MLB Player News

The Dodgers placed Heyward on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with lower-back tightness, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Heyward's back has caused him to miss the Dodgers' last two games, and it will keep him out for at least another 10 days as he moves to the IL. Imaging on his back didn't reveal any significant damage, so an extended absence isn't expected at this time for the 34-year-old outfielder. The Dodgers claimed Taylor Trammell off waivers from the Mariners on Tuesday and added him to the active roster to serve as Heyward's replacement.

Manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday that Grandal (foot) just started a running progression and is "a ways away" from being game ready, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Progress has been slow since Grandal was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in early March, but the start of a running progression is an encouraging development. Still, the Pirates clearly don't expect the 35-year-old to be available anytime in the near future. The club traded for Joey Bart on Tuesday to boost its catching depth.

Taillon (back) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Tennessee on Sunday, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Taillon didn't pitch at all during spring training due a strained back, but he was able to face hitters near the end of camp and has now been cleared to test his back in a game environment. It's unclear exactly how many starts the Cubs want Taillon to make before he returns to Chicago, but it will likely take him multiple outings to build up to a starter's workload.

Puk (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over four innings against the Angels. He struck out five.

Puk's transition to a starting pitcher hasn't gone according to plan thus far -- the 28-year-old left-hander has allowed eight runs (six earned) through just six innings in his first two starts. While Puk has had success out of the bullpen in the majors, the Marlins seem set on having him remain in the rotation, at least while Braxton Garrett (shoulder), Edward Cabrera (shoulder) and Eury Perez (elbow) are sidelined. Puk's currently lined up for a tough road matchup versus the Yankees in his next outing.

Gomes is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Rockies.

The Cubs have now gone with Miguel Amaya at catcher in two straight games and three of the last four contests. Gomes still seems likely to ultimately receive the bulk of the starts behind the dish, but manager Craig Counsell evidently is liking what Amaya is bringing right now.

Amaya will start at catcher and bat ninth in Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

Heading into the regular season, Amaya looked to be the Cubs' clear No. 2 catcher, but he's operated in more of a timeshare with Yan Gomes behind the plate. The two backstops have now made three starts apiece over the Cubs' first six games, with all three of Amaya's starts coming within the last four of those contests. The 25-year-old will likely need to capture a larger role before becoming a more viable roster option in mixed leagues that start just one catcher, but he might be a worthy pickup in two-catcher leagues or NL-only leagues based on how frequently he's been playing early on this season.

Prosecky is on the minor-league injured list with elbow inflammation, Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline reports.

Per Mayo, Prosecky's elbow inflammation is mild and he is in the process of building back up in extended spring training, but it's obviously still a concerning injury as things stand. Prosecky, who had a 2.72 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 125 strikeouts in 109 innings for Single-A Fresno last year, will likely head to High-A Spokane once healthy.

Cruz will start at shortstop and bat leadoff in Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The Pirates faced five straight southpaws to begin the season, and the left-handed-hitting Cruz hit sixth twice, seventh twice and had one day off in those contests. With right-hander Trevor Williams taking the ball Wednesday, Cruz will be elevated to the top of the batting order.

The Pirates placed Delay on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with right knee inflammation, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Delay's placement on the IL is retroactive to Monday, so he'll be eligible for activation as soon as April 11. However, because he still has three minor-league options remaining, Delay seems more likely to be headed for Triple-A Indianapolis once activated after the Pirates acquired fellow catcher Joey Bart from the Giants on Tuesday. Bart was added to the 26-man roster Wednesday in a corresponding move, and since he's a former top prospect with no options remaining, he'll likely move ahead of Delay on the organizational catching depth chart. In addition to Bart, the Pirates have 2021 No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis and veteran Yasmani Grandal (foot) -- who is on the IL while he recovers from plantar fasciitis -- ahead of Delay in the pecking order behind the dish.

Triolo (foot) will start at second base and bat eighth in Wednesday's game versus the Nationals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Triolo sat out Monday's game as a precaution with a sore foot, but he's ready to roll following Tuesday's off day. The 26-year-old is 5-for-17 with a 3:4 BB:K over his first four contests this season.