MLB Player News

Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (strained lat, oblique) will no longer be throwing another bullpen session Thursday. Instead, he will head to Class A Dayton to begin a rehab assignment, per MLB.com.

It was originally announced Wednesday Cueto would throw his second bullpen session this week on Thursday.

Cueto said he expects to make two rehab outings before returning to the team.

"It’s very encouraging, I hope he does well," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We’re not as worried about his performance as we are him coming out of it (healthy)."

The Cardinals plan to be cautious with rookie pitcher Carlos Martinez as he acclimates to a relief role in the majors. The team is hesitant to initially use him on consecutive days, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

"It’s mostly just protection," pitching coach Derek Lilliquist said. "Give him the rest he needs between outings. See how he goes about it with his throwing early before (batting practice) and go from there. He’s looked good -- using two different heaters, attacking the zone. You don’t want him doing anything different than what he’s been doing. That’s the beauty of it."

Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (strained lat, oblique) will throw another bullpen session Thursday, according to MLB.com. Cueto felt fine after throwing 25 pitches in his first bullpen session Monday.

"I feel pretty good," Cueto said.

Cueto said he hasn't heard about plans for a rehab assignment.

Pirates starting pitching prospect Gerrit Cole may be one of the most highly-regarded pitchers in the minors, but the Pirates are not ready to bring him up. Despite posting a 2.45 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Indianapolis, the Pirates opted not to call Cole up when a spot opened in the rotation Tuesday. This is probably a frustrating development for Fantasy owners stashing him, but the Pirates clearly still have concerns about his development.

Cole has struggled with his control all season long, walking 5.2 batters per nine innings and posting a 1.24 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has also failed to average five innings in his first six starts, a sure sign that he is struggling to pitch efficiently at the highest level in the minors.

Baseball America's No. 7 overall prospect should have a future as a Fantasy contributor, but the team has now passed over him twice when a spot has opened in the rotation. To the owners stashing Cole in 34 percent of CBSSports.com leagues, don't expect a contribution soon. 

Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn made his fourth straight quality start in Tuesday's series opener against the Cubs but it was not enough to overcome his counterpart -- Travis Wood. He allowed two runs on four hits over seven innings of work in the 2-1 loss.

The right-hander surrendered a two-run homer to Nate Schierholtz in the fourth inning for his lone damage. He threw 70 of his 101 pitches for strikes and lowered his ERA to 2.72 on the outing.

Lynn also struck out eight and walked one while taking his first loss.

His next start is scheduled for Monday against the Mets.

Dodgers starter Zack Greinke, on the 15-day disabled list, threw another bullpen session on Tuesday but told MLB.com he will not be able to advance to a game situation until his collarbone heals.

"The main concern is running into people," Greinke said.

The right-hander added that his pitching arm strength is "pretty good" and has taken a couple of "dry swings" with a bat, "but I didn't try to hit an imaginary home run."

"I feel more than you would with a normal arm, but not anything major," Greinke said.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Tuesday that Jeanmar Gomez will be given the chance to replace James McDonald in the rotation. He added that top prospect Gerrit Cole will not be called up to start Sunday's game against the Mets.

Cole has gone 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in six starts for Triple-A Indianapolis.

"Jeanmar will have every opportunity to make that start," Huntington told MLB.com. "Otherwise, we have other options. But let me stop the speculation now -- it's not going to be Gerrit Cole. We're pleased with his progress [in Triple-A], but we still have some work to do with him."

The Marlins transferred starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday. Alvarez has been sidelined all season because of a shoulder injury.

Marlins starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez, who has been sidelined since the beginning of the season with right shoulder inflammation, played catch Monday, MLB.com reports.

Alvarez was shut down Thursday after feeling discomfort in his right shoulder while facing live batters in simulated games.

Reds starter Johnny Cueto, on the 15-day disabled list, threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session Monday, MLB.com reports. He had his rehab start May 3 pushed back due to soreness in his right oblique.

“He did very well. He looked very good and said he felt very good,” head trainer Paul Lessard said.

Cueto, sidelined since April 13, has a 2.60 ERA in three starts.

“I feel good. I feel better in my oblique,” Cueto said.