MLB Player News

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Nelson (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nelson went on the 15-day injured list last week after being struck on the pitching elbow by a comebacker. He appears to be making a quick recovery, and he could have a shot to return when first eligible for activation May 4 or shortly thereafter.

Sanchez is scheduled to start Wednesday's game in Atlanta, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander will be making his first MLB start since Oct. 8, 2020, when he faced Atlanta in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. After missing most of the ensuing three seasons while recovering from shoulder problems, Sanchez has been healthy thus far in 2024 while operating in a relief role for Miami, producing a 6.14 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 7.1 innings. He hasn't recorded more than six outs in any of his seven appearances, so Sanchez shouldn't be expected to work more than two or three innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. If Miami doesn't add another pitcher to its active roster ahead of Wednesday's contest, Kyle Tyler -- who has yet to make his 2024 MLB debut but covered 3.1 innings in his last appearance for Triple-A Jacksonville on April 14 -- would appear to be the most logical option to work behind Sanchez in bulk relief.

Contreras (hand) will start at designated hitter and bat second in Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks.

He made an early exit from Tuesday's loss to Arizona with lingering left hand soreness, although Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said afterward that Contreras' removal had more to do with the lopsided score. Contreras intends to continue playing through discomfort, but might see more reps at DH than catcher, opening up starts behind the plate for Ivan Herrera.

Burleson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

While his path to regular playing time against right-handed pitching has opened up a bit with Jordan Walker getting optioned to Triple-A Memphis earlier Wednesday, the lefty-hitting Burleson is still projected to sit regularly against lefties. Burleson's absence from the lineup Wednesday thus comes as little surprise with southpaw Jordan Montgomery on the hill for Arizona.

Lipscomb has joined the Nationals' taxi squad and could be called up from Triple-A Rochester prior to Wednesday's game against the Dodgers, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Outfielder Lane Thomas is getting an MRI on his left knee after exiting Tuesday's 4-1 loss to the Dodgers, and the expectation is that he'll require a trip to the injured list. Lipscomb put up a .563 OPS with one home run and four stolen bases over 14 games with the Nationals earlier this month. He could see action at third base if the club elects to use Nick Senzel in the outfield or in the designated hitter spot in place of Thomas.

Gibaut (forearm) will resume his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Gibaut experienced renewed discomfort in his forearm following his most recent rehab appearance April 16, but fortunately for the right-hander, a week off was seemingly all he needed to bounce back from the setback. Since opening the season on the 15-day injured list, Gibaut has made five rehab appearances between Louisville and High-A Dayton, giving up five earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out seven over 4.1 innings.

Nationals president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo said Wednesday in an interview on 106.7 The Fan that he anticipates Thomas (knee) going on the injured list, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

There's no word yet on the results of the MRI on Thomas' left knee, but it sounds like he's bound for the IL even if the club gets good news. Thomas was injured during Tuesday's loss to the Dodgers while stealing second base in the fifth inning. The 28-year-old has started every game in right field for the Nationals this season. Joey Gallo has seen his playing time slip a bit recently but might get some run in right with Thomas out. Trey Lipscomb is expected to take Thomas' spot on the roster.

The Cardinals recalled King from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

King will provide the St. Louis bullpen with a fresh arm after Zack Thompson -- who gave up seven earned runs over two innings of relief in Tuesday's 14-1 loss to the Diamondbacks -- was optioned to Memphis in a corresponding move. Acquired from the Rangers at the trade deadline last summer, King has previously made 22 total appearances as a member of the Cardinals, logging a 1.71 ERA while collecting 10 holds and one win over 21 innings.

The Cardinals recalled Fermin from Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Fermin was off to a fantastic start with Memphis, slashing .350/.458/.650 with four home runs, five steals and a 3:11 K:BB over 18 games. The 25-year-old will offer utility infield depth for the Cardinals, and it's possible he gets some starts at second base against lefties.

The Cardinals optioned Walker to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Walker has hit just .155/.239/.259 this season and was recently demoted to the eight spot in the Cardinals lineup. Rather than letting Walker continue to work through his struggles at the big-league level, the Cardinals have elected to have the 21-year-old do it in a lower-pressure situation at Memphis. Alec Burleson and Ivan Herrera could both see upticks in playing time while Walker is in the minors.