MLB Player News

Yamamoto did not factor into the decision in Monday's 9-0 win against Atlanta, allowing four hits and two walks with three strikeouts over four scoreless innings.

Yamamoto generated a solid 10 whiffs on 72 pitches but also threw just 42 strikes. Despite the shaky control, the 26-year-old was able to increase his workload from 59 pitches Tuesday and has not allowed an earned run over eight innings in his two outings since returning from the injured list. On the season, he owns a 2.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 95:19 K:BB across 82 innings and lines up for a favorable home matchup with the Rockies this weekend.

Weathers (finger) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Dodgers, Isaac Azout of FishOnFirst.com reports.

In his third rehab appearances this past Friday, Weathers worked five scoreless innings for Triple-A Jacksonville, giving up two hits and walking three while striking out eight batters in the outing. After waiting a few days to see how he bounced back, the Marlins have determined that Weathers is ready to return from the IL. He'll face a tough challenge in his first big-league action since June 7, though he kept his team in the game in a matchup with the Dodgers back on May 8, giving up three runs over six innings.

Grichuk (lower body) is expected to be available off the bench for Monday's game against the Rockies, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Grichuk was scratched from Sunday's starting lineup due to lower-body tightness, but he felt good enough to pinch hit later in the game and should be available in a similar capacity Monday if needed. The Diamondbacks are considering the outfielder day-to-day until further notice.

Lopez (groin) has rejoined the team and is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list within the next few days, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Lopez will be eligible to be activated beginning Wednesday, so it appears he'll miss only the minimum after suffering a right groin strain. The right-hander put together a stellar month of August (0.87 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 17 strikeouts and two saves over 10.1 innings) before getting rocked for four runs on four hits in his lone September outing prior to landing on the IL. Lopez should be in the mix for save chances upon his return along with Porter Hodge, who blew a save Saturday against the Rockies.

Mears (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports.

As long as he gets through the session without any hiccups, he could then be cleared for a brief rehab assignment later this week. Mears has been out since late August with right forearm inflammation but appears poised to make it back for the final week or so of the regular season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that Yamamoto will not pitch on four days' rest for the rest of the regular season and postseason, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

Four days is considered "normal" rest, but Yamamoto has had at least five days off in between all 15 of his starts this season, a schedule which mimics what he was used to when he pitched in Japan. Even amidst their numerous rotation injuries, the Dodgers are not willing to alter the plan for the rookie right-hander down the stretch. Assuming Yamamoto sticks to a five-day rest schedule, he'll still line up for two starts this week. After he takes the hill Monday in Atlanta, Yamamoto would be on track to make his next start Sunday versus the Rockies at Dodger Stadium.

Banda (hand) has started to play catch at the Dodgers' spring training complex in Arizona, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Banda is less than a week removed from going on the 15-day injured list with a fractured left hand, so it's a good sign that he's already throwing. The club remains hopeful that he can make it back before the end of the regular season. Banda has been a nice find for the Dodgers this season, although he had struggled lately before going on the IL, allowing seven runs over his last four appearances.

Kelly (shoulder) has joined the Dodgers in Atlanta and will likely be activated from the 15-day injured list during this week's series in Miami, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kelly made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City, most recently striking out two in a scoreless inning Sunday. He'll rest Monday before likely returning from the IL on Tuesday. Kelly holds a 5.20 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through 27.2 innings this season.

Contreras has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season after having his fractured right middle finger evaluated Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Contreras still needs two more weeks of rest before beginning baseball activities, so he will run out of time. On the bright side, he should be healed up in time to have a relatively normal offseason. Contreras will finish the 2024 season having been limited to just 84 games due to injury, although he was productive when on the field with an .848 OPS and 15 home runs. Pedro Pages and Ivan Herrera will continue to share catching duties for the Cardinals in the final two weeks.

Walker will draw the start for the Phillies' series opener against the Mets on Thursday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Walker was relegated to the bullpen following his last start against the Astros on Aug. 28, when he allowed six runs on 13 hits and one walk over six innings. He allowed five runs (four earned) across his first two relief outings, but after Walker tossed three scoreless innings against the Mets on Saturday, manager Rob Thompson has decided to give the 32-year-old right-hander another look as the club's No. 5 starter. Overall, Walker holds a 6.29 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 55:31 K:BB across 78.2 innings this season.