MLB Player News

Manager Torey Lovullo said he "feels strongly" that Ray (concussion) will require a minor-league rehab start before returning from the 7-day disabled list, Jack Magruder of FanRagSports.com reports.

Ray has been sidelined since July 28 with a concussion, and while he has been steadily progressing in his rehab, it appears he may need to make an appearance in the minors before ultimately rejoining the big-league rotation. The lefty tossed a 33-pitch bullpen session Wednesday without issue, so facing hitters in batting practice will be the next hurdle he needs to clear before a potential rehab start. In the meantime, Anthony Banda is set to fill in for Ray for a second time Thursday against the Dodgers and would likely make an additional start in Ray's place if the All-Star does in fact head to the minors for a tune-up appearance.

Senzatela allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five batters through five innings during Wednesday's win over Cleveland. He didn't factor into the decision.

This was Senzatela's first start since July 24, as the Rockies are being cautious with the rookie's workload. The 22-year-old righty through just 38 innings last season, after all. It makes him a risky fantasy asset moving forward, and playing his home games at Coors Field also limits his appeal. Additionally, his 4.73 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 6.7 K/9 are hardly standout marks. If Senzatela sticks in the rotation another turn, he projects to face the Braves at Coors next.

Kershaw (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Kershaw was able to throw off flat ground for the second consecutive day Wednesday, and everything apparently went well as he's now scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time since landing on the disabled list. The Dodgers will likely determine the next step in his rehab after Friday's bullpen, but the ace will ultimately require a simulated game and a rehab assignment before rejoining the Dodgers' rotation.

Kershaw (back) threw off flat ground for the second consecutive day inside Chase Field, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Kershaw appears to be ramping up his efforts with a weekend bullpen session looming. If his arm feels up to par following Wednesday's activities, the southpaw will likely throw off the mound for the first time since landing on the DL. Moving forward, Kershaw is in line to partake in a simulated game and a rehab assignment before returning to the Dodgers.

Strasburg (elbow) felt good after Wednesday's simulated game and will move on to a rehab appearance within the next few days, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

Strasburg was able to throw 57 pitches over the course of four innings during his simulated game, but more importantly, the right-hander felt no discomfort following the session. With the news that he will progress to a rehab assignment, Strasburg is officially off the board to start Sunday's game against the Giants. He could return to the rotation after just one rehab outing, but the team will likely reevaluate his status following the appearance.

Strasburg (elbow) was able to throw a simulated game prior to the contest against the Marlins on Wednesday, The Washington Post's Jorge Castillo reports.

Earlier this week, Strasburg completed a bullpen session and felt well enough to play catch the following day, and with Wednesday's progress, it appears as though the right-hander is making the necessary strides to make a start Sunday against the Giants. Manager Dusty Baker wanted Wednesday's simulated game to be as realistic as possible, and even had Strasburg taking breaks between innings to mimic a live game. There should be a clear-cut plan for Strasburg once the team monitors how his arm responded to the simulation.

Farrell was claimed off waivers by the Reds on Wednesday.

Just two weeks after being dealt to the Dodgers, Farrell heads to another new club, and will report to Triple-A Louisville within Cincinnati's system. During his one appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City, the right-hander allowed two runs off four hits and a pair of walks while striking out five over the course of four innings. He's only made one start in the big leagues -- as a member of the Royals -- this season, and figures to serve as rotational depth during the rest of the 2017 season.

Anderson (oblique) tossed 3.1 innings for Low-A Wisconsin in his rehab start Tuesday, giving up one run on two hits and a walk while striking out three batters.

Anderson demonstrated good control of all four of the offerings in his arsenal, recording strikes on 31 of his 47 pitches. The right-hander said after the outing that he would require two more rehab starts before rejoining the Brewers, likely in late August. According to Carson Mason of MLB.com, Anderson's next two outings likely won't be with the Low-A affiliate, but instead with Triple-A Colorado Springs. Brewers manager Craig Counsell should provide more clarity on Anderson's next destination before the weekend.

Anderson, 19, has a 3.29 ERA and 99:42 K:BB in 79.1 innings for Low-A Rome.

Anderson has not pitched more than four innings in an outing since the middle of June, but that has not taken away from his effectiveness. The 6-foot-3 righty has yet to allow a home run this season, and opposing batters are hitting just .234 against him. Anderson's control could use a little work, but overall the Braves will be pleased with his development as a teenager in A-ball.

Ray (concussion) was able to play catch Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

It's yet another step in the right direction for Ray as he recovers from a concussion, with the flat-ground throwing coming one day after he completed a 28-pitch bullpen session. Anthony Banda will fill Ray's next scheduled turn in the rotation Thursday against the Dodgers, but there's growing optimism that the All-Star will be ready to return from the 7-day disabled list next week.