MLB Player News

Helsley (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.

Helsley has been out for just shy of two weeks with a shoulder impingement. Given the relatively short length of his absence, he may not need a particularly long rehab assignment.

Wilson (elbow) threw a bullpen session without discomfort Tuesday, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Wilson has been battling elbow issues since late April. He'll throw another bullpen session within the next few days and could get the green light to resume a minor-league rehab assignment next week if he reports no discomfort.

Reyes landed on the minor-league injured list at Triple-A Memphis with a strained pectoral muscle Tuesday, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports.

Reyes is expected to miss two or three starts. He owns a 7.39 ERA in 28 innings for Memphis this season, so he doesn't appear all that likely to push for a big-league roster spot anytime soon despite his considerable promise as a prospect.

Rodney's contract was selected from Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday.

Rodney struggled to a poor 9.42 ERA in 14.1 innings of work with Oakland before being released in late May. The Nationals will hope the 42-year-old still has something left in the tank, with his 3.36 ERA last year offering at least some encouragement.

Brigham was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday.

Brigham's latest stay on the big-league roster lasted just four days. He did not make a single appearance. Neil Walker (quadriceps) returned from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Hicks (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Hicks and the Cardinals were reportedly taking some time to evaluate their plan of action after the closer was diagnosed with a torn UCL on Monday, but Tommy John surgery always seemed to be the likely outcome. The procedure will keep him out for all of this season and most, if not all, of next year as well. Carlos Martinez is expected to handle the ninth inning in Hicks' absence.

Leone was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

Leone has thrown 21.1 innings for the Cardinals this season, but they haven't been particularly good, as he's posted an 8.02 ERA. His 4.19 ERA in 19.1 innings for Memphis is better but not particularly encouraging. He's likely in line for a low-leverage bullpen role for now.

The Cardinals optioned Cabrera to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

After working as a member of the rotation in his first stint in the big leagues a few weeks ago, Cabrera rejoined the Cardinals as a relief arm following his June 13 callup. He logged three appearances out of the bullpen, giving up two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out five in 3.1 innings. Cabrera will presumably transition back to starting duty as he returns to Memphis.

Ponce de Leon was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

Ponce de Leon has made three starts for the Cardinals this season, allowing just two runs in 15 innings. He appears to be up as a reliever this time around.

The Cardinals placed Hicks (elbow) on the 10-day injured list Tuesday.

The transaction was fully expected after Hicks underwent an MRI on Monday that confirmed he was dealing with a torn UCL. The Cardinals have yet to decide on a treatment method for Hicks, but the flamethrower will likely be in store for an extended absence even if he forgoes Tommy John surgery and instead chooses to address the ligament damage with rest and rehab and/or platelet-rich plasma and stem-cell injections. Over the weekend, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak tabbed John Gant as Hicks' most likely replacement as the Cardinals' closer, though Carlos Martinez could enter the mix for save chances as well.