MLB Player News

Kershaw (back) threw a successful simulated game Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Kershaw said everything went well during his three-inning simulated outing Monday and that he "will pitch somewhere in four or five days." While the southpaw didn't rule out returning to the big-league rotation against the Mets over the weekend, the Dodgers may want to play it safe and get their ace into a minor-league game before activating him, especially considering this is already his second stint on the disabled list this season.

Gonzalez was optioned to Double-A Jacksonville on Monday, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

Gonzalez will report back to the minors after just a three-day stay with the Marlins. He appeared in just one game during his brief stint with the big club, allowing four runs while striking out five batters in 4.1 innings of long-relief. The 22-year-old will continue to work as a starter with the Jumbo Shrimp. Caleb Smith, who is slated to start against the Giants on Monday, was activated from the bereavement list in a corresponding roster move.

Kershaw (back) will throw a simulated game Monday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Kershaw will ramp things up after throwing a successful 55-pitch simulated outing Friday. If all goes well during Monday's session, the southpaw will tentatively throw one final bullpen before being cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment. It sounds like Kershaw is still on track to return in early July, barring any setbacks.

Ryu suffered a minor setback during his bullpen session Saturday after experiencing renewed tightness in his left groin, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Ryu threw approximately 20 pitches before trainers convinced him to end the session prematurely. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed the issue and said that Ryu's throwing program won't be shut down, so it's expected that the right-hander will get back on the mound at some point later this week. Ryu is eligible to return from the 60-day disabled list in early July, but he isn't far enough along in his rehab for the Dodgers to etch out a firm timetable for his reinstatement.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested over the weekend that there is no definitive timeline for Buehler's (ribs) return from the 10-day disabled list, Kaelen Jones of MLB.com reports. "Walker is feeling better with time," Roberts said. "He's playing catch. But as far as a timetable, when he'll make a start again for us, I'm not certain."

Buehler was placed on the DL on June 12 after suffering a right rib microfracture during his outing against the Braves four days earlier. The injury will keep the rookie sidelined beyond the minimum 10 days, but the Dodgers are holding out hope that an extended absence won't be necessary. Even so, don't expect the team to have a clearer idea of when Buehler might be available until he progresses to mound work and faces hitters in live batting practice.

Mets manager Mickey Callaway said over the weekend that Syndergaard (finger) is "getting closer [to returning from the disabled list] and feeling better and better each day," Matt Ehalt of The Bergen Record reports.

Syndergaard has been sidelined for more than three weeks with a strained ligament in his right index finger. While it sounds like he might be ready to initiate a throwing program at some point this week, the Mets likely won't have a definitive target date for his return until he resumes facing hitters. Given the length of his absence, it's possible that Syndergaard will require at least one rehab start in the minors before the Mets are comfortable activating him from the DL.

Musgrove (2-2) allowed six runs on eight hits and one walk across 4.1 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Reds. He struck out six.

Musgrove didn't allow a baserunner through the first two frames, but he allowed two runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings before an early removal. It was comfortably the worst start of the season for Musgrove, who allowed season highs for hits and runs in what was his shortest outing to date. He did limit the walks to great effect once again, however, and now has a sparkling 17:2 K:BB over his last three starts. The right-hander still has a respectable 3.68 ERA heading into Friday's matchup with the Diamondbacks.

DeSclafani (2-1) allowed two runs on three hits and one walk across 5.2 innings en route to a win Sunday against the Pirates. He struck out four.

DeSclafani recorded his longest outing since returning from the disabled list and limited baserunners to great effect, with his only two real mistakes coming on solo home runs in the second and fifth innings. He threw an impressive 68 percent of his pitches for strikes and fired in first-pitch strikes to 16 of 21 batters. DeSclafani struggled in his first outing of the season, but he's gotten progressively better with each start and owns a solid 15:4 K:BB over 15.2 total innings. He'll look to continue rounding into form Saturday against the Cubs.

Quintana (6-5) took the loss against the Cardinals on Sunday, giving up two earned runs on four hits over five innings, striking out three and walking two in the Cubs' 5-0 defeat.

Quintana pitched well against St. Louis, but his teammates couldn't manage to score a run off Jack Flaherty or the Cardinals bullpen, sending him to his fifth loss of the season. He's put together a nice string of outings since giving up four earned in just 4.1 innings against the Giants on May 26, as this marked the fourth start in a row that Quintana has given up two or fewer earned runs. Overall, he holds a 4.06 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP through 75.1 innings this season.

Flaherty threw five shutout innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Sunday, giving up just two hits, striking out seven and walking three as the Cardinals prevailed 5-0.

Flaherty certainly pitched well enough to get his fourth victory of the season in this contest, but he ended up leaving after tossing 97 pitches in his five innings, ultimately settling for a no-decision. It was still another great outing from the young right-hander, who is having a superb season so far with a 2.66 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP and a 55:14 K:BB through 50.2 innings.