MLB Player News

Senzatela will be added to the Rockies' rotation during the upcoming week and is line to start Wednesday's game against the Royals, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

The Rockies moved Senzatela back to the bullpen a week earlier after the team recalled Chad Bettis from Triple-A Albuquerque to fill an opening in the rotation, but the rookie only made two appearances during his latest run as a reliever before earning another promotion back to the starting ranks. This time around, Senzatela will swap in for Jeff Hoffman, who was optioned to Albuquerque after a dismal eight-start stretch in which he's submitted a 6.80 ERA. Like Hoffman, Senzatela has regressed following a hot start to the season, with a decline in velocity representing a main factor in his decline. After going 9-2 with a 4.10 ERA over his first 14 starts of the season, the 22-year-old has turned in a 5.73 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over his subsequent 11 appearances (four starts).

Lively was promoted from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will start Sunday against the Giants, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Despite solid numbers at Triple-A (3.15 ERA, 1.16 WHIP), Lively profiles as a No. 5 starter or swing man long-term. His 17 strikeouts in 42.2 big-league innings (seven starts) earlier this season confirm his lack of impact stuff. He is a very risky fantasy option Sunday, even against a lackluster Giants offense.

Kershaw (back) will throw a three-inning simulated game Monday and will then head to Double-A Tulsa or Triple-A Oklahoma City for a rehab start next weekend, Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA reports.

Things would seem to be lining up for a rehab start Aug. 26 and a return to the big-league rotation either Aug. 31 or Sept. 1, assuming there are no setbacks along the way. Kershaw remains the best pitcher in the game, posting a 2.04 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 168 strikeouts in 141.1 innings prior to landing on the disabled list.

Woodruff was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on Sunday.

The Brewers do not need a fifth starter until Sept. 2 against the Nationals, so they will wait until rosters expand to recall Woodruff. He only went 4.2 innings in Saturday's start in Coors Field, but he was still about as effective as his owners could have hoped for, allowing one run while striking out four. Woodruff now boasts a 1.62 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 16.2 innings (three starts) in the big leagues. He should still be rostered in deeper leagues, as he figures to serve as the Brewers' No. 5 starter in September.

Anderson (oblique) was officially activated from the disabled lst prior to Sunday's start against the Rockies.

We knew he would start Sunday, so this move is just a formality. It's not an ideal first game back, as Anderson will have to navigate the brutal pitching environment in Coors Field. His two rehab starts came in Colorado Springs, so he is accustomed to the thin air. He only threw 67 pitches in his last rehab start, so he may not be permitted to go very deep into this start. Anderson pitched like a frontline starter prior to getting hurt, posting a 2.89 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 85 strikeouts in 90.1 innings. Even so, it is probably best to look for a better option in daily leagues, given all of the other factors involved Sunday.

Manager Pete Mackanin said head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan examined Eflin (shoulder) on Saturday and "didn't think there was a whole lot there," Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Eflin left his start Friday after feeling some discomfort in his shoulder. He said he felt better Saturday. It remains unclear if he will be able to make his next start, however.

Velasquez is scheduled to see Dr. Robert Thompson, a surgeon who is considered one of the foremost experts on thoracic outlet syndrome, Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Velasquez has not been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, but it looks like that is a concern given the specialist he is going to see. Thoracic outlet syndrome can lead to surgery, which would end Velasquez's season. An update on his condition should be coming later this week.

Worley (2-3) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two batters through 5.1 innings during Saturday's loss to the Mets.

Worley has now made five consecutive starts and posted a 3.08 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with two wins. Unfortunately, he's only struck out 11 batters and pitched just 26.1 innings during that span. Still, his current form makes him a serviceable option in cavernous leagues, and he's worth considering as a streamer in the right matchups in all setups. Worley lines up to face the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in his next start.

Greinke (14-6) allowed five runs -- four earned -- on seven hits and four walks while striking out four batters through four innings during Saturday's loss to the Twins.

The damage all came in the fourth frame, and Greinke didn't return for the fifth inning. Following Saturday's loss to the Twins, he owns a discouraging 3-5 record, 4.28 ERA and 1.34 WHIP on the road. It's an interesting split because Chase Field is a hitter-friendly venue, yet Greinke owns a sterling 11-1 record with a 2.34 ERA and 0.89 WHIP through 14 home starts. If the luxury exists to fade Greinke in daunting road matchups, it's a potential option, but it's also difficult to sit down a high-end hurler with his upside. A road game at Citi Field against the Mets is up next for the veteran righty.

Eickhoff allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three over 4.2 innings in a no-decision against the Giants on Saturday.

Manager Pete Mackanin pulled Eickhoff from a tie game with one out to go in the fifth after 91 pitches, and that cost Eickhoff the win as the Phillies exploded for seven runs in the sixth. Eickhoff has been holding his own since the All-Star break -- he had a 3.63 ERA in six second-half starts coming into Saturday -- but he's been inefficient in his last couple outings. He will look to go a bit deeper into the game next week against the Marlins.