MLB Player News

Cortes (shoulder) felt good after playing catch Sunday and is slated to stretch his throwing out to 75 feet Tuesday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Cortes was given a recovery day Monday before continuing his flat-ground work Tuesday. He had been shut down for two weeks with a left rotator cuff strain but is now slowly ramping things back up. In all likelihood, Cortes won't be ready to return prior to the All-Star break.

Quantrill (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Columbus, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Right shoulder inflammation sent Quantrill to the injured list June 2. It's unclear how long he'll spend on assignment, but the Guardians could keep him down for multiple starts to ensure he gets back on track after allowing 14 runs over his last two major-league starts.

Painter (elbow) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Painter could soon advance to facing live hitters as he continues to make slow but steady progress in his recovery from a sprained UCL in his right elbow. The 20-year-old top prospect still has a shot at making his MLB debut at some point before the end of the 2023 season.

Mize (elbow) will throw off the slope of the mound Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

It will be the first time Mize has thrown off of any kind of incline since he underwent Tommy John surgery last June. The right-hander had a bit of a hiccup when he had to be shut down a while with back soreness, but he's back on track now. A late-season return remains possible.

Sanchez (hand) is set to take his next scheduled turn in the Phillies rotation Friday against the Mets, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Sanchez took a comebacker off his left hand Saturday in Oakland, but X-rays turned up clean for any structural damage and he'll be ready to toe the slab in Friday's series opener. The 26-year-old southpaw has pitched to a 3.24 ERA with 10 strikeouts through two major-league starts (8.1 innings) this season for Philly.

McKenzie (elbow) will be shut down from throwing for "several weeks" after he was diagnosed Tuesday with a UCL sprain, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The elbow sprain prompted McKenzie's move to the 15-day injured list Saturday. He'll receive a second opinion on his injury, but McKenzie estimated it could be a month before he starts throwing again, which likely pushes his earliest potential return date into August.

Minnesota optioned Varland to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Varland was lit up for six earned runs over 4.1 innings in his last turn through the Twins' rotation Sunday versus the Tigers. The 25-year-old right-hander carries a 3-3 record with a 5.30 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 54:16 K:BB in 56 major-league innings (10 starts) this season. This move likely clears the way for Kenta Maeda (triceps) to rejoin the Minnesota rotation later this week.

Rodriguez (finger) will throw live batting practice Saturday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

It will be the first time Rodriguez has faced hitters since he landed on the injured list late last month with a ruptured A4 pulley in his left index finger. Assuming he gets through Saturday's session with no issues, Rodriguez could be ready for a rehab assignment soon.

Colorado recalled Davis from Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday.

As expected, Davis gets the call to start for the Rockies in Tuesday night's game against the host Reds. The 26-year-old carries a rough 6.17 ERA in 11.2 major-league innings (three starts) this season and is not a recommended fantasy streamer versus a Cincinnati team that is riding a nine-game winning streak.

Brito will start for the Yankees on Wednesday against the Mariners, Max Goodman of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Brito was spotted in the clubhouse Tuesday, and manager Aaron Boone later confirmed that the righty would indeed be taking the ball versus Seattle, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Brito has collected a 5.58 ERA and unimpressive 30:18 K:BB over 40.1 innings in the majors this season. Even in a pretty favorable matchup, he's not a great streaming option.