MLB Player News

Edwards (shoulder) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Tuesday and could soon advance to a rehab stint, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Edwards tossed a bullpen session Sunday without issue and the team is having him get in at least one more before determining the next steps. The flamethrowing righty has been out since late May, so he'll probably need a few minor-league rehab outings before returning to the MLB roster. When Edwards does rejoin the Cubs, he should resume his high-leverage role in the late innings.

Underwood was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Underwood was effective over four innings Monday in his major-league debut, but he was only needed for the lone spot start, so the Cubs decided to send him back to Iowa in order to continue starting every five days. He will garner consideration the next time the club needs to bring up an arm from the minor-league ranks.

Vizcaino (shoulder) expects to be activated from the disabled list Sunday when first eligible, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Vizcaino is going to have to make it through the rest of the week without issue if he hopes to return Sunday, but he said his shoulder has improved of late, and he will test things by playing catch Tuesday.

The Braves optioned Sims to Triple-A Gwinnett after Monday's game, according to 680 The Fan.

Sims was just called up over the weekend, but he will be replaced by a fresh arm in Matt Wisler after being tagged for two earned runs while throwing an inning in Monday's contest. Sims has been shuffled between Triple-A and the majors all season, so he will likely be back with the big club again at some point this summer.

Poncedeleon is listed as Triple-A Memphis' probable starter for Tuesday's game against Colorado Springs.

Poncedeleon was a candidate to join the big club to start Monday against the Indians in place of the injured Michael Wacha (oblique), but that assignment ultimately fell to John Gant. With Gant tossing seven scoreless, one-hit innings to claim the victory in the outing, he'll likely receive at least one more turn through the rotation. As a result, Poncedeleon will continue to make regular starts for Memphis, where he has posted a 2.45 ERA and 80:38 K:BB across 66 frames this season.

Hernandez has been confirmed as the Miami starter for Tuesday's game against Arizona, MLB.com reports.

As anticipated, Hernandez will re-enter the rotation in place of Jose Urena, who was placed on the disabled list last week with right shoulder inflammation. Marlins manager Don Mattingly expressed optimism that Urena would be activated from the DL near his eligibility date of July 1, but the right-hander's impending return won't necessarily close the door on Hernandez's starting opportunities. The Marlins revealed Monday that Caleb Smith was dealing with a Grade 3 lat strain, an injury that will likely require a multi-month absence, if not end his season. Hernandez sports an underwhelming 5.12 ERA and 14:12 K:BB in 31.2 innings this season, but if he can deliver a quality showing Tuesday, he'll have the inside track to filling Smith's spot in the rotation once Urena is back in the fold.

Alexander gave up two hits over a scoreless inning en route to his seventh hold of the season in Monday's 2-1 win over the Cubs.

Alexander has looked like a different pitcher since returning from the minors May 9, posting a 2.01 ERA with 19 strikeouts and six holds over 22.1 innings. With Tony Cingrani (shoulder) still mending on the disabled list, Alexander has taken over as the Dodgers' top left-handed option out of the bullpen.

Jansen allowed a run on two hits but still closed out his 20th save Monday against the Cubs.

Jansen gave up two singles, a balk and a sacrifice fly to allow his first run since June 7, but he remained perfect in his last 18 save opportunities dating back to April 22. He owns a 2.45 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. If Jansen can keep up that pace, 2018 will become his fourth straight season with a sub-2.50 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP.

Underwood (0-1) allowed one run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts through four innings in a loss Monday against the Dodgers.

Underwood was making a spot start with Tyler Chatwood on paternity leave. He did his job, as he kept the Cubs in the ballgame, but it's unlikely that he will make another start. Expect the Cubs to make a decision on his roster status before Tuesday's game, but the 23-year-old will likely head back to Triple-A, where he owns a 4.27 ERA in 71.2 innings.

Miller (elbow) lasted 3.2 innings and gave up five runs on six hits and two walks to take the loss in his season debut Monday against the Marlins.

Miller had an ugly return in his first start in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. He was undone by his inability to retire the opposing pitcher, Dan Straily, who doubled and scored in the third inning and walked as part of a three-run fourth frame. Miller also allowed a solo home run in the first inning. On the bright side, Miller's fastball was clocked as high as 97.6 mph, a good sign that his surgically-repaired elbow has healed as anticipated. Unfortunately, Miller hasn't posted a sub-4.00 ERA in any season since 2015, so healthy or not, he may not prove to be a worthy fantasy asset in most leagues.