MLB Player News

Javier allowed a hit and two walks in a scoreless inning in Wednesday's 8-2 loss to the Nationals.

Javier was called upon for mop-up duty in the eighth inning Wednesday, as he continues to work his way back from a shoulder strain. The right-hander allowed a single and a walk to the first two batters he faced, though he'd ultimately make it through the inning unscathed. It's the first scoreless appearance of the season for Javier, who surrendered 13 runs across 9.1 innings prior to his IL stint, before giving up a run on two hits over two innings in relief against Tampa Bay in his return Sunday.

Assad is slated to start Saturday's game against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.

After being deployed in the bullpen June 30 versus the Padres, Assad slotted back into the rotation this past Sunday against the Cardinals, taking a no-decision while tossing 4.2 scoreless frames. With Jameson Taillon (hamstring) set to remain on his rehab assignment this week before likely returning from the 15-day injured list following the All-Star break, Assad will stick in a starting role for at least one more appearance. Once Taillon is activated, the Cubs will have rotation spots available for only two of Assad, Colin Rea and David Peterson.

Matthews (foot) is slated to start Friday's game against the Angels at Target Field.

Matthews was forced out of his previous start last Saturday against the Yankees due to a right foot laceration, but he was apparently able to make it though his bullpen session earlier this week without incident and won't have to miss a turn through the rotation. Since tying a season high by allowing seven earned runs in a June 11 outing versus the Tigers, Matthews has enjoyed a strong run of form over his subsequent four starts, posting a 3.28 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB in 24.2 innings.

Lindor is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Royals.

It's a routine day off for Lindor after he started each of the previous nine contests. Lindor is sporting a disappointing .184/.259/.347 batting line across 12 games since coming off the injured list in late June. Bo Bichette will handle shortstop and Mark Vientos will play third base for the Mets in Thursday's series finale.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Wednesday he hopes to avoid using Stanek (ankle) "for maybe two or three days," Amber Winkler of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Stanek suffered a right ankle injury on a play at first base in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Brewers. While the reliever appears unlikely to be available until at least Friday, the Cardinals are optimistic he will avoid a trip to the injured list. After posting an 8.31 ERA in April, Stanek boasts a 2.91 ERA and 21:8 K:BB over 21.2 frames since May 1.

Manager Aaron Boone said Thursday that Lombard (finger) has resumed hitting and fielding and is close to a return, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

The Yankees' top prospect, Lombard remains on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre but is seemingly closing in on a return. In 42 games at Triple-A this season, Lombard has slashed .231/.381/.385 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 30 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a 35:42 BB:K across 197 plate appearances. He'll be a candidate to make his major-league debut at some point this summer.

The Guardians placed Herrin on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to a left elbow contusion.

Herrin was lifted from his most recent relief appearance in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Twins after being hit in the left elbow by a comebacker. X-rays came back negative, but Herrin's injury was deemed serious enough to keep him on the shelf through June 23. Herrin has appeared in 41 games out of the bullpen this season, logging a 3.06 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 27:19 K:BB across 32.1 innings.

The Guardians recalled Heuer from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

The right-hander has appeared in seven games out of the Cleveland bullpen this season and has posted a 5.63 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 6:5 K:BB across eight innings. He'll work in middle relief.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday that Judge will get follow-up imaging on his injured rib during the All-Star break, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

After Judge was placed on the 10-day injured list June 5 due to a stress fracture of the first rib on his right side, the Yankees relayed that the outfielder would be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks. The Yankees will ultimately wait until around the six-week mark to send Judge in for re-imaging, after which he could be cleared to resume baseball activities if the MRI shows that his rib has healed as anticipated. Cashman reiterated that the Yankees fully expect Judge to return to action at some point this season.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Thursday that Pasquantino (hand) could return from the 10-day injured list ahead of Friday's series opener versus the Orioles, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Pasquantino has been shelved since June 14 after suffering a right hamate fracture, but he's made quick progress in his recovery from surgery and started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha earlier this week. He's gone 2-for-6 with one RBI and three walks in two games with Omaha, and Pasquantino looks as though he'll have a chance to rejoin Kansas City's lineup for the team's final series before the All-Star break.