MLB Player News

Pirates manager Don Kelly said that Dotel will be utilized as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Mason Montgomery in Monday's home game against the Cardinals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Monday had been Braxton Ashcraft's (personal) turn in the rotation, but he won't be eligible to rejoin the Pirates until Tuesday after recently getting placed on the bereavement/medical emergency list. The Pirates will thus turn to Dotel to cover extended innings in Monday's series opener. Dotel has appeared in two contests since being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on April 19, giving up one run on two hits and three walks while striking out one batter over 2.2 innings. He had previously gotten stretched out to 5.2 innings over his three starts at Triple-A Indianapolis this season prior to being promoted earlier this month.

Montgomery will operate as the Pirates' opening pitcher in Monday's series opener against the Cardinals, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Montgomery will serve as Pittsburgh's opener for the second time this season, having tossed a scoreless first inning in the team's 2-0 win over Washington on April 15. The southpaw has recorded seven straight scoreless appearances, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out 11 over 6.2 innings during that stretch. Wilber Dotel is expected to follow Montgomery on the mound, handling the bulk role against St. Louis on Monday.

Perez is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Tigers at Truist Park, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The veteran left-hander has been impressive while working as both a starter and long reliever early this season, posting a 2.70 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB over 23.1 innings. Perez will replace Reynaldo Lopez in the rotation Tuesday, though it'll likely be just a spot start since Spencer Strider (oblique) is due back from the injured list in the near future.

Lopez will be utilized as a reliever going forward while working on some mechanical issues, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander's 3.74 ERA through five starts this year looks solid, but his 1.43 WHIP and 20:11 K:BB tell a different story. Atlanta will soon be getting back Spencer Strider (oblique) from the injured list, while rookie JR Ritchie will also get a longer look in the rotation.

Robert is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Rockies.

Robert started in center field in Sunday's matinee, per usual, and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. He'll take a seat for the second time in the series in Game 2. Tyrone Taylor will start in center field and bat ninth in the nightcap.

Castro (knee) is out of the lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Castro won't start either contest of Sunday's twin bill, marking a third straight absence after departing Thursday's game against the Padres due to right knee soreness. Tyler Freeman will replace him in the lineup while Edouard Julien mans the keystone.

Dollander is starting Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Mets, Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette reports.

Dollander has been effective pitching behind an opener early this season, but he'll make his first start of the campaign to close out Sunday's doubleheader. After posting a 6.52 ERA in 21 starts as a rookie last year, the right-hander has showcased his potential across his first six outings of 2026 with a 2.88 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB over 25 innings.

The Cubs designated Velasquez for assignment Sunday.

The veteran right-hander was added to the big-league roster Friday but won't retain his roster spot despite firing 2.1 scoreless frames Saturday versus the Dodgers. Velasquez will now go through the waiver process, after which he could elect to become a free agent, assuming he goes unclaimed.

The Cubs selected Rios' contract from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

Rios joined Chicago on a minor-league contract in January and will get a look in the majors after posting a 5.06 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 8:6 K:BB over 10.2 frames with Iowa to begin the season. The right-hander last pitched in the majors in 2023 and has a 6.23 ERA in 92 career MLB appearances.

The Cubs recalled Barnes from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

The left-hander was demoted nearly two weeks ago but is now back in the majors with Riley Martin (elbow) heading to the injured list. Barnes allowed three runs on four hits with one strikeout and three walks over three innings during his lone big-league appearance this year.