MLB Player News

Wisely is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The lefty-hitting Wisely will take a seat for the second time during the four-game series with the Cubs while Chicago sends another lefty (Shota Imanaga) to the hill. Nick Ahmed will fill in for Wisely at shortstop, while outfielder Austin Slater replaces Wisely atop the batting order.

Villar is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Wilmer Flores will man first base while the Cubs send southpaw Shota Imanaga to the mound, but even though he's a right-handed hitter like Flores, Villar looks as though he'll be the preferred option against right-handed pitching. Villar started both of the last two nights against righties, going 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. The 27-year-old's stay atop the depth chart may not last long, however, as top first baseman LaMonte Wade (hamstring) is in the midst of a rehab assignment and could be activated from the injured list as soon as this weekend.

Jackson (4-1) walked one over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the win over the Cubs on Wednesday. He did not record a strikeout.

Hayden Birdsong went 4.2 innings in his debut and left with the game tied at 3-3. Jackson got the Giants out of the top of the fifth inning there, and Luis Matos put them ahead for a good with a solo shot in their half of the frame. Jackson had allowed five runs over 1.1 innings prior to Wednesday, and he's given up multiple runs three times in 10 appearances in June. Overall, he's struggled to a 6.12 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 20:14 K:BB through 25 innings while adding two holds and three blown saves in a low-leverage role this year.

The Cubs placed Assad on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right forearm extensor strain, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The injury has evidently been an issue for Assad off and on for about two weeks, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, which could help explain why he's stumbled in June with a 5.49 ERA after entering the month with a 2.27 mark. With Assad slated to miss at least two turns, Hayden Wesneski is likely to remain in the Cubs' rotation for a while.

The Cubs transferred Almonte (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Almonte suffered a setback in his recovery from a right shoulder strain this past week. He remains without an updated return timeline, but his move to the 60-day IL suggests the 30-year-old righty isn't expected back relatively soon. The Cubs signed Vinny Nittoli to an MLB deal Thursday to fill the open spot on the 40-man roster.

Bailey is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Cubs, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Bailey will get a breather for Thursday's day game after he started behind the plate in both of the first two games of the series. Curt Casali will spell him at catcher, forming a battery with starting pitcher Jordan Hicks.

Suarez is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest against the Twins.

Suarez had started each of the previous eight games but went just 2-for-24 over that stretch to drop his season-long batting line down to .192/.274/.312. The Diamondbacks will give Kevin Newman a start at third base Thursday.

Darvish had imaging on his right elbow come back clean Wednesday, though he'll likely get additional imaging "for peace of mind," Bernie Wilson of the Associated Press reports.

Darvish has recovered from a groin injury and was originally expected to come off the injured list to start Tuesday, but that plan was scrapped when he developed inflammation in his right elbow. Initial indications suggested that the issue is minor, and the clean imaging seems to support that, though San Diego will likely be cautious with the veteran hurler's return. It's not yet clear when Darvish will return to action or if he'll need to make any rehab starts given the extension of his absence.

The Cardinals optioned Roycroft to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Roycroft will return to Memphis after he was called up ahead of the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader with Atlanta to serve as the Cardinals' 27th man for the twin bill. He struck out two and collected his first career hold in a perfect inning out of the bullpen in the Cardinals' 4-1 win in Game 2.

Atlanta optioned Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

As expected, Elder was returned to the minors after he was designated as Atlanta's 27th man for Wednesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals. He picked up the start in the second game and was dealt a loss after giving up two earned runs on four hits and no walks while striking out four over six innings.