Thursday afternoon, the Dodgers saw their shutout streak snapped at 31 innings. That is one inning shy of longest shutout streak to a start a season in baseball history. The record is held by the 1963 Cardinals. Los Angeles lost their first game of 2016 on Thursday (SF 12, LA 6). Here is a recap of Thursday's news from around the league.
ROSTER MOVES & TRANSACTIONS
Angels: Called up RHP Nick Tropeano from Triple-A, the team announced. He will replace the injured LHP Andrew Heaney in the rotation.
Astros: Signed Cuban SS Anibal Sierra to a $3.5 million deal (ESPN Deportes) ... Designated RHP Danny Reynolds for assignment, the team announced. The move clears a roster spot for RHP Chris Devenski, who was called up to help the bullpen.
Braves: Planning to call up RHP Jhoulys Chacin next week. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Dodgers: Signed RHP Sam LeCure to a minor league contract, the team announced.
Orioles: Acquired LHP Jayson Aquino from the Cardinals for cash considerations, the club announced.
Padres: Signed 1B James Loney to a minor league contract. He would give them the flexibility to move 1B/OF Wil Myers back to the outfield, or even trade him for prospects. (MLB Network)
INJURY UPDATES
Astros: RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Monday. (MLB.com)
Blue Jays: 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) could return to the lineup Friday (Sportsnet) ... OF Michael Saunders (hamstring) is also hoping to return to the lineup Friday. (Sportsnet)
Cubs: C/OF Kyle Schwarber had to be carted off the field following an outfield collision. He suffered a sprained left ankle. X-rays were negative, but he is going for an MRI Friday ... UTIL Javier Baez (thumb) has been held out of minor league rehab games as a precaution after being hit in the head with a pitch earlier this week. He will not return Monday as originally expected. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Dodgers: C Yasmani Grandal (forearm) and 2B Howie Kendrick (calf) started rehab assignments Thursday (Los Angeles Times) ... UTIL Alex Guerrero (knee) has not yet been cleared to resume baseball activities. (Los Angeles Times)
Indians: OF Michael Brantley (shoulder surgery) will soon join the team's Triple-A affiliate to begin a rehab assignment. (MLB.com)
Orioles: OF Adam Jones is dealing oblique tightness and was held out of the lineup Thursday. (Fox Sports)
Reds: RHP Homer Bailey (Tommy John surgery) pitched two innings in a simulated game Thursday (MLB.com) ... LHB John Lamb (back) threw two innings in a simulated game Wednesday (Cincinnati Enquirer) ... RHP Jon Moscot (intercostal) made a minor league rehab appearance Thursday. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Red Sox: RHP Carson Smith (forearm) will throw off a mound Sunday. (MLB.com)
NEWS & RUMORS
Astros: Have offered free agent LHP Wandy Rodriguez a roster spot on their Triple-A team. (MLB.com)
Mets: Received their 2015 NL Championship rings Thursday.
Red Sox: Manager John Farrell acknowledged the team may send OF Rusney Castillo to Triple-A at some point so he can get regular playing time. (Boston Herald)
White Sox: Had limited edition hats designed by Chance The Rapper. The team is trying to draw interest from younger fans.