MLB Player News

Toussaint was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday.

Toussaint will be sent down to the minors as a corresponding move to the return of Michael Lorenzen from the injured list. The 26-year-old righty holds a 4.62 ERA and 1.34 WHIP on the season and could make a return to the big leagues if the Angels' pitching depth takes a hit before the end of the season.

Lorenzen (shoulder) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list ahead of Friday's start against the Astros.

Lorenzen was on the 60-day IL since early July due to a right shoulder strain, but he recently made three rehab appearances and posted a 7.11 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 12.2 innings. The right-hander lasted six innings during his most recent rehab outing, so it's unlikely that he'll face significant restrictions during Friday's start.

Farrell was claimed off waivers by the Reds on Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

After being designated for assignment by the Cubs on Tuesday, Farrell will get another shot with the Reds. There's a chance that he is called up to start one of the games during the Reds' upcoming doubleheader with the Pirates on Tuesday. The 31-year-old has produced a 4.09 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with nine strikeouts over 11 innings in four appearances with the Cubs this season including two starts.

Ashcraft (biceps) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Ashcraft has been on the injured list since Aug. 23 due to biceps soreness, but he threw a bullpen session Tuesday and tossed live batting practice Friday. Assuming he feels good after facing hitters, the right-hander will likely join a minor-league affiliate next week and should be in the mix to return from the IL for the final few weeks of the regular season.

Walker (finger) will start Sunday's game against Miami, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Walker dealt with a blister on his right index finger following Tuesday's start against the Pirates and was monitored by the Mets' medical staff after having the blister drained Wednesday. However, the issue won't force him to miss any turns through the rotation, as he's on track to start Sunday's series finale. The right-hander has lasted at least five innings in each of his last three starts, posting a 5.28 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 15.1 innings during that time.

Sears (5-2) took the loss Thursday against the White Sox, allowing six runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out two in two innings.

Sears got off to a rough start as the first two batters he faced, Elvis Andrus and Yoan Moncada, welcomed him with back-to-back homers. In the second, Andrus singled in a run and Moncada launched a three-run shot to give Chicago an early 6-0 lead. Sears had allowed only three home runs in his first 49.1 innings this season but allowed three more Thursday before recording five outs. The poor showing ballooned his ERA from 2.37 to 3.33 for the season. His next start will likely come in the middle of next week on the road against the Rangers.

Cease (14-6) earned the victory Thursday in Oakland, striking out nine over six scoreless innings while allowing three hits and two walks in a 14-2 win.

Cease made it look easy, allowing just one baserunner to reach second base. He's allowed only four hits and four walks while fanning 16 over 15 scoreless innings in September, and during Thursday's outing he passed the 200-strikeout mark for the second consecutive season. The 26-year-old's ERA has dropped to 2.06 for the year and he's certainly in contention for the American League Cy Young award. His next start will likely come in the middle of next week against Colorado.

Lauer (elbow) had "very encouraging" MRI results Thursday, according to manager Craig Counsell, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

He'll have more tests Friday after consulting with a doctor. It sounds like he could rejoin the Brewers' rotation in relatively short order, as he was never placed on the injured list. The Brewers' rotation is quite shorthanded, with Freddy Peralta (shoulder) back on the IL and Aaron Ashby (shoulder) also sidelined.

Peralta (shoulder fatigue) will be placed on the 15-day injured list, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

This is the same shoulder that Peralta strained in late May, causing him to miss 10 weeks. He also had Thursday's start pushed back a few days due to shoulder soreness. Peralta had an 11.6 K/9 before the initial IL stint, and while he was effective (2.27 ERA, 0.82 WHIP) after returning Aug. 3, his K/9 plummeted to 7.4 in 31.2 innings before he went back on the IL. Eric Lauer (elbow) had encouraging MRI results Thursday, but if he can't make a swift return to the rotation, the Brewers may have to go with a bullpen game for Peralta's next turn in the rotation.

Alcantara did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits over six innings against the Phillies. He struck out seven.

Alcantara allowed a solo home run from outfielder Nick Maton in addition to two doubles and a triple. The righty has been wildly inconsistent in his last eight games, giving up four runs or more four times and one run or less three times; the big numbers have come against quality opponents such as the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers and Braves. The 27-year-old has allowed six home runs in his last four starts.