MLB Player News

Johnson (back) has been activated from the disabled list at Triple-A Iowa.

Johnson missed about six weeks with the lat injury and has managed just four starts with a 5.17 ERA and 1.71 WHIP thus far in 2016. He was one of the Cubs' top prospects entering the season and was considered a possibility for a midseason call-up, but he needs to show he's healthy before dreams of the next level can be entertained.

Weber was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

The Braves placed Eric O'Flaherty on the 15-day DL with a right knee strain, opening up a roster spot for Weber. The 25-year-old has been solid in Triple-A this season (2.81 ERA), but was roughed up in his four appearances with the Braves, giving up nine earned runs in four appearances.

De Leon has made two appearances since returning from a sore arm last week, tossing six innings and allowing three runs on two hits with an excellent 12:2 K:BB.

De Leon has pitched just 11 innings this year due to the arm injury and a sore ankle out of spring training. If he's healthy, though, De Leon's stuff should allow him to compete at the MLB level at some point this summer.

Gomez (2-2) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk over 0.2 innings to take the loss Sunday at the Nationals.

Gomez was protecting a one-run lead, but loaded the bases with two outs before giving up a game-winning single to Jayson Werth. After posting a 2.33 ERA through May, he's now allowed four runs over 4.2 innings of work in June to raise his ERA to 3.13 Regardless, he still converted 19 of his 21 save opportunities this season.

The Reds decided to insert Daniel Wright into the rotation for Alfredo Simon, rather than promoting Stephenson or Cody Reed.

Stephenson pitched for Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, and while he allowed just one run over six innings, he struck out just two while walking three, a line emblematic of his experience at Louisville this year. Over 65.2 innings, he has a 3.29 ERA, but a 50:33 K:BB. That walk rate, coupled by a lack of dominance against Triple-A hitters, suggests that he could struggle upon promotion with the Reds.

Neris allowed one run on three hits in an inning of relief Saturday. He struck out one and walked one.

Neris has hit a rough patch over his last six outings. He has allowed five runs on eight hits with a 4:6 K:BB in 4.2 innings. It might be wise to bench him until he gets back on track.

Manager Walt Weiss named Estevez the Rockies' closer while Jake McGee (knee) is out, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Weiss was hesitant to name either Jason Motte or Estevez the closer prior to Saturday's matchup, but after Estevez came into a tough situation that Motte created and completed the save, Weiss felt confident enough to give the 23-year-old the job. Estevez does have some closing experience, as he amassed 24 saves between High-A, Double-A, and the Arizona Fall League, so as long as he can continue performing like he did Saturday, he could be a decent fill-in until McGee returns from the DL.

Miller (finger) will make another minor league rehab start, Jody Jackson of FOX Sports Arizona reports.

The right-hander made a case to return after just one rehab outing, fanning 11 batters over six scoreless innings Thursday against High-A competition (78 pitches), but it seems the Diamondbacks want Miller to build his pitch count up more. Another strong showing could be big for Miller's confidence as he looks to bounce back from a miserable first two months of the 2016 campaign.

Bowman has a 3.75 ERA and 1.08 WHIP after pitching 24 innings in his first MLB season.

After a brutal outing where he gave up four earned runs in less than an inning, Bowman has taken steps in the right direction, giving up four runs across the following 12 innings. With seven of his 18 appearances being for two innings or more, Bowman's shown he has the endurance to pitch long stretches out of the bullpen, but his 1.1 HR/9 could be problematic as the season carries on.

Making a rehab start with High-A Visalia on Thursday, Miller pitched six scoreless innings while giving up just two hits. He struck out 11.

The start didn't come against top competition, but it's encouraging nonetheless to see Miller have success. He threw 78 pitches in this one and will probably make at least one more start to build his pitch count up before returning to the Diamondbacks.