MLB Player News

Manager Bud Black said Senzatela would start Wednesday against the Indians, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Black tipped his hand days earlier that Senzatela would rejoin the rotation during the upcoming week, but he made it official Sunday by moving Tyler Chatwood to the bullpen to create an opening for the rookie right-hander. With a 4.78 ERA and a 6.6 K/9 rate over 107.1 innings this season, Senzatela isn't exactly oozing with fantasy upside and may need a quality outing Wednesday in order to guarantee his stay in the rotation beyond that start.

Anderson (oblique) will begin his rehab assignment with Low-A Wisconsin on Tuesday.

Anderson has been on the disabled list with a strained left oblique for over a month, so he'll require two-to-three rehab starts before rejoining the Brewers' starting rotation. His current rehab timeline puts him on track to return to the majors in late August, barring any setbacks.

Freeland (groin) experienced no pain while throwing from 75-80 feet Sunday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Freeland departed Friday's game early after straining his groin and was placed on the disabled list one day later. The fact that he's able to throw with no clear issues two days after his injury is an encouraging sign. He remains without a firm return date, but it does not appear that Freeland will be sidelined for an extended period of time.

Keller was recently promoted to Double-A Altoona and will debut with his new team Sunday, Mike Rosenbaum of MLB.com reports.

Keller earned the move up the organizational ladder by delivering a 2.99 ERA and 0.98 WHIP on the season for High-A Bradenton, and he really turned up the production in his last three starts, going 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 14:2 K:BB. As the top pitching prospect in the Pirates organization, he'll be a name worth keeping an eye on for a potential move to the big club at some point in 2018.

Strasburg (elbow) will throw another bullpen session Sunday, Jorge Castillo of The Washington Post reports.

The oft-injured right-hander still doesn't have a timetable for his return, although if things go well in Sunday's outing, the Nationals may be able to have him return to the rotation later in the week. However, the Nationals have a very big cushion on the division lead, so they may opt to take things slowly with Strasburg given his extensive injury history along with the nature of his current issue.

Wainwright (back) was activated from the disabled list Sunday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

As expected, "Waino" will return from the DL in order to start Sunday's game against the Reds. He'll face off with oft-injured right-hander Homer Bailey in the series finale.

Lively (knee) allowed three runs on six hits over six innings for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Lively had his start pushed back a few days after he was hit on the knee by a line drive in his prior start. The Phillies have an opening in their rotation, but it looks like Zach Eflin will be the first choice to fill that spot. Lively is likely next up if Eflin fails to capitalize on his opportunity.

Eflin could be the choice to fill the opening in the Phillies' rotation vacated by Jake Thompson, Matt Gelb of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Thompson was sent to the minors last week. His turn comes up next on Tuesday, which happens to be the day Eflin is scheduled to make his next start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Eflin missed some time with an elbow injury earlier this season and has gone 0-4 with a 4.60 ERA and a 40:12 K:BB in 45 innings for Lehigh Valley since returning to action. He would face the Braves on Tuesday if he is recalled from the minors to make a start.

Walker (6-5) allowed three earned runs over six innings in Saturday's no-decision against the Giants, striking out six and allowing five hits.

Walker silenced the Giants' bats for most of the night, but fell apart in the seventh, allowing back-to-back doubles to Pablo Sandoval and Jarrett Parker before serving up a two-run blast to Hunter Pence and exiting the game. The right-hander has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the Diamondbacks' starting rotation this season and secured another quality start Saturday, impressing once again with his 6:0 K:BB. Unfortunately, Walker hasn't earned a win since June 21 thanks to little run support and a shaky bullpen. He'll look to be rewarded for his efforts in his next start, Thursday against the hard-hitting Dodgers.

Lynn (10-6) allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out four over six innings in a win over the Reds on Saturday.

A Joey Votto homer in the first accounted for the extent of the damage against Lynn, who now sits with a 3.12 ERA over 132.2 innings this season. He's gone at least six innings while allowing two runs or fewer in each of his last six starts, giving up a total of two home runs over his last 37.1 innings after allowing 20 homers in his first 17 starts. Lynn lines up for a home matchup with the Royals next week.