MLB Player News

Montgomery will serve as the opening pitcher in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against Cleveland, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Montgomery will receive his fifth opening assignment of the season after giving up just two earned runs over 8.1 innings across his last nine outings. The 26-year-old southpaw has never completed two full innings in an appearance this season, so he'll likely secure just the first three outs of the game before turning things over to the Pirates' bullpen.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that MRI results of Puk's left shoulder revealed that his shoulder capsule hasn't fully healed, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been on the injured list all season while recovering from an internal brace procedure he underwent last summer, as well as a shoulder capsule sprain he suffered while pitching in a rehab game. The results of his latest MRI suggest that Puk's stay on the IL is likely to be extended even further, and he's set to visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache within the next couple of days to receive a second opinion before determining his next steps. An updated timeline for his return could come into focus following his appointment.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said July 8 that Roberts (forearm) completed a bullpen session, MLB.com reports.

Roberts had been scheduled to throw off a mound a second time prior to the All-Star break, though it's unclear if that came to pass. The right-hander has been on the shelf since June 29 due to forearm inflammation and will eventually need to complete a rehab assignment before returning from the 15-day injured list.

Rangel is slated to start Sunday's game against the Mets in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia demoted Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 2, but he was called back up last week when the Phillies required a fifth starter for the final time before the All-Star break. Rangel will remain in the rotation to open the second half, but he may not be in line for a permanent spot if the Phillies acquire a starter prior to the Aug. 3 trade deadline or elect to recall Andrew Painter from Triple-A and give him another shot in the big leagues. The 28-year-old Rangel has been a so-so performer through his first five appearances (two starts) with the big club, compiling a 4.19 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 22:9 K:BB in 19.1 innings.

The Rockies placed Criswell on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a right shoulder strain.

Criswell gave up two earned runs in two innings Friday in what was his first appearance since returning to the majors last Saturday, but the Rockies will now be without his services until at least Aug. 2. His roster spot will be filled by Tomoyuki Sugano (back), who was reinstated from the injured list to start Saturday's game against the Reds.

The Pirates reinstated Dotel (lat) from the injured list Saturday and appointed him as their 27th man for the team's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Dotel landed on the injured list June 13 with a right lat strain. Since then, he's made three rehab appearances in the minors, giving up one run on three hits and three walks while fanning seven batters in 4.2 innings. Now fully healthy, he'll help the Pirates' bullpen get through Saturday's twin bill before likely heading back to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Santillan (oblique) received a PRP injection July 9 and is undergoing further treatment, MLB.com reports.

The Reds are doing their most to speed up Santillan's healing process, although the report only estimates a return during the second half of the season. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list in late June with what manager Terry Francona described as a significant strain.

Ashcraft (elbow) is on a throwing program, which will have him throw from 105 feet beginning July 20 at the Reds' training facility in Arizona, MLB.com reports.

Ashcraft will eventually move out to 120 feet and possibly begin bullpen sessions Aug. 2. The right-hander landed on the 60-day injured list in late May and should return at some point during the month of August.

Scott struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 14th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Yankees.

The southpaw fired eight of 11 pitches for strikes and fanned Jazz Chisholm to preserve the victory. Scott has been scored upon in only one of his last 12 appearances dating back to June 11, converting eight of nine saves chances during that stretch while posting a 2.25 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB over 12 innings.

Saalfrank (shoulder) has begun a throwing program, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

The throwing program began with Saalfrank tossing out to 60 feet. The left-hander underwent shoulder surgery ahead of spring training and is considered out for the season.