MLB Player News

Kopech was removed from Monday's start against the Royals due to a hamstring injury, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The White Sox initially announced that Kopech was dealing with a knee injury after he departed Monday's start, but manager Tony La Russa clarified after the game that the right-hander is dealing with a hamstring issue. Kopech will presumably be monitored further in the coming days before the White Sox determine whether he's able to make his next start, which tentatively lines up for Saturday at home against the Diamondbacks.

Matz (knee) threw 30 pitches during a low-intensity side session this weekend, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Although Matz didn't throw with much intensity over the weekend, he apparently felt good afterward since he'll throw another bullpen session Wednesday. It's not yet clear when the southpaw will be able to begin a rehab assignment, but he's trended in the right direction over the last few weeks.

Pepiot was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.

Pepiot started Sunday against the Marlins and gave up two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven in six innings to earn the win. In spite of his quality start, the right-hander will head to the minors after Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) was reinstated from the injured list. Although Clayton Kershaw (back) is over a week away from returning, the Dodgers will likely roll with a five-man rotation for now since Dustin May is back in action.

Alexander was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Alexander was sent to the minors Wednesday but will rejoin the big-league club after Aaron Ashby (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday. The Brewers haven't yet indicated what role Alexander will play following his call-up, but it's possible that he serves as a starting pitcher in Ashby's absence. Over 12 appearances (seven starts) in the majors this year, Alexander has posted a 5.18 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 48.2 innings.

Ashby was placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation Monday, retroactive to Aug. 20.

Ashby struggled during Friday's start against the Cubs, giving up six runs on eight hits and no walks while striking out eight in five innings. It's possible that his injury contributed to his struggles, and he'll ultimately be forced to miss time. The Brewers haven't yet indicated who will take Ashby's place in the rotation, but Adrian Houser (elbow) could come off the injured list this week.

Megill (shoulder) will throw live batting practice Friday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Megill resumed mound work in mid-August and has been cleared to take another step in his recovery process by facing hitters Friday. The right-hander is expected to pitch out of the bullpen once he's cleared to return and hopes to rejoin the Mets in late August or early September.

Walker (back) will start Tuesday against the Yankees, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Walker exited his start against Atlanta last Tuesday due to back spasms and was unable to start Sunday, but he'll return to action after receiving a few additional days of rest. The right-hander has had mixed results since the All-Star break, posting a 6.97 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 20.2 innings over five starts.

Rodriguez (lat) will face hitters this week, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Rodriguez threw 25 pitches off a mound two weeks ago, and he'll ramp up his workload this week as he continues to recover from a right lat strain. He's slated to throw a bullpen, live batting practice and a simulated game this week, and it seems likely that he'll be able to return from Triple-A Norfolk's 60-day injured list sometime in September.

Liberatore is a candidate to start one of the two games during Tuesday's doubleheader with the Cubs, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Liberatore has joined the Cardinals' taxi squad for their trip to Wrigley Field, and he'll likely be formally called up from Triple-A Memphis and designated as the 27th man once Tuesday arrives. Although he's in the mix to start Tuesday, manager Oliver Marmol said that he's leaning toward starting Jake Woodford. If that's the case, Liberatore would likely be available as a long reliever. Over seven appearances (six starts) in the majors this season, Liberatore has posted a 5.33 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in 27 innings.

Schmidt was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

Schmidt was sent down to Triple-A earlier this month but will rejoin the major-league club following a three-week stint in the minors. Although the right-hander has operated exclusively as a starter at the Triple-A level this year, he'll likely serve as a multi-inning relief option once again in the big leagues after Scott Effross (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday.