MLB Player News

Fernandez (back) is on track to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Fernandez has thrown one successful bullpen session since going down with lower-back pain in early June, and he will throw off the mound again Wednesday. As long as that goes well, Fernandez would be cleared for a rehab assignment. Because his absence has been brief, Fernandez shouldn't require many rehab appearances before being reinstated.

The Mets optioned Duarte to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

Duarte has logged five scoreless innings with a 3:1 K:BB in his three outings for the Mets this season. However, the righty reliever had pitched each of the previous two days, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh bullpen arm.

The Mets recalled Pintaro from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

He's a candidate to soak up some innings out of the bullpen in Monday's game against the Reds behind starting pitcher Tobias Myers, who isn't fully stretched out. Pintaro has been sharp in three previous relief outings with the Mets this season, yielding just one run and one hit with a 5:1 K:BB across 6.2 frames.

The Mets recalled Myers from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

Myers is slated to start Monday's series opener in Cincinnati. The righty will be pitching on three days' rest after going 2.2 innings at Syracuse last Thursday, and he has yet to last more than three frames in an appearance at any level in 2026. As a result, Myers' start Monday will be relatively short.

Peralta will serve as the Padres' opening pitcher in Monday's game versus the Cardinals.

Peralta is expected to work the first inning or two before giving way to Lucas Giolito, who will operate as a bulk reliever Monday after starting in his first five appearances for the Padres. Peralta has managed to go unscored upon in 14 of his last 15 appearances, but he has an ugly 12:13 K:BB over 19.2 innings during that stretch.

Hall received an anti-inflammatory injection for his left pectoral strain Friday, MLB.com reports.

Hall could be cleared to start throwing once the shot takes full effect, but the southpaw is still preparing to miss around 4-to-8 weeks while he works his way back from the pec injury. Prior to landing on the shelf June 5, Hall notched three holds and turned in a 2.03 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 32:24 K:BB across 31 innings.

Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to face live hitters in a simulated game or batting practice Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Johnson has spent just over the minimum amount of time on the 15-day injured list after being deactivated May 30 due to right elbow inflammation, so if he fares well in Monday's live session, he could bypass a rehab assignment and rejoin the Cincinnati bullpen later this week. The right-hander has been a key high-leverage arm for the Reds this season, notching two wins, four holds and one save while pitching to a 3.27 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 22 innings.

Morejon notched a hold against the Orioles on Sunday, allowing one hit with no walks or strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Morejon entered in the seventh inning with the Padres up 4-2 and a runner on first base. He needed just three pitches to get out of the frame, as he induced a double-play grounder off the bat of Adley Rutschman. Morejon then retired the first two batters he faced in the eighth before giving up an infield single, and he was subsequently replaced by closer Mason Miller. The southpaw Morejon recorded his 12th hold of the campaign, which is second-most on San Diego behind Jason Adam. Morejon's 4.00 ERA isn't exceptional, but he has a more appealing 1.06 WHIP and 41:7 K:BB over 36 innings spanning 33 relief appearances.

The Cubs designated Nikhazy for assignment Monday.

Nikhazy was a casualty of the Cubs needing to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of right-hander Yosver Zulueta, who was acquired via trade. A waiver claim by the Cubs in late April, Nikhazy has turned in an 8.44 ERA and 30:21 K:BB over 26.2 innings covering six starts and two relief outings with Triple-A Iowa.

Triple-A Sacramento placed Santos on its 7-day injured list May 26 due to a right adductor strain, MLB.com reports.

Santos maintains a spot on the Giants' 40-man roster but has spent most of the season at Sacramento, with whom he's turned in a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 14 innings across 12 appearances. The righty reliever is projected to return to action for Sacramento in late June or early July.