MLB Player News

Suarez recently underwent knee surgery to clean up "some loose impediments" and will be shut down for a few weeks, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

While it's discouraging that Suarez required a procedure to address his knee injury, it seems unlikely that he'll require a significant absence. The right-hander will spend more than the minimum of 15 days on the injured list, and a better timetable for his return should come into focus once he ultimately resumes throwing.

Bender (back) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Bender resumed playing catch last week, but he was able to throw off a mound Thursday. The right-hander exclusively threw fastballs during the bullpen session, but it was a significant step forward in his recovery process. Assuming he continues to ramp up his workload in the coming days, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to game action soon.

Rucker was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Rucker allowed four runs (three earned) without recording an out his last time on the mound June 4, and he'll now make his way back to the minors. Chris Martin (personal) was reinstated from the restricted list in a corresponding move.

Martin (personal) was activated from the restricted list Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The veteran right-hander landed on the bereavement list in late May and shifted to the restricted list a week later, but he's back with the Cubs ahead of Friday's series opener against the Yankees. Martin has appeared in 18 games out of the bullpen this year and has a 3.94 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 21:4 K:BB across 16 innings.

Graterol (2-2) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win against the White Sox on Thursday.

Dodgers starter Tyler Anderson allowed four straight batters to reach base in the fourth inning, so the team turned to Graterol with the bases loaded to stem the tide. The right-hander began by hitting Adam Engel with a pitch to allow a run to score, and he then gave up a sacrifice fly. However, Graterol was able to retire the final two batters of the frame to limit the damage. Los Angeles responded with six runs in the top of the fifth to take the lead and put Graterol in line for the win. He has been a key cog in the team's bullpen this season with a career-high seven holds in addition to the pair of victories.

White was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

The 27-year-old made starts in his past four outings for the Dodgers and had a 3.31 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB over 16.1 innings, but he'll head to the minors with Clayton Kershaw (pelvis) set to rejoin the rotation this weekend. White should be a candidate to for any spot starts the rest of the season for Los Angeles.

Kimbrel (personal) was activated from the paternity list Friday.

Kimbrel landed on the paternity list Tuesday and is back with the Dodgers after spending a few days with his family. The 34-year-old will reclaim the closer role from Daniel Hudson, who picked up one save during Kimbrel's absence.

Martinez, who is on the mend from Tommy John surgery, is targeting a return sometime this summer, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

Martinez had a 6.65 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 24:15 K:BB in 23 innings at Low-A Visalia last season. He could get back into action for the Rawhide around his 21st birthday in late July.

Hernandez had Tommy John surgery in early February and will be out until the 2023 season, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

One of Atlanta's better relief pitching prospects, Hernandez reached Triple-A last season, so he could have made his big-league debut this year if he were healthy. Given the timing of the surgery, he may be limited for most or all of spring training in 2023.

Pallante will start Friday's game against the Reds in St. Louis.

He'll be making his second straight turn through the rotation after taking a no-decision in his first MLB start during the second game of a doubleheader with the Cubs last weekend, when he worked four innings and struck out two while allowing one run on four hits and four walks. Pallante threw only 64 pitches in that outing, and while he should be able to offer more length Friday, the Cardinals could choose to deploy him in tandem with Zack Thompson.