MLB Player News

Adam (ankle) re-signed Monday with the Cubs on a minor-league contract.

Adam posted an 8.22 ERA and 1.96 WHIP across nine appearances out of the big-league bullpen earlier this season before he was designated for assignment in late May. The roster move came shortly after Adam sustained an ankle injury that required surgery, and the Cubs ultimately released him once he cleared waivers. Nearly six weeks after being cut loose, Adam is back with the Cubs, signaling that the organization is comfortable with where he stands on the health front. The veteran right-hander will report to the Cubs' Arizona Complex League affiliate as he looks to build up following the long layoff, but he's expected to eventually settle at Triple-A Iowa.

Foster was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander impressed as a rookie last year with a 2.20 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB across 28.2 innings, but he's struggled to find that form in 2021. Foster has a 6.15 ERA this season and will head to Triple-A in an attempt to straighten things out.

Bummer (hamstring) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Bummer has been on the shelf since late June with a strained hamstring, but he'll rejoin the White Sox for the start of the second half. The left-hander has 10 holds and two saves with a 3.26 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 43:17 K:BB over 30.1 innings this season and should return to a high-leverage role for Chicago.

Lopez was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander has been at the Triple-A level all season but will join the White Sox for the start of the second half. Lopez has exclusively pitched as a starter since joining Chicago in 2017 and started in all 10 of his outings this year at Triple-A, but he'll work out of the bullpen this time with the big-league rotation currently in good health. The 27-year-old has a 7.62 ERA over 39 Triple-A innings this season, but the White Sox are apparently hoping he'll produce better results as a reliever.

Quezada (lat) began a rehab assignment with the Cardinals' rookie-level Florida Complex League earlier this month. He's struck out six in four scoreless innings across three outings.

Quezada opened the season on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Memphis with a right lat injury. Memphis activated him from the IL on Tuesday and assigned him to Double-A Springfield, so Quezada has seemingly been deemed healthy following his three-game rehab stint.

Hoffman (shoulder) is scheduled to make a rehab start Friday for High-A Dayton.

Hoffman will be pitching for the first time since July 7, when he tossed 5.1 innings (82 pitches) in his fourth rehab outing for Triple-A Louisville. At this point, Hoffman appears to be fully ramped up for starting duty, but the Reds don't seem to have a spot available for him in the big-league rotation. Rookie Vladimir Gutierrez has emerged as a reliable No. 5 starter since Hoffman landed on the shelf in late May with a right shoulder impingement.

Curtiss (neck) made a rehab appearance for High-A Beloit on Tuesday, striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Curtiss was placed on the 10-day injured list July 4 with a stiff neck, but the reliever looks like he'll be ready to go shortly after the All-Star break. After being acquired from the Rays in the offseason, Curtiss has been a key piece out of the Miami bullpen with a 2.67 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and a 34:8 K:BB in 33.2 innings.

Weathers was diagnosed with a small fracture to a bone in the back of his right ankle Thursday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Weathers had the most serious potential injuries ruled out earlier in the week, though this appears to be more good news for his return. He is reportedly walking around fine and his potential return timeline will be reliant upon his ability to manage the pain while pitching. Weathers is still likely headed for the injured list, but it's possible he could return before the end of July.

Puk hasn't allowed an earned run and has posted an 11:3 K:BB over the 10.1 innings covering his last six appearances with Triple-A Las Vegas,

The one asterisk attached to that sample is noteworthy -- Puk actually yielded five runs July 3 against Sacramento, but none were earned. His other five appearances during that span have been completely scoreless, and with just a trio of free passes, the big left-hander at least seems to have gotten a temporary grip on his control problems. However, given he still carries a 7.31 ERA and 1.85 WHIP across 28.1 innings with the Aviators, it appears likely the A's will need to see a more extended stretch of effective pitching before considering a promotion.

Anderson (elbow) will throw live batting practice in Port Charlotte on Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

The encouraging news comes in the wake of Anderson putting together a string of setback-free bullpen sessions. Anderson's progression toward live hitters is the logical next step toward what is expected to be a return to action in early August.