MLB Player News

Strop was selected as a replacement player by the Cubs on Monday.

The unusual designation means Strop can be removed from the 40-man roster without passing through waivers. He's needed on an emergency basis with the Cubs placing three relievers on the COVID-19 injured list Monday. The 35-year-old had several good seasons for the Cubs in the middle of the last decade, but he's struggled to a 4.91 ERA over the last two seasons.

Adam was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.

Adam had pitched in each of the past two games and had posted a 2.45 ERA and 1.64 ERA with seven strikeouts in 3.2 innings to begin the season. He'll be eligible to return to the roster as soon as he clears the league's health and safety protocols, though it's unclear if he's contracted COVID-19 himself or if he's simply been exposed to someone else who did.

Guzman (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions at the Marlins' alternate training site, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Guzman has been on the 10-day injured list since March 29 due to right elbow inflammation, but he's progressed to mound work recently. The Marlins still don't have a timetable for Guzman's return, but the right-hander is expected to face live hitters as the next step in his recovery process.

Lamet (elbow) won't return until he pitches at least once more at the Padres' alternate training site, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet built up to 56 pitches during a game at the alternate training site Friday, but the team isn't rushing him back to the mound. Since the right-hander likely won't be ready to make his season debut at home against the Dodgers on Friday, the Padres will need someone else to fill in after Adrian Morejon (forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday. Craig Stammen, Nabil Crismatt or Ryan Weathers could be options to start Friday's matchup if Lamet is unavailable.

Rusin signed a minor-league contract with the Rockies on Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Rusin was with the Rockies from 2015 to 2019, but he spent most of the 2020 campaign with Atlanta before he was released in September. The southpaw has made just three relief appearances in the past two seasons but could be an option to fill in as bullpen depth at some point in 2021.

Webb, who fired a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in which he recorded a strikeout during Sunday's loss to the Brewers, has a 12.46 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across his first six appearances.

The left-hander is already logging his usual heavy volume of middle-relief work, but Webb has given up multiple earned runs twice, leading to his inflated numbers. The 30-year-old has posted ERAs of 3.76 and 2.08 over his last two seasons, however, so there's evidence to support the notion he can bounce back over time.

Perdomo was recalled by the Brewers on Monday.

Perdomo made eight relief appearances for the Brewers this spring and allowed one hit and four walks while striking out 12 in 6.1 scoreless innings. He should serve as a low-leverage reliever for Milwaukee after right-hander Eric Yardley was sent down in a corresponding move.

Hicks opened the seventh inning of Sunday's loss to the Brewers and fired 1.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed no hits, issued two walks, uncorked a wild pitch, and recorded two strikeouts.

With Hicks having last logged an appearance Wednesday, manager Mike Shildt saw an opportunity to get his young reliever some low-leverage work with the Cardinals down 7-3 at the time. Hicks had some trouble with location as his numbers indicate, but he was otherwise able to turn in a second straight workload of more than 20 pitches without setbacks. The fireballer has yet to be scored on this season through four appearances, and he could soon graduate to higher-leverage assignments if matters continue to unfold smoothly for him.

Morejon was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left forearm strain Monday.

Morejon was removed in the first inning of Sunday's start against the Rangers due to his injury. The southpaw underwent an MRI, but the results of the test aren't yet known. The Padres plan to stay on turn in the rotation in the coming days, but Nabil Crismatt was recalled in a corresponding move and could fill in as a starter if needed.

Minter has a 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 6:1 K:BB through five innings while recording a hold and a blown save to begin the season.

The left-hander has seen heavy usage so far, appearing in five of Atlanta's first nine games, and other than a stumble against the Nats, Minter has looked sharp in a high-leverage role. Will Smith has a fairly firm hold on the closer job, but if he were out of the saves picture, Minter would be one of the top candidates to step in.