MLB Player News

Nootbaar (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Nootbaar said he expects his rehab assignment to last roughly six games, which would put him in line to return to the active roster July 5 for the beginning of St. Louis' series with the Nationals. The 26-year-old outfielder has spent nearly a month on the injured list after straining his left oblique during a game in late May.

Fraley underwent an MRI on his right calf Thursday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

It's not clear what the result of the exam revealed or if they're in yet, but Fraley will miss a second straight start Thursday after being a late scratch from Wednesday's lineup. Santiago Espinal is getting the call at designated hitter for Cincinnati.

Candelario (hamstring) isn't in the Reds' lineup for Thursday's game against the Cardinals.

Manager David Bell said Wednesday that Candelario has been dealing with hamstring tendinitis for the past week, and while the team still doesn't plan on placing the 30-year-old on the injured list, the injury will cause him to miss a second consecutive game. Spencer Steer will get the nod at first base as a result, allowing Nick Martini to start in left field and bat fifth.

Sanchez (shoulder) threw an 18-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

He could throw off the mound again this weekend. While it appears he's inching in the right direction, Sanchez won't be eligible for activation until early August after being transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier this week. He's coming back from right shoulder inflammation.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Walker (finger) will not return before the All-Star break, Paul Casella of MLB.com reports.

The team doesn't have a timetable to offer yet on Walker, who is dealing with right index finger inflammation, but it is not expecting him back before the end of the first half. With Spencer Turnbull (lat) joining Walker on the 15-day injured list, the Phillies' rotation depth is being tested. Filling the fifth spot for now will be Michael Mercado.

The Reds transferred Pagan (lat) to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Pagan landed on the injured list June 9 due to a strained right lat, and his move to the 60-day IL will ensure that he remains sidelined until at least early August. His 40-man roster spot will be given to Noelvi Marte, who was reinstated from his 80-game suspension Thursday.

The Reds activated Marte from the suspended list Thursday.

Marte has completed his 80-game PED suspension and the Reds will return him to their active roster on the first day he's eligible. The 22-year-old struggled mightily while on his rehab assignment, slashing just .151/.151/.170 with no home runs and a 15:0 K:BB over 53 plate appearances. Fantasy managers might be wise to keep Marte out of their lineups for now while he knocks some rust off, but the infielder should be rostered virtually everywhere. He should operate as the Reds' primary third baseman.

The Reds optioned Soto to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

With Noelvi Marte making his return from an 80-game suspension, Soto will be pushed back into the minors. He went 0-for-3 with a strikeout during his season debut Wednesday and owns a .767 OPS through 230 plate appearances in Triple-A. Should the Reds run into any more infield depth problems, there's a good chance Soto would be the one to get the call back Cincinnati.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that he expects Turnbull (lat) to be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Turnbull suffered a right lat strain in his first start back in the Phillies' rotation Wednesday and was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday. Given the pitcher's lengthy injury history, the team will proceed with extra caution. Michael Mercado will slide into the Philadelphia rotation for now, at least until Taijuan Walker (finger) is ready.

Carpenter isn't in the Cardinals' lineup for Thursday's game versus the Reds, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

St. Louis will match up against left-handed starter Andrew Abbott on Thursday, so the lefty-hitting Carpenter will step out of the lineup. Willson Contreras will take over as the DH while Pedro Pages starts at catcher and bats ninth.