MLB Player News

Scherzer (back/arm) will resume a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

Scherzer had to be pulled off his initial rehab assignment in early May following a nerve problem with his throwing arm, but he's been trending in the right direction in recent weeks after receiving a cortisone injection. The 39-year-old was initially placed on the injured list due to his recovery from offseason back surgery. Scherzer threw 40 pitches in a live batting practice session earlier this week, so he should be ready for at least that many pitches Sunday. He will need multiple rehab starts before rejoining the Rangers' rotation, but a return before the end of June would seem to be in play.

Reds manager David Bell said Friday that Williamson (shoulder) will be shut down from throwing for at least seven days and is evaluating his potential options, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The left-hander was pulled off his rehab assignment due to persistent issues with his shoulder, and he'll stop throwing entirely for at least a brief period. Williamson has yet to pitch for the Reds this season due to the shoulder sprain, and it's now questionable whether he'll be able to return ahead of the All-Star break in mid-July.

Cole (elbow) will make a rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cole made his first rehab appearance Tuesday with Somerset, firing 3.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts. He threw 45 pitches and touched 97 miles per hour, which is in line with his normal velocity. Cole should see his pitch count lightened Sunday, though he'll likely need at least one more rehab outing before coming off the 60-day IL.

Gray (elbow) will throw 50-55 pitches during a rehab start with Single-A Fredericksburg on Sunday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Gray got up to 76 pitches during a live BP session prior to being sent on a rehab assignment but will be limited to 50-55 pitches in his first appearance. If all goes well Sunday, Gray will head to Double-A Harrisburg for another rehab start. Gray will likely need at least one more outing after the start at Double-A , making late June a feasible timeline for return.

Wicks (forearm) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wicks will be back with the Cubs for the first time since late April after sustaining a forearm strain in his throwing arm. He's completed 3.1 innings in each of his last two rehab starts and was stretched out to 65 pitches in his latest appearance. While Wicks previously served as the Cubs' fifth starter, rookie Ben Brown has impressed as part of the rotation and could push Wicks to the bullpen. Before going down, Wicks had a 4.70 ERA across 23.0 innings.

DeGrom (elbow) is slated to throw his first bullpen session since last June's Tommy John surgery during the Rangers' June 17-23 homestand, Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com reports.

DeGrom resumed flat-ground throwing Wednesday following a scheduled de-loading period as he continues his rehab from a second Tommy John operation. The right-hander has hit all the necessary markers in his recovery so far but has many more to go. If everything goes according to plan, deGrom looks to be tracking toward a season debut sometime in August, although that's very tentative at this point.

Maeda was seen throwing long toss Friday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Maeda was removed from his start Wednesday after just two pitches with right abdominal discomfort. McCosky also reports that Maeda reported mild soreness in hs abdomen during the session but the pain wasn't enough to prevent him from progressing toward his next start, which is scheduled for Wednesday.

Flaherty (back) said he expects "all systems go" for his next start, which is scheduled for Tuesday against Washington, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Flaherty was pulled after 60 pitches in his last start due to back tightness but it seems as though he's avoided any significant injury and is all but confirmed to face Washington. Considering back injuries can be touch-and-go, there remains a small risk that the issue will flare up again. Regardless, Flaherty is feeling good and is optimistic for Tuesday's start, where he'll look to extend his scoreless innings streak which stands at 11.2 innings.

The Brewers optioned Ashby to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

The Brewers are down multiple starters due to injury, so this move seems to reflect their lack of faith in Ashby right now. The left-hander made a start Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing just two runs but walking five over five innings. He will join the rotation at Nashville.

Peralta is scheduled to start Saturday against the Tigers, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

The right-hander initially lined up to start Friday's series opener, but Tobias Myers will instead take the ball for Milwaukee. Peralta has given up at least one homer in each of his past four starts, though he's still been effective in those past three outings with a 2.55 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 25:4 K:BB across 17.2 innings.