs on six hits and one walk across three innings Saturday in a rehab start with Triple-A Durham.

Scholtens moved his rehab assignment to the Rays' top affiliate after he had previously covered 6.1 innings while producing an 8:3 K:BB between two starts in the rookie-level Florida Complex League earlier in the month. The right-hander built up to 66 pitches Sunday, so he may need only one more appearance in the minors before he's stretched out enough to handle a typical starter's workload. The Rays wouldn't appear to have room for Scholtens in their rotation at the moment, so it's more likely that he serves as a multi-inning reliever once he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

The Rays optioned Englert to Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

Englert was returned to Durham after the Rays called him up to serve as the 27th man for Friday's doubleheader with the Red Sox. He started the second game of the twin bill, dropping to 0-3 on the season in the Rays' 5-3 loss while striking out four batters and serving up five earned runs on eight hits and one walk across five innings. Over 14 appearances (three starts) with Tampa Bay this season, producing a 4.54 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 32:8 K:BB across 35.2 innings.

Halvorsen (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, permitting two hits in a scoreless inning.

Halvorsen has been shelved for all of July due to right shoulder inflammation. He shouldn't require too many more rehab outings, though it's not a given that Halvorsen is reinstated to the big-league roster once he's physically ready.

Frazier (elbow) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

Frazier played in his first game in more than six weeks as he battles his way back from right elbow inflammation. He played six innings at second base in his first rehab contest, and the Angels will likely want to see him get in at least one full game before returning him to the active roster.

Roberts (forearm) tossed a perfect inning in a rehab appearance Sunday with Triple-A Iowa.

Roberts needed just 10 pitches (seven strikes) to retire the side in what was his first game action at any level since June 28. Cubs manager Craig Counsell hasn't provided word on the next steps for Roberts, but the right-hander may not need any further rehab appearances before returning from the 15-day injured list. MLB.com currently lists Roberts as its probable starter for Tuesday's game against the Tigers, though if he's activated for that contest, he would likely work just an inning or two before David Peterson takes over in bulk relief.

The Phillies will recall McFarlane from Double-A Reading prior to Monday's contest versus the Dodgers, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

McFarlane had a brief stint with the Phillies in April but has yet to make his major-league debut. The 25-year-old has made a full-time move to relief this season and turned in a 2.06 ERA and 47:18 K:BB over 35 frames at Reading.