MLB Player News

The Cubs recalled Assad from Triple-A Iowa, and he is scheduled to start against the Angels on Friday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Assad will take the spot on the Cubs' 26-man roster vacated by Ryan Brasier (groin), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Assad was dispatched to Triple-A on Monday, but he'll provide some short-term relief in the rotation with Michael Soroka (shoulder) on the 15-day IL.

Burleson was scratched from Friday's lineup with a wrist injury, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Burleson was initially slated to bat third and play left field, but a wrist injury will prevent him from doing so. Instead, Lars Nootbaar will slide over to left while Nathan Church enters the lineup and plays center field.

The Rangers recalled Helman from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Helman will replace Evan Carter (wrist) on the 26-man roster. Helman's ability to play infield and outfield will provide Texas with some additional versatility going forward. His clearest path to playing time comes in center field.

Merrill (ankle) is not in the Padres' starting lineup against the Dodgers on Friday.

Merrill will ride the bench for a fifth consecutive game while working through a left ankle contusion that he suffered this past Sunday against the Dodgers. It's not clear whether an IL stint is needed, but the lack of new lockers in the Padres' clubhouse doesn't suggest any player being called up from the minors anytime soon, so Merrill could be available to return at some point during this weekend's home series, per Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Ramon Laureano will start in center field and bat seventh.

The Rangers placed Carter (wrist) on the 10-day injured list Friday.

Texas makes Carter's move official after manager Bruce Bochy revealed Friday morning that Carter could be out for the season with a fractured right wrist. The 22-year-old's spot on the active roster will go to Michael Helman. Wyatt Langford should see more action in center field while Carter is out, while Alejandro Osuna could see a bump in playing time in left.

Canzone (arm) is not in the Mariners' starting lineup against the Athletics on Friday.

Canzone has been out of the lineup since being removed from Monday's game against the Phillies after being struck by a pitch on his left arm. X-rays did not reveal any structural damage, but he'll be on the bench for Friday's series opener while Luke Raley starts in right field and bats seventh.

The A's optioned Schuemann to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

Schuemann made the Opening Day roster, and he's bounced around the infield as needed while making the occasional start in the outfield. However, with Jacob Wilson (forearm) back from the injured list, the Athletics are no longer in need of Schuemann's services. The 28-year-old has slashed .200/.303/.288 with a 20:33 BB:K in 188 plate appearances this season.

Neto (wrist) is starting at shortstop and batting in the leadoff spot against the Cubs on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Neto was removed from Wednesday's game against the Reds after being hit by a pitch on the left hand. X-rays didn't reveal any structural damage, and the 24-year-old shortstop has been given the green light to play in Friday's series opener. Neto has gone 12-for-40 (.300) with one steal, five runs, four homers and nine RBI over his last 10 games.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora relayed Friday that Buehler will be moved from the rotation to the bullpen, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Buehler has struggled in his first season in Boston, posting a 7-7 record across 22 starts with a 5.40 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 82:54 K:BB across 110 innings. The veteran right-hander will likely be used in long relief out of the bullpen and will help fortify the depth with Justin Slaten (shoulder), Luis Guerrero (elbow), Josh Winckowski (elbow) and Liam Hendriks (hip) all on the 60-day injured list. Buehler was originally slated to start against the Orioles on Monday, but Cora has yet to name a starter in Buehler's stead. Per Cotillo, Richard Fitts and Kyle Harrison are the leading candidates to fill in as Monday's starter.

The Athletics placed Bowden on the 15-day injured list Friday with a strained left lat.

Bowden appeared in 11 games after being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on July 23. The 30-year-old will require a stint on the injured list with a lat strain, opening up a spot in the bullpen for Eduarniel Nunez. Bowden has a 4.22 ERA in 10.2 innings with the A's.