MLB Player News

Sewald (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Sewald's last bullpen session, which was scheduled for Sunday, was put on hold after he experienced soreness following an appearance for Triple-A Reno. However, it's positive news that he's been cleared to toss a side session later in the week. The team will likely determine Sewald's next steps after his upcoming bullpen.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that he expects Nelson (elbow) to be back "soon enough," adding that the right-hander may not need a rehab assignment prior to being activated from the 15-day injured list, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Nelson threw a five-inning, 70-pitch sim game Monday and didn't experience any pain. The 26-year-old landed on the 15-day IL on April 19 due to right elbow contusion, but it appears Nelson could return when first eligible for activation May 4 against the Padres.

Nelson is receiving additional opinions on his injured left shoulder before the Diamondbacks decide the next steps to take, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nelson landed on the injured list nearly a week ago with what was deemed left shoulder inflammation at the time, but it sounds like he might be dealing with something more serious. More information on his status could be available later this week.

Frias (shoulder) will begin a throwing program this week, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Frias has been on the shelf for nearly two weeks with right shoulder inflammation but appears to be progressing. He had been optioned before that was rescinded and he was placed on the injured list, so the righty could be headed to Triple-A Reno rather than the majors once he's healthy.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Suzuki (oblique) upped the intensity of his baseball activities Saturday and Sunday but is not close to beginning a rehab assignment, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Suzuki is getting a recovery day Monday before resuming baseball activities Tuesday and Wednesday. While he would appear to be progressing slowly but surely, he still has some hoops to jump through before he's ready to go out on a rehab assignment. Suzuki has missed the last two weeks of action with a right oblique strain.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Monday that Castro (shoulder) will begin his throwing program this week, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Castro landed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday -- retroactive to April 21 -- due to right shoulder inflammation. He posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 8.2 innings prior to being placed on IL. The 29-year-old right-hander is eligible to be activated May 6, but he could stay on the IL past that date depending on how he progresses in his throwing program.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that it's possible Steele (hamstring) rejoins the rotation after his rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The left-hander's rehab start Wednesday will be his first outing since he suffered a left hamstring strain back on Opening Day. As long as Steele gets his pitch count up to a high enough threshold and recovers well from the start, it sounds like he could be back with the Cubs early next week.

Rom (biceps) will be examined by Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on Tuesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Rom hasn't done any throwing since late March after being diagnosed with left biceps tendinitis and has not responded well to plyometric exercises. The Cardinals are hoping to get a clearer picture on Rom's status following Tuesday's visit.

Middleton (forearm) could throw a bullpen session later this week, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Middleton recently did some long-tossing without issue and is almost ready to throw from a mound for the first time since going down with a right forearm strain in mid-March. Because he's missed so much time, the veteran reliever would figure to need multiple rehab appearances, once he's cleared for game action.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that they are targeting a rehab start for Hendricks (back) "later this week," Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Hendricks posted a 12.00 ERA and 2.10 WHIP over five starts this season before landing on the 15-day IL on April 23 due to a lower-back strain. He had a bullpen session during the Cubs' weekend series against the Red Sox, and the right-hander could be on track to start his rehab assignment this week.