MLB Player News

Ponce de Leon will likely start Friday against the Mets, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports.

Ponce de Leon is poised to make a spot start in place of the injured Adam Wainwright (hamstring), who was sent to the injured list Monday. The 27-year-old right-hander held his own in a spot start against the Brewers earlier in the year, allowing just one run on two hits and three walks while striking out seven across five innings of work. Depending on how long Wainwright is sidelined, Ponce de Leon could stick in the rotation for more than one turn, though he would likely have to impress during Friday's spot start in order to do so with Alex Reyes looming in the minors.

Reyes will make at least one more start at Triple-A Memphis before a promotion is considered, Mark Saxon of The Athletic reports.

The Cardinals have an opening in the starting rotation after Adam Wainwright (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday, though Daniel Ponce de Leon is expected to fill in for the time being. Reyes opened eyes with his latest start for Memphis on Saturday, racking up 10 strikeouts over four innings. If Reyes is able to show improved command in his upcoming start with the Redbirds, however, he'll be a strong candidate to be called up to the big leagues, per Saxon.

Kay was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Kay will get his first taste of Triple-A after dominating across 12 starts for Double-A Binghamton, posting a 1.49 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 70:23 K:BB in 66.1 innings of work. The 24-year-old southpaw still isn't on New York's 40-man roster, so he figures to finish out the season with Syracuse unless he really kicks the door down.

Hernandez will be recalled from Triple-A New Orleans to start Tuesday against the Cardinals, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

This comes as no surprise after Hernandez was scratched from his start with the Baby Cakes over the weekend. The right-hander will temporarily replace Caleb Smith (hip) in the rotation, though it's unclear if Hernandez will stick around for more than one start. In nine starts for Triple-A this season, Hernandez owns an impressive 1.13 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 69:14 K:BB in 48 innings.

Helsley was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Helsley had only just been sent down Sunday but is needed again with Adam Wainwright heading to the injured list with a hamstring strain. Helsley is being converted to a relief role, so it's unlikely that he'll be taking Wainwright's spot in the rotation.

Lambert is listed as the Rockies' probable starter for Tuesday's game against the Cubs in Colorado.

Given that the Rockies are perennially starved for quality rotation options, it was an easy decision for the club to give Lambert a second turn after he aced his big-league debut Thursday against this same Cubs squad. He worked seven innings in the winning effort, striking out nine while allowing only one run on four hits and one walk. That outing came in Chicago, however, so Lambert's fantasy managers will have to take more of a leap of faith in him while he picks up his first start in Coors Field in the rematch. Lambert will tentatively line up for his second start of the week Sunday against the Padres, which will also take place in Colorado.

Jackson gave up a run on two hits while striking out three in an inning of relief to blow his fifth save of the season in Sunday's extra-innings win over the Marlins.

The right-hander came into the game in the 10th inning after Atlanta had nudged ahead in the top of the frame on a bases-loaded walk, but a Harold Ramirez single and Martin Prado double with one out knotted the score back up. Jackson has now blown half of his last six save chances, posting a 5.59 ERA over his last 9.2 innings despite a seemingly dominant 20:2 K:BB. A.J. Minter has a 2.53 ERA and 15:2 K:BB in 10.2 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett, but as yet Atlanta doesn't seem to be thinking about making a change at closer.

Strop got the final out of the game Sunday to pick up the save in a 5-1 victory over the Cardinals.

Called upon to protect a four-run lead after Carl Edwards Jr. walked a pair of batters in the ninth inning, Strop needed only one pitch to retire Matt Carpenter on a groundout and pick up his seventh save. Though he has pitched well as the Cubs' closer this season, converting seven of nine save chances and allowing one run or less in 14 of 15 appearances, Strop figures to move to a setup role when Craig Kimbrel is added to the roster within the next three weeks.

Stephenson (neck) will start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Stephenson has been on the shelf since May 31 due to a neck strain, but he's set to take a step forward in his rehab process. He'll likely only need a few minor-league appearances prior to being activated considering he's only been on the injured list for 10 days.

Iglesias posted a four-out save with one hit allowed and one strikeout during a 4-3 victory against the Phillies on Sunday.

The 29-year-old hasn't received much work lately because the Reds have either been behind or held a big lead, but Iglesias is 7-for-7 in save chances since May 9. He's also on a streak of 12.1 scoreless innings. Overall, Iglesias is 13-for-15 in save opportunities with a 2.79 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 40 strikeouts in 29 innings this season.