MLB Player News

The Rockies placed Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Lawrence will step away from the team for a few days to be with his growing family. Angel Chivilli was called up in a corresponding move, while Jake Bird and Nick Mears are the likely favorites to serve as fill-in closer if any save chances arise this weekend.

Marte was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to May 1, with right shoulder inflammation.

Marte has seen his velocity drop from 97.8 MPH to 95.7 MPH this season and had surrendered five runs (three earned) during his last three appearances with Philadelphia, both potentially a result of the shoulder injury. Marte will be out for at least the next couple weeks while Jose Ruiz fills in for him after being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

Stephenson (hand) will start at catcher and bat cleanup in Friday's contest versus the Orioles.

Stephenson has been held out all week as a precaution with soreness in his right hand as a result of a hit-by-pitch. He's ready to roll now, following the Reds' off day Thursday.

Encarnacion-Strand (hand) will start at first base and bat fifth in Friday's game versus the Orioles.

Encarnacion-Strand missed four starts due to lingering left hand soreness following a hit-by-pitch over the weekend, but he's ready to go now. The 24-year-old has slashed a disappointing .196/.222/.314 with a 28.7 percent strikeout rate in 25 contests with the Reds this season.

The Rockies recalled Chivilli from Double-A Hartford on Friday.

The 21-year-old will skip the Triple-A level and joined Colorado for his first taste of the big leagues. Closer Justin Lawrence was placed on the paternity list in a corresponding move, so it figures to be a short stay in the majors for Chivilli.

The Cardinals recalled Leahy from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

The right-hander served as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader and will quickly rejoin the major-league roster as Steven Matz (back) heads to the injured list. Leahy has made four appearances over the past two years with the Cardinals and has given up six runs over three innings.

The Cardinals placed Matz on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to May 1, with a lower-back strain.

Matz attempted to pitch through back soreness in his last start Tuesday in Detroit, but it didn't go well and an MRI has revealed a strain. It's not clear at this point how long he might be on the shelf. The Cards haven't revealed who will take Matz's spot in the rotation, but his next turn would be Tuesday and Sem Robberse would be on regular rest that day.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Friday that Sanchez (hamstring) is not yet 100 percent but is "good to go" and will be available off the bench, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Eric Haase is on the Brewers' taxi squad just in case, but it doesn't appear at this point that the team plans to add him to the active roster. Sanchez had to be removed from Tuesday's game against the Rays with right hamstring tightness, but it sounds like he could pinch hit Friday, if needed.

Craig Counsell said Friday that Hendricks (back) will start for Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday as he continues his rehab assignment, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hendricks allowed two runs while striking out seven over five innings with Double-A Tennessee on Thursday, with Counsell referring to the outing as "encouraging." However, given how badly Hendricks struggled with the big club before his back injury, the Cubs will give him another tune-up start at a higher level before considering a return to the major-league rotation.

Steele (hamstring) will start Monday against the Padres as long as he gets through a bullpen session Saturday with no issues, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The results of Steele's lone rehab start weren't great -- he allowed three runs on six hits over 3.1 innings -- but he feels good and has put his hamstring injury in the rearview mirror, which is the most important thing. Steele threw 63 pitches in his rehab outing Wednesday, so he will be somewhat limited from a workload perspective Monday, assuming he is indeed cleared to rejoin the Cubs' rotation that day.