MLB Player News

Ponce de Leon will start Wednesday's game against the Marlins, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports.

Ponce de Leon allowed just one run over four innings in his last outing Friday against the Mets, so even though he failed to work deep into the ballgame, the Cardinals have handed him at least one more start. Alex Reyes has been the other candidate to take the fifth spot in St. Louis' rotation, but he continues to struggle with his command at Triple-A Memphis.

Jansen won't be available to pitch Monday against the Giants, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Jansen has pitched each of the last three days, so the Dodgers have elected to give him Monday off to rest. Pedro Baez or Julio Uras may get an opportunity in a save situation should one arise, per Gurnick.

The Cardinals transferred Mayers (lat) to the 60-day injured list.

The transaction has no bearing on Mayers' timeline to return from a right lat strain, as he's already missed more than two months with the injury. Mayers has resumed mound work, throwing a pain-free bullpen session Monday. He could soon be ready to face hitters, which would put him on track to begin a minor-league rehab assignment before the end of the month.

Lamet (elbow) advanced his rehab to Triple-A El Paso on Sunday, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk while striking out four batters in five innings.

Lamet hasn't been great through four rehab starts, allowing 12 runs in 14 innings, though he does have 18 strikeouts. His rehab assignment will be up before the end of the month, though there's no guarantee he heads straight to the big leagues at that point.

Jansen worked a scoreless ninth inning to earn a save against the Cubs on Sunday, allowing a hit and a walk.

One day after blowing his third save of the season, Jansen this time closed out the Cubs to earn his 21st save. It was hardly an easy outing, however, as he opened the inning by allowing a single and a walk before a pair of groundouts and a tough diving catch by Alex Verdugo sealed the win. Jansen now ranks second in the majors in saves despite a 3.34 ERA that would be the highest of his career.

Yates struck out two and did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless inning of work to earn his 24th save of the season Sunday against the Rockies.

In a high-scoring game, Yates made quick work of the final frame, throwing eight of nine pitches for strikes as he retired the side in order. Yates leads MLB relievers in saves this season and has dominated to the tune of a 1.20 ERA. Combined with his 15.4 K/9, these elements make him one of the top fantasy options at his position.

Lambert allowed eight runs on nine hits with three strikeouts across three innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Padres. He did not walk a batter.

Lambert was hit early and often in this one and surrendered four extra-base hits while allowing runs in each of his three innings. He needed 69 pitches to complete his outing and was lifted prior to the fourth, which is unfortunate considering the Rockies had scored nine runs at the time. Lambert was much better in his first two starts, but he'll face another difficult matchup as he tries to bounce back in his next scheduled appearance on the road Saturday against the Dodgers.

Hader struck out three and did not allow a baserunner across two scoreless innings to earn his 17th save of the season against the Giants.

Hader came on in the eighth inning to protect a two-run lead, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. He came back out for the ninth and made quick work of it, including an out on three consecutive pitches to end the game. Hader continues to rack up saves and strikeouts, making him a top-notch closer for fantasy purposes.

Hudson allowed three runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and three walks across six innings during a no-decision against the Mets on Sunday.

The Cardinals and Mets went back and forth early in this one, but the game was tied when Hudson departed. Hudson allowed three runs in the first three innings, but he settled down to face just one over the minimum during his final three frames. Hudson is now 5-3 with a 3.55 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 78.2 innings this season. He is scheduled to pitch next against the Angels at home Friday.

Kimbrel is scheduled to pitch Tuesday with Triple-A Iowa, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kimbrel completed his second live batting practice session Saturday to clear the way for his return to game action. The 31-year-old is slated for a few tune-up appearances at Triple-A before officially joining the major-league roster.