MLB Player News

Perez allowed one run on five hits and two walks over five innings in Friday's loss to the White Sox. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

The only damage against Perez was a solo shot by Yasmani Grandal in the second inning. Perez tossed 10 shutout innings over his previous two starts and has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his first six MLB starts. He lowered his season ERA to 2.17 with a 30:13 K:BB through 29 frames. Perez is lined up for a start in Seattle next week.

Urias (hamstring) won't be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's game against the Phillies, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Urias' strained left hamstring was still giving him problems after a bullpen session Thursday, so his return to the Dodgers rotation will be pushed back. The 26-year-old lefty will return to throwing off flat ground and his new return date is uncertain, though he will probably require a rehab assignment. A replacement starter for Sunday's game has yet to be announced, but manager Dave Roberts said a bullpen game is likely.

Alexander (shoulder) is beginning a rehab assignment Friday in the Arizona Complex League, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Alexander has been on the shelf since February because of a right rotator cuff strain, but he's finally ready to take the mound again in live games. The 30-year-old could be an option for the Brewers' pitching staff toward the end of June.

Velasquez underwent season-ending surgery Friday on his right elbow, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Velasquez was originally diagnosed with elbow inflammation when he lasted only two innings in his return from the injured list May 28, but further testing revealed the need for a surgical repair of his ulnar collateral ligament. He didn't undergo Tommy John surgery, but he could still miss a full calendar year while rehabbing. The 31-year-old right-hander finishes the 2023 campaign with a 3.86 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB in eight starts (37.1 innings). He is scheduled to become a free agent this winter.

Grove is in line to serve as a bulk reliever for the Dodgers on Friday against the Phillies, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

He had been the projected starter, but the Dodgers have elected to use Victor Gonzalez as an opener instead with lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper at the top of the Phillies' batting order. Grove holds a 5.14 ERA over five starts with the big club this season, although that's come with a 21:7 K:BB in 25 innings.

Woodford (shoulder) was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday and optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

Woodford is recovered from the bout of shoulder inflammation that sent him to the injured list in early May, but the Cardinals will keep him in the rotation at Memphis for now. The 26-year-old right-hander posted a 3.38 ERA with six strikeouts in three rehab starts covering eight innings.

Ashcraft was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with a left calf contusion.

Ashcraft had indicated after taking a comebacker off the calf Thursday versus the Dodgers that he would be fine for his next turn in the rotation. However, given his struggles over the last month -- the right-hander has surrendered seven or more runs in four of his last six outings -- it makes sense to give him some downtiime to get healthy and also work on things. With Ashcraft on the shelf, Andrew Abbott should remain in the Reds rotation.

The Dodgers are planning to activate Urias (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list to have him start Sunday's series finale in Philadelphia, MLB.com reports.

He'll get the green light to rejoin the rotation despite not heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment, as manager Dave Roberts said he felt confident about the left-hander's health after Urias completed a two-inning simulated game Tuesday and then threw two more innings in the bullpen. Though Roberts acknowledged that Urias' left hamstring still occasionally feels tight, the skipper suggested that the 27-year-old is no longer limited by the issue.

Grove is scheduled to start Friday's game against the Phillies in Philadelphia.

He'll be making his second straight turn through the Dodgers rotation. Grove returned from a stint on the 15-day injured list June 3 and allowed four runs over five innings while striking out seven in a loss to the Yankees. The Dodgers could get Julio Urias (hamstring) back from the IL on Sunday, but with Noah Syndergaard (finger) sidelined, Grove's spot in the rotation appears safe for now.

Smyly (5-4) took the loss Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and three walks over six innings against the Angels. He struck out four.

Smyly suffered from a lack of run support as he delivered his fifth quality start of the season. The southpaw has been fairly consistent in 2023, not allowing more than two earned runs in 10 of his 13 outings. The veteran is tentatively slated to face the Pirates at home in his next start.