MLB Player News

Zerpa will start Saturday's game against the Mets.

Zerpa will take the mound in the first inning on short notice, as original starter Michael Lorenzen was scratched due to an illness. Zerpa owns a 3.89 ERA and 1.32 WHIP through 39.1 innings this season, though he likely won't remain in the game for more than an inning or two before turning the game over to Kansas City's bullpen.

The Cardinals optioned Svanson to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Svanson has been fairly reliable out of the bullpen for the Cardinals this season, turning in a 3.12 ERA and 0.81 WHIP through 26 innings. However, the Cardinals will prioritize filling their bullpen with a fresh arm heading into the All-Star break, so the 26-year-old will head back to Triple-A in favor of Gordon Graceffo.

The Cardinals recalled Graceffo from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Graceffo owns a 6.62 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 17.2 innings with the Cardinals this season, but he's given up just one run in 7.1 frames since being sent to Triple-A on June 23. His recent turnaround will afford him another chance with the big club, and he'll replace Matt Svanson in St. Louis' bullpen.

Bummer will serve as Atlanta's opening pitcher in a bullpen game Saturday against the Cardinals.

For the second Saturday in a row, Bummer will fill an opener role in a bullpen game while Atlanta has yet to settle on a permanent replacement in the rotation for Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), who is likely to be sidelined until around September. In his previous turn as an opener last weekend against the Orioles, Bummer covered 2.1 innings, and Atlanta could be looking for him to handle a similar workload Saturday. Atlanta doesn't have an obvious candidate to serve as a bulk reliever behind Bummer, though Jesse Chavez and the newly claimed Joey Wentz are available on three days' rest and should be capable of covering multiple frames, if needed.

Gibaut (shoulder) has started playing catch, MLB.com reports.

Gibaut says he's feeling good again, but a targeted return date is unknown at this time. The right-handed reliever should take the usual steps -- bullpens, live batting practice and brief rehab assignment -- before rejoining the Reds.

Sands will serve as the Twins' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Since Bailey Ober (hip) joined Zebby Matthews (shoulder) and Pablo Lopez (shoulder) on the injured list earlier this month, the Twins have yet to settle on a new No. 5 starter. For the second straight turn through Ober's spot in the rotation, the Twins are opting for a bullpen day that will be led off by Sands, who previously tossed a scoreless frame in his most recent start last Saturday versus the Rays. Travis Adams pitched four innings in long relief in that contest and will likely be tasked with covering multiple frames once again Saturday after Sands exits the contest.

The Cubs optioned Wicks to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

After getting blown up for six runs on 10 hits and a walk over three innings during Friday's game, Wicks will head back to the minors in order to get back on track. Brooks Kriske will come up from Iowa to replace Wicks in Chicago's bullpen.

Backhus (0-1) was the losing pitcher in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Angels. He allowed one run on two hits and hit a batter over one-third of an inning.

Backhus entered a tie game in the bottom of the ninth inning and got the first batter out, before the Angles walked off with the win. The rookie has emerged as a name to monitor in the Diamondbacks' bullpen, which has suffered a string of injuries to closers. The left-hander entered Friday with a 1.86 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with five holds over his first 10 outings (9.2 innings).

Miller (forearm) will seek a second opinion after receiving MRI results, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. "They're gonna give him the information and then let him figure out what the next course of action is," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. "The right flexor mass, flexor tendon and then the UCL, I think they're gonna do a whole workup and make sure that it's all stable and in a good spot."

What comes next will either be Miller coming back or having surgery. He had evolved into the Diamondbacks' closer following elbow injuries to Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk. If Miller is set to miss significant time -- either with or without surgery -- Lovullo will have to scramble to find a closing option. With Jalen Beeks (back) placed on the injured list Friday, veterans Kevin Ginkel and Kendall Graveman and rookie Kyle Backhus have emerged as candidates.

Rodriguez picked up a hold in Friday's 8-7 win over the Dodgers, allowing one earned run on three hits over 1.2 innings.

Rodriguez entered the game with one out in the sixth inning, tasked with protecting an 8-6 lead. The All-Star gave up a double and a single in the seventh, surrendering his first run since June 12 before inducing the final out. The 25-year-old right-hander now owns a 0.89 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 54:8 K:BB across 40.2 innings in 40 appearances this season.