MLB Player News

Nelson (back) could return during the series against San Francisco that begins July 19, Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA reports.

Nelson hasn't pitched since July 6, but he has been playing catch and appears to be feeling better after a left lumbar strain sent him to the IL last week. The right-hander has emerged as one of the Dodgers' most consistent and effective bullpen arms this season, as he has registered a 2.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 13.7 K/9 across 27 innings. He also has picked up six holds.

Sims (elbow) isn't expected to return before August, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims has been out with a sprained elbow since late June. The injury was originally expected to cost him three or four weeks, but it now looks likely to keep him out for closer to six. He reportedly hasn't suffered a setback, however, so it's possible the initial timeline was simply overly optimistic.

Antone (forearm) isn't expected to return before August, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone has been out since late June with a forearm strain, the same issue which kept him out for the middle part of that same month. An MRI revealed no structural damage, and he was previously thought to have a chance to return in late July, but he's now slightly behind that timeline.

Gonzalez (foot) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday.

It was reported earlier Friday that the southpaw was nearing a rehab assignment, and now he'll officially make the short trip to Rancho Cucamonga. The 25-year-old has only been out 10 days with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, so he shouldn't need more than an appearance or two in the minors before being activated. With that in mind, he could rejoin the Dodgers' bullpen as soon as Sunday in Colorado or Monday when the club returns home to play the Giants.

Gonzalez (foot) is a strong candidate to begin a rehab assignment in the coming days, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Gonzalez landed on the 10-day injured list July 6 with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The southpaw is eligible to be reinstated Friday, though it sounds like the club could be leaning toward the 25-year-old getting an appearance or two under his belt in the minors first. If Gonzalez does indeed begin a rehab stint in the next few days, he should have a good chance to return to the Dodgers' bullpen by the end of next week.

Adam (ankle) re-signed Monday with the Cubs on a minor-league contract.

Adam posted an 8.22 ERA and 1.96 WHIP across nine appearances out of the big-league bullpen earlier this season before he was designated for assignment in late May. The roster move came shortly after Adam sustained an ankle injury that required surgery, and the Cubs ultimately released him once he cleared waivers. Nearly six weeks after being cut loose, Adam is back with the Cubs, signaling that the organization is comfortable with where he stands on the health front. The veteran right-hander will report to the Cubs' Arizona Complex League affiliate as he looks to build up following the long layoff, but he's expected to eventually settle at Triple-A Iowa.

Quezada (lat) began a rehab assignment with the Cardinals' rookie-level Florida Complex League earlier this month. He's struck out six in four scoreless innings across three outings.

Quezada opened the season on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Memphis with a right lat injury. Memphis activated him from the IL on Tuesday and assigned him to Double-A Springfield, so Quezada has seemingly been deemed healthy following his three-game rehab stint.

Hoffman (shoulder) is scheduled to make a rehab start Friday for High-A Dayton.

Hoffman will be pitching for the first time since July 7, when he tossed 5.1 innings (82 pitches) in his fourth rehab outing for Triple-A Louisville. At this point, Hoffman appears to be fully ramped up for starting duty, but the Reds don't seem to have a spot available for him in the big-league rotation. Rookie Vladimir Gutierrez has emerged as a reliable No. 5 starter since Hoffman landed on the shelf in late May with a right shoulder impingement.

Curtiss (neck) made a rehab appearance for High-A Beloit on Tuesday, striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Curtiss was placed on the 10-day injured list July 4 with a stiff neck, but the reliever looks like he'll be ready to go shortly after the All-Star break. After being acquired from the Rays in the offseason, Curtiss has been a key piece out of the Miami bullpen with a 2.67 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and a 34:8 K:BB in 33.2 innings.

Weathers was diagnosed with a small fracture to a bone in the back of his right ankle Thursday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Weathers had the most serious potential injuries ruled out earlier in the week, though this appears to be more good news for his return. He is reportedly walking around fine and his potential return timeline will be reliant upon his ability to manage the pain while pitching. Weathers is still likely headed for the injured list, but it's possible he could return before the end of July.