MLB Player News

Walston (elbow) threw live batting practice Friday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Walston touched 94 mph during the session, an encouraging sign considering he hovered between 91 and 92 mph during his three appearances this season. The 23-year-old southpaw is expected to be activated from the injured list sometime in August, but manager Torey Lovullo indicated Friday that the team was still determining whether he'll be an option for the big-league rotation down the stretch.

Simpson (elbow) will throw a live bullpen session Saturday with Single-A Jupiter, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Simpson has been cleared to face batters after completing a pair of bullpens within the last week. While he threw 35 pitches in his previous session, Simpson is expected to throw only 25 pitches Saturday. The southpaw underwent elbow surgery in late April, but he is expected to pitch again in 2024.

Borucki (wrist) had his rehab assignment paused Friday and he's currently being re-assessed, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Borucki has made 10 rehab appearances, yielding seven runs across 9.2 innings. However, he may have suffered a setback in his recovery from carpal tunnel syndrome. A timeline for Borucki to return to Triple-A Indianapolis could become clear after his re-evaluation.

The Brewers recalled Junk from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

The move corresponds with Milwaukee placing southpaw Rob Zastryzny on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow tendinitis. Junk has spent most of the season in Nashville, posting a 2.65 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 34 innings. He's made three major-league appearances in 2024, with his last coming May 5 against the Cubs in which he allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two across two frames.

The Brewers placed Zastryzny on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to left elbow tendinitis.

Zastryzny gave up his first earned run of the season during his last outing Wednesday, throwing 38 pitches while serving as Milwaukee's opener. He'll now be held out of action for at least the next two weeks as he manages an elbow injury. Janson Junk will come up from Triple-A Nashville to fill the open spot in the Milwaukee bullpen.

The Cubs transferred Brown (neck) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Christian Bethancourt. Brown now isn't eligible for activation until mid-August, but he hadn't seemed likely to return before then.

Thompson (ribs) is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson threw live batting practice Tuesday and has been given the green light for in-game action. The 29-year-old has been on the shelf since June 28 with a fractured right rib and should require multiple rehab appearances before rejoining the Cubs.

Miami recalled Kitchen from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Kitchen joins the active roster for the first time since being claimed off waivers from the Rockies on June 25. He's surrendered two runs in 5.2 innings for Jacksonville and should provide some bullpen depth for Miami.

Nunez (forearm) isn't expected to have much more than a minimum stay on the 15-day injured list, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Nunez landed on the IL earlier Friday with a pronator strain in his right forearm, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza admitted to being relieved that the reliever didn't have any ligament damage. The righty will be eligible to return Aug. 8 and it sounds like he might be back by that date, or shortly after.

The Padres optioned Reynolds to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Reynolds will give up his spot on the 26-man roster to Adam Mazur, who'll start Friday's game against Baltimore. Reynolds appeared in two games with the Padres after being called up July 12, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.