MLB Player News

Roberts (elbow) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Roberts has finally received the green light to face hitters for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery July 13 of last year. He'll likely throw multiple live batting practice sessions before eventually heading out on an extended rehab assignment that will likely last close to the maximum 30 days. Barring any setbacks, Roberts still has a chance to make his return from the 60-day injured list before season's end, though the Cubs will most likely option him to Triple-A Iowa once he's activated.

Burdi (appendectomy) is scheduled to make a rehab appearance Tuesday for the Cubs' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Burdi's rehab assignment will most likely last close to the entire 30-day window while he works his way back from an appendectomy, which has kept him on the 60-day injured list since late May. Even if the Cubs have room for Burdi in the bullpen once he completes his rehab, he'll likely be ticketed for lower-leverage work.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Melancon (shoulder) has been throwing off flat ground from 130 feet, MLB.com reports.

Melancon began his throwing program all the way back on May 22, and even though he's experienced no reported setbacks in his recovery from a subscapularis strain in the ensuing two and a half months, he still hasn't been cleared to resume throwing off a mound. As a one-inning relief pitcher, Melancon will require less buildup time than a starter, but based on how slowly his recovery from the injury has proceeded thus far, it's far from guaranteed that he'll be ready to pitch by the time the regular season ends.

Alvarado (elbow/hand) will throw another bullpen session Thursday rather than begin a minor-league rehab assignment, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado has been dealing with cramping in both of his hands, so the Phillies will delay his rehab stint a couple of days to make sure that it doesn't become a lingering issue. He is recovered from the bout of elbow inflammation that initially sent him to the injured list in early July, and this shouldn't be too much of a setback.

Ortiz was added as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Ortiz will be available out of the Phillies' bullpen in both games. He has posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB through 14 innings of work this year at the MLB level.

Willingham will serve as the 27th man for the Nationals in Tuesday's doubleheader against the Phillies, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Willingham gives the Nats an extra bullpen arm as they play a twin bill Tuesday to make up for Monday's rainout. The 24-year-old right-hander has allowed 12 earned runs in 12.2 innings of work this season at the major-league level.

Hatch will join the Pirates on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hatch was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays last Friday and claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh on Sunday. The 28-year-old right-hander holds a career 5.40 ERA and 45:26 K:BB in 46.2 major-league innings.

Selby will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Selby is joining the big club for the first time after he pitched to a 3.86 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 41:22 K:BB through 30.1 innings this season out of the Triple-A bullpen. The 25-year-old right-hander will likely fill a middle-relief role with Pittsburgh.

Alexander will serve as the Giants' opening pitcher Tuesday versus the Angels, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Alex Wood is expected to follow him and handle the majority of the innings. This will be the fifth opener assignment of the year for Alexander, who has registered an overall 3.21 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB across 33.2 innings (39 appearances) this season with San Francisco.

Peguero tossed a scoreless eighth inning in Monday's 12-1 victory over the Rockies.

Peguero was preparing to enter the game with the Brewers ahead by only four runs, so don't let the fact that he worked in a blowout lead you to believe he is no longer part of Milwaukee's late-inning mix. Peguero gave up three earned runs twice in late July, but he seems to have righted the ship, allowing just one runner to reach base through three outings in August. He remains the top right-handed option in front of setup man Joel Payamps and closer Devin Williams.