Cardinals vs Reds

Pushard has made six rehab appearances so far, allowing six runs (four earned) with a 2:3 K:BB over 6.2 innings. Marmol said that Pushard's future outings will mimic how he's expected to be used in the majors, which will likely include some multi-inning appearances. A Rule 5 pick, Pushard's 30-day rehab window will run out in mid-May, so the team will have to make a decision at that point whether to activate him. The 28-year-old is working his way back from right knee tendinitis.

It's "tennis elbow" in layman's terms. Urias did miss a bit of action during spring training with what was simply called arm soreness at the time, so it's possible this is an injury that's bothered him off and on since then. Thomas Saggese is taking Urias' spot on the active roster.

Church sustained the injury in the bottom of the second inning, when he was hit by a pitch. He took his base and played in inning in the outfield before he was lifted from the game in the top of the fourth. The injury doesn't seem to be a major concern, but fantasy managers will still want to keep close tabs on Church's status heading into Thursday's series opener versus the Padres.

The transaction clears space on the 40-man roster for the addition of Tejay Antone, who was called up from Triple-A Louisville. Williamson landed on the 15-day IL last week with left shoulder fatigue and now won't be eligible for activation until late June.

Ferguson threw 16 pitches (12 strikes) as a game opener in his second rehab appearance for the Lookouts. The Reds are expected to have the left-hander throw at least two more games for Triple-A Louisville, MLB.com reports.

Pagan aggravated a nagging hamstring issue on his first pitch of an appearance during Tuesday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Cubs and was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier Wednesday. With Pagan slated to miss at least a month of action, the Reds are likely to turn to Tony Santillan at closer, with Graham Ashcraft also potentially in the mix.

Reds manager Terry Francona noted Friday that Suarez's left oblique strain is about 50 percent better. Suarez will rest for a few days after Thursday's workout before ramping things back up. While the veteran slugger is improving, his return is not imminent. Nathaniel Lowe will continue to handle designated hitter duties for the Reds while Suarez is out.

The right-hander underwent surgery on his right elbow in mid-March to remove bone chips, and he moved to the 60-day injured list shortly thereafter. Greene will be eligible to be reinstated in late May but is expected to be out for most of the season's first half. A clearer return timeline should come into focus once he advances to mound work.

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Lowder had to be lifted from Thursday's start versus the Cubs with right shoulder discomfort, but he's been cleared of structural damage and could throw a bullpen session as soon as Sunday if he responds well to the injection. A trip to the injured list remains a distinct possibility, but the Reds will not make a roster move with Lowder just yet.

The 34-year-old will step away from the team for a few days for personal reasons. Johnson could rejoin the Reds toward the end of the upcoming road series versus the Cubs, which ends Thursday.