MLB Player News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday that Robert's back pain hasn't improved, adding that the outfielder will undergo an MRI, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Robert will miss a third straight start Wednesday against the Nationals. More will be known about Robert's status after the imaging results are in, but Mendoza conceded that there's a chance the 28-year-old needs to spend time on the injured list. Tyrone Taylor and MJ Melendez would be in line for more playing time should Robert's absence be extended.

Brash was removed from an appearance Wednesday against the Twins in the eighth inning with an undisclosed injury, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Brash threw only two pitches, the second of which being a changeup that was spiked into the dirt. After a conversation with the Mariners trainer and manager Dan Wilson, Brash walked off the field. Seattle should have more on his status soon. The right-hander entered action Wednesday having allowed only one unearned run with an 8:2 K:BB over 11.1 innings this season.

Nimmo was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees due to right hamstring tightness, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports. He went 1-for-2 with a walk prior to his exit.

After reaching base on an infield single in the fifth inning, Nimmo appeared to tweak his leg while advancing to third base on a fielder's choice later in the frame. The outfielder met briefly with a team trainer before the Rangers summoned Sam Haggerty from the bench to pinch run for him. Nimmo will presumably be sent in for further testing, but even if his tight hamstring isn't significant enough to send him to the injured list, the 33-year-old may not be ready to rejoin the lineup for Friday's series opener in Detroit.

The Tigers placed Mize on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to a right adductor strain.

After exiting midway through the third inning of his start Tuesday against Atlanta due to a tight groin, Mize was diagnosed with the adductor strain following an MRI on Wednesday. According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Mize's strain is of the Grade 1 variety, offering hope that the right-hander may be ready to able to return from the IL in close to the minimum amount of time. Justin Verlander (hip) has been ramping up his throwing program and could eventually beat Mize back from the IL to claim the open spot in the rotation, but the Tigers may have to turn to Sawyer Gipson-Long or Drew Anderson to make a spot start when Mize's turn comes up Sunday versus the Rangers.

The Brewers outrighted Matos to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday after he cleared waivers, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Matos was removed from the 40-man roster last week, but he passed through waivers unclaimed and will stick around in the organization as outfield depth. The 24-year-old went 4-for-20 with a 1:7 BB:K across nine games during his time with the Brewers.

The Brewers selected Fitzpatrick's contract from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

Fitzpatrick had been off to a terrific start with Nashville, allowing just two unearned runs with an 11:2 K:BB over 10.1 innings. He'll receive his first call to the big leagues as a replacement in the Milwaukee bullpen for fellow left-hander Angel Zerpa (forearm), who was placed on the 15-day injured list.

The Brewers placed Zerpa on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to left forearm tightness, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

According to Jack Stern of BrewerFanatic.com, Zerpa's forearm injury was a factor in him being pulled in the middle of an inning during his most recent appearance against the Pirates on Saturday, when his velocity had noticeably dropped. Manager Pat Murphy told Rosiakl on Wednesday that Zerpa will undergo more testing and receive a second opinion on his injury, but the skipper is anticipating that the lefty reliever will be in line for a lengthy absence. Milwaukee called up southpaw Brian Fitzpatrick from Triple-A Nashville to take Zerpa's spot on the active roster and in the bullpen.

Stephenson is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Jose Trevino will receive a turn behind the dish while Stephenson rests in the penultimate game of the series. Stephenson had started in eight of the Reds' previous 10 games, going 4-for-28 (.143 average) with three RBI over that stretch.

Royals president of baseball operations J.J. Picollo said Wednesday in an interview on 96.5 The Fan that Estevez's velocity during a live batting practice session Tuesday was closer to where it needs to be. He's recovering from a left foot contusion.

Picollo did not offer any specific numbers, but it seems Estevez's velocity is at least trending in the right direction. Estevez will throw a live batting practice again later this week before likely beginning a rehab assignment. There's no timetable for his return, but it seems unlikely he'll be activated before mid-May. Lucas Erceg has been up-and-down while filling in as the Royals' closer, so Estevez could get his job back if he shows good form as he gets ramped back up. Estevez has been shelved since early April.

Johnston is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Reds.

He'll join fellow left-handed hitters Jake McCarthy and Edouard Julien on the bench while the Reds send southpaw Brandon Williamson to the hill. With Johnston sitting after he had been included in the lineup in each of the Rockies' previous 13 games, Jordan Beck will pick up a start in the corner outfield.