MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks plan to move Montgomery to the bullpen beginning with this weekend's series in Boston, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Montgomery has never got on track after signing late in spring training with Arizona and not making his season debut until late April. The left-hander has posted an ugly 6.44 ERA and 67:36 K:BB over 95 innings covering 19 starts, and with Ryne Nelson thriving of late, Nelson will retain his spot in the rotation while Montgomery moves to a long-relief role.

Garrett (forearm) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday and is scheduled to complete another Tuesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Friday's bullpen was Garrett's second since being placed on the injured list June 23 due to a left forearm flexor strain. He'll likely have to face hitters and be sent out on a rehab assignment before being activated from the 60-day injured list.

Sanchez (shoulder) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez has been throwing bullpens since the end of June but the Marlins have been taking it slowly with the 25-year-old as he recovers from right shoulder inflammation. Considering he's not anywhere near being stretched out to a starter's workload, the Marlins could plan to use Sanchez out of the bullpen once he's activated.

Bender (shoulder) played catch Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Bender was placed on the IL on Aug. 16, and while he'll be eligible to return Tuesday, it appears he'll require more than the minimum 15 days. He has several checkpoints to clear before being activated, possibly including a rehab assignment.

Weathers threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Friday and is scheduled to throw another Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Weathers has been on the shelf since June 8 due to a left index finger strain but has been making significant progress in August. Friday's bullpen was Weathers' first mound work since sustaining the injury though, and he shouldn't be expected back with the Marlins until September. How the team handles his rehab should indicate whether he's ticketed for a return to the rotation or will pitch out of the bullpen upon his activation from the IL.

The Phillies reinstated Hays (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list Friday.

Hays landed on the shelf in early August due to a hamstring strain but is ready to rejoin the Phillies after a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 29-year-old is hitting .263 (10-for-38) with one homer in his first 10 games with Philadelphia and should serve as the club's primary left fielder now that he's healthy.

The Phillies optioned Stevenson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Stevenson was with the big club for a couple weeks while Austin Hays (hamstring) was sidelined. Hays is now back, so Stevenson is being sent down to make room for him.

Pham is not in the lineup for Friday's game in Minnesota.

He had started the last two contests versus right-handers but he'll take a seat Friday against righty David Festa. Pham got off to a nice start with the Cardinals but is just 2-for-27 over his last 10 games. Alec Burleson will play left field Friday and Matt Carpenter will be the designated hitter.

The Cubs claimed Hollowell off waivers from Arizona on Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Iowa, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hollowell was designated for assignment by the D-Backs on Tuesday and will get a fresh start with the Cubs. The 26-year-old logged a 3.63 ERA across 17.1 innings for Arizona's Triple-A affiliate and hasn't pitched in the majors this season. David Bote was DFA'd to clear room on the 40-man roster.

Garcia is not in the lineup for Friday's contest in Atlanta, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Garcia has emerged as an everyday player, but the left-handed hitter will begin this one on the bench as Atlanta starts southpaw Chris Sale. Ildemaro Vargas will occupy second base for the Nationals.