MLB Player News

The Braves placed Soroka on the 10-day disabled list Friday with right shoulder inflammation.

Soroka made his return from the disabled list June 13, but struggled through 4.2 innings Tuesday and is apparently still dealing with the inflammation that sidelined him for a month. The severity of the injury remains unclear at this point, and the Braves could simply be using an otherwise minor issue as an excuse to limit the youngster's workload this season, but the 20-year-old will be eligible to return for next Saturday's game at St. Louis.

Farrell could start Saturday's game against the Reds if he isn't used out of the bullpen Friday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said that the team wouldn't name a starter for Saturday until after Friday's contest is completed, but Farrell looks to be a leading candidate to fill the opening in the rotation, which was created by Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers. Though Farrell has been used exclusively out of the bullpen in his 12 appearances with the big club, he logged five innings in long relief June 2 and previously made five starts at Triple-A Iowa, so he should be sufficiently stretched out. If Farrell is bypassed for Saturday's starting nod, Iowa hurler Alec Mills, who hasn't pitched since June 17, could be promoted to fill the void.

Wacha (oblique) is expected to be out multiple weeks after an MRI revealed a "moderate" strain, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The Cardinals sent Wacha for an MRI after placing him on the disabled list earlier Thursday. The multi-week timetable puts Wacha's status up to the All-Star break in question, meaning that the Cardinals' thinned-out rotation is taking another significant blow. John Gant was recalled Thursday and could start in Wacha's place Monday.

Martinez (3-4) allowed seven runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out three across four innings to take the loss Thursday against the Brewers.

Martinez continued his struggles since returning from the disabled list as he allowed a solo home run and three doubles in his short outing. He wasn't helped by the defense behind him as errors and other questionable fielding directly led to three runs (two of which were earned). However, he didn't help himself and continued to fight his command by throwing two wild pitches with Jesus Aguilar at the plate in the third inning, allowing another run to score. As for the positive, Martinez has seen his velocity stabilize -- he pumped his fastball in at an average of 95 mph in Thursday's start. In four outings since coming off the disabled list, Martinez has now allowed 15 earned runs across 16.2 innings.

Hendricks (5-7) took the loss Thursday against the Reds, as he allowed four earned runs on three hits and four walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

Hendricks actually left the game with a chance for the win, but Cubs reliever Randy Rosario allowed a grand slam to Jesse Winker that put Cincinnati up 5-2 and stuck Hendricks with four earned runs for the day. The 28-year-old righty walked a season-high four hitters for the second straight game, which is something he'll have to improve upon if he wants to get back into the win column. Hendricks will take his next turn Wednesday in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.

Matz (3-5) allowed five runs in 5.2 innings Thursday, striking out six batters while yielding two walks and eight hits in a 6-4 loss to Colorado.

All the damage against Matz came in the first two innings and Nolan Arenado was the thorn in his side, as he tagged the Mets starter for a home run, a double and five RBI. On the bright side, Matz was solid once he got out of that mess in the first two innings. The five earned runs are the most he's allowed in any start this year, raising his season ERA to 3.68. Matz will take on the Pirates at home early next week.

Freeland (7-6) tossed six innings Thursday, allowing two runs on four walks and five hits in a 6-4 win against the Mets. He struck out four batters and gave up a home run.

It wasn't the cleanest of starts, but Freeland got back in the win column for the first time since June 5. He allowed a solo shot off the bat of Todd Frazier in the first inning but was able to settle in the rest of the way. The 6-foot-3 lefty owns a 3.55 ERA and 77:31 K:BB in 90.1 innings in 2018. Freeland will take the mound in San Francisco next Wednesday.

Cueto (elbow) will make a rehab appearance Saturday at Triple-A Sacramento, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic Bay Area reports.

Manager Bruce Bochy alluded to the possibility of Cueto needing a rehab start before returning, and now it has been confirmed by the club. Cueto has been out since April 28, and Saturday's outing is the beginning of a three-start rehab assignment as he gets stretched back out, according to Matt Kawahara of The San Francisco Chronicle. Cueto is expected to be capped at 40 pitches Saturday.

Flexen was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Flexen will head back to the minors after just a one-day stay with the Mets. He appeared in one game during his second big-league stint this season, retiring the only batter he faced..

Rea (lat) was activated from the 60-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

Rea, who missed all of the 2017 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery, has been sidelined all season with a lat strain. While his rehab window has expired, Rea will continue to pitch for the Chihuahuas until the Padres feel he's ready to join the big-league rotation.