MLB Player News

Lopez agreed to a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Saturday, Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register reports.

Lopez will report to Triple-A Iowa for what will be his third stint of the season with the Cubs organization. The veteran infielder has appeared in 19 games in the majors with the Cubs and Angels in 2025 but has spent the majority of his time at the Triple-A level. Across stops with the Diamondbacks' and Yankees' Triple-A affiliates, Lopez has slashed .266/.316/.323 with zero home runs and five stolen bases over 41 games.

Sasaki (shoulder) will begin a rehab a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Sasaki threw three simulated innings Friday without any issue, and he is ready to take the next step in his throwing program by starting a rehab assignment. Three innings is the target for the right-hander, who has been on the shelf since mid-May due to a right shoulder impingement. Sasaki will likely need at least three rehab starts before he's ready to be activated from the IL. In his eight starts prior to his injury, Sasaki posted a 1-1 record with a 4.72 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 24:22 K:BB across 34.1 innings.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Kim (shoulder) has been taking part in defensive work and hitting in the batting cage, Sebastian Abdon Ibarra of DodgerBlue.com. "Hyeseong is doing well. He took some swings in the cage. I think on Friday we'll get him in a hitting group," Roberts said. "So he's coming along. I think he says he's almost pain-free, so hopefully we'll get him back here soon."

Kim visibly struggled while swinging due to left shoulder bursitis and went 3-for-24 at the plate in his final nine games prior to landing on the injured list July 29. According to MLB.com, the rookie infielder resumed swinging a bat, taking grounders and running Monday, so his stay on the injured list may not necessarily be a lengthy one.

Kopech (knee) tossed a bullpen session Friday and could be close to facing hitters, MLB.com reports.

Kopech has been shelved due to a torn meniscus in his right knee since late June. He's currently on the 60-day injured list and isn't eligible to be activated until the final week of the August. Nonetheless, he appears to be making progress in his recovery and may be ready for a minor-league rehab stint in the not-too-distant future.

Yates (back) threw a bullpen session Friday, MLB.com reports.

Yates landed on the injured list Aug. 1 due to lower-back pain, and his ability to resume throwing off a mound suggests he's feeling better. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Friday that Yates is closer to being activated than the team's other injured relievers (Michael Kopech (knee) and Tanner Scott (elbow)), though it's unclear if Yates will be ready to return when he's first eligible Aug. 13. Regardless, it's evident that the veteran right-hander isn't expected to face an extended absence.

Sasaki (shoulder) tossed three simulated innings against hitters Friday at Dodger Stadium, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Sasaki hurled 46 pitches in the session and touched 97 mph with his fastball, per Plunkett. The latter number is particularly promising, as the rookie right-hander is now right around the velocity he displayed prior to going on the injured list in mid-May. According to Sonja Chen of MLB.com, Sasaki could next begin a minor-league rehab assignment if he comes out of Friday's session without any issues, though it's also possible he could be asked to throw another live bullpen. Chen also relays that manager Dave Roberts indicated the team wants to see Sasaki be more confident in his delivery.

Smith isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays.

Smith will watch the beginning of Saturday's contest from the dugout after going 0-for-10 with two walks and an RBI over his last three games. Dalton Rushing will catch instead for starter Blake Snell and bat ninth.

Donovan was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Cubs with left groin tightness, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The Cardinals are calling Donovan's removal from the lineup precautionary, so while he won't be able to play Saturday, it doesn't seem like he's dealing with a severe issue. Thomas Saggese will enter the lineup to replace Donovan at second base and bat ninth.

Amador isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

After starting both of Colorado's games since being promoted Wednesday and going 0-for-5, Amador will step out of the starting nine Saturday while Kyle Farmer starts at second base and bats ninth.

Johnston isn't in the lineup for the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against Atlanta.

Johnston will get a chance to catch his breath after going 1-for-3 with a strikeout during a loss in Game 1. While he rests, Eric Wagaman will get the nod at first base, and Jakob Marsee, Derek Hill and Heriberto Hernandez will work in the outfield.