MLB Player News

Blackburn (hand) will rejoin the Mets' rotation early next week in Toronto, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The exact date of his return is uncertain, but Blackburn has been cleared to make his next start in the majors after tossing 6.2 innings of one-run ball in a rehab outing with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday. He's been out since late August with a right hand contusion.

Senga (calf) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday with increased intensity, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Senga implied recently that he's past his left calf strain at this point and is now focused on getting his arm back in shape. It could be too late in the season to build him back up as a starter, but Senga has expressed a willingness to pitch in relief, if that's where the Mets would like to use him. It's unclear when he might be ready for a rehab assignment.

The Cubs recalled Wingenter from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wingenter was claimed off waivers last month and will get a look after posting a 2.79 ERA and 16:3 K:BB over 9.2 innings with Iowa. He will likely pitch in middle relief initially.

Merrifield (head) is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

The 35-year-old cleared the concussion protocol after being hit in the back of the head by a pitch Tuesday, but he'll still be held out of the lineup for at least one game. According to David O'Brien of The Athletic, Merrifield had a CT scan come back clean and could be back in the starting nine for Thursday's series finale.

The Cubs placed Lopez on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right groin strain, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Lopez had been unavailable to pitch for a stretch recently because of the injury and he was roughed up for four runs in his last appearance Monday. With Lopez out, Porter Hodge has a clearer path to saves in the Cubs' bullpen.

Harper was removed from Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays due to a left elbow contusion, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The 31-year-old stayed in the game after being hit by a pitch in the left elbow during the first inning, though he was replaced by a pinch hitter for his second plate appearance. Harper is being further evaluated, which could include medical imaging. He should be considered day-to-day until more information is available.

Yepez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

It's the second straight absence and third in four games for Yepez, with his only start during that stretch coming against a left-handed starter. Joey Gallo is starting at first base while Andres Chaparro serves as the designated hitter Wednesday against Miami righty Valente Bellozo, as it appears Yepez has fallen into the short side of a platoon, at least for the time being.

Harper revealed last week that he's been playing through a sore wrist and sore right elbow, MLB.com reports.

Harper was seen wincing after taking a swing in Tuesday's win over the Blue Jays, but he stayed in that game and is back in the lineup Wednesday. Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that Harper's elbow "grabs a little bit" on swings and misses, but he said his first baseman is "fine" and there are no current plans to give him rest. Harper noted last week that he's battled wrist soreness since May, while the elbow issue is more recent. He's slashing .307/.373/.465 since Aug. 1 but hasn't homered since Aug. 9.

Marte is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Marte has received one day off per series since he returned from the injured list last month and that will continue Wednesday as he gets a breather for the series finale versus Boston. Tyrone Taylor will patrol right field for the Mets.

Sanchez (back) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Nationals.

Sanchez had to depart Tuesday's contest with mild back spasms. He's expected to be fine, but with southpaw MacKenzie Gore on the hill for Washington, it makes sense for the left-handed-hitting Sanchez to take the day to rest. Kyle Stowers and Griffin Conine will hold down the corner outfield spots for the Marlins.