MLB Player News

Darvish (elbow) threw a four-inning, 64-pitch simulated game Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Darvish faced off against Single-A Lake Elsinore hitters in the sim game, his third since the middle of June. The Padres have been cagey about offering up a target date for his return from the 60-day injured list, but Darvish's season debut appears to be imminent. Though pitchers who have missed as much time as Darvish has typically head out on rehab assignments before being activated, the Padres could deem his sim games as being sufficient enough as he prepares for a return from the IL. After optioning fifth starter Matt Waldron to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday, the Padres currently have an opening in the rotation for Sunday against the Rangers, and it wouldn't be overly surprising if Darvish was being earmarked for that contest, assuming he's feeling well physically following Tuesday's sim game.

While the Cubs appear open to a long-term deal with Tucker, the team is content letting negotiations unfold later in the season or offseason, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Tucker, who was acquired in a trade with Houston over the winter, is playing on a one-year deal and stands to get a big payday heading into 2026 based on his strong play this year. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said of the talented outfielder, "Certainly, you want to keep a player like that," but Hoyer also noted the organization will be patient and mindful of not overcommitting financially. Tucker's contract situation will impact his outlook for next season, but in the short term, he's locked in as a key piece of a dynamic Chicago lineup.

Doyle is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Astros.

Doyle will receive what appears to be a routine off day after he went a collective 4-for-21 with a home run and three RBI while starting in each of the last five games. Mickey Moniak will fill in for Doyle in center field, allowing Yanquiel Fernandez to enter the lineup in right field for what will be his MLB debut.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Amaya (oblique) is "not close" to a return to game action, MLB.com reports.

Amaya has resumed throwing, taking normal batting practice, and catching bullpen sessions, but he looks as though he'll need a little more time to ramp up the intensity of his workouts before he's ready to go out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The Cubs have already indicated that Amaya won't return from the 10-day injured list until around the All-Star break at the earliest while he recovers from a left oblique strain. Chicago can afford to be patient, as Carson Kelly has performed well as the team's primary backstop with Amaya on the shelf.

Greene (groin/back) threw a 20-pitch simulated inning Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Greene faced five hitters during the workout and said afterward that he felt strong, according to Goldsmith. The right-hander is expected to face hitters again in Philadelphia this weekend, and if all goes well, he could be cleared to make a rehab start early next week. Assuming he remains free of setbacks in his recovery from a right groin strain, Greene has an outside chance of pitching in the Reds' final series of the first half next weekend versus the Rockies, though Cincinnati will most likely wait until after the All-Star break to activate him from the injured list. Greene has been on the shelf since June 4 with a right groin strain and a sore back.

Jameson underwent an MRI on his right elbow Tuesday after experiencing renewed tightness coming out of his rehab appearance in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League last Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Jameson landed on Triple-A Reno's 7-day injured list May 20 due to inflammation in his right elbow, which he previously had surgically repaired in September 2023. After a month of rest and rehab, Jameson was cleared to resumed pitching in games in the ACL last week, but he made just two appearances before suffering a setback. The Diamondbacks haven't revealed the findings of Jameson's recent MRI, but he'll presumably be out of action through at least the All-Star break.

The Diamondbacks are expected to option Morillo to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Morillo has made 28 relief appearances for the Diamondbacks this season, posting a 4.01 ERA and 25:13 K:BB across 24.2 frames. He'll be replaced on the roster by Jake Woodford, who will offer the Arizona bullpen more length.

Woodford agreed to a major-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Woodford opted out of his minor-league contract with the Cubs on Tuesday and quickly found an opportunity in Arizona. The right-hander has spent all of this season at the Triple-A level between the Yankees and Cubs organizations, putting up a 4.55 ERA and 59:20 K:BB over 61.1 innings covering 10 starts and four relief outings. Woodford appears destined for a long-relief role.

Singer struck out four and allowed two earned runs on three hits and two walks in three innings in his start Tuesday against the Red Sox before the game was suspended in the top of the fourth inning due to inclement weather.

The two teams will resume the suspended game Wednesday before playing the series finale immediately after. The Red Sox were up 2-1 prior to the game being suspended, so Singer will be on the hook for the loss if Boston maintains its lead for the remainder of the contest. Singer tentatively lines up to make his next start Monday versus the Marlins in Cincinnati.

Atlanta will designate Verdugo for assignment prior to Wednesday's game against the Angels, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

The club needs to free up spots on the 26-man active roster and 40-man roster to make room for Jurickson Profar, who will be reinstated from the restricted list Wednesday after serving an 80-game suspension. Verdugo saw plenty of chances in left field as Atlanta sought a fill-in for Profar, but he produced a palty .239/.296/.289 batting line with zero home runs over 56 contests. The 29-year-old is likely to pass through waivers unclaimed and is expected to eventually become a free agent.