Yahoo Sports

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that he's hopeful that Brown (neck) will be cleared to resume throwing off a mound at some point later this week, MLB.com reports.

Advice: Brown was placed on the 15-day injured list June 11 with a left neck strain, only for reports to surface a few days later suggesting that the right-hander might be dealing with a stress reaction. After the Cubs sought out multiple medical opinions, however, the original diagnosis of a neck strain has held up, and Brown was cleared to resume throwing last Tuesday. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Brown played catch three times this past week and threw from 90 feet Friday, leaving Counsell optimistic that the rookie may be ready to take another meaningful step forward this week by getting back on the mound. Montemurro notes that Brown was told when he received his diagnosis that he was about one month into what's described as a "two-to-three-month burnout period" for the neck injury, though that timeline won't affect his potential return date from the IL and only relates to how long he might be physically feeling the effects of the injury. Assuming Brown is able to complete a bullpen session this week, he would still likely have a chance at completing his throwing progression and returning from the IL before the All-Star break. Rotowire.com Today, 7:03 am

Major League Baseball suspended Diaz for 10 games Monday for violating prohibitions on foreign substances, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Advice: Diaz was ejected from Sunday's 5-2 win over the Cubs after failing the "sticky substance" test from the crew chief upon entering the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. The suspension will go into effect beginning with Tuesday's game against the Yankees, and assuming he elects not to appeal the ban, the 30-year-old closer won't be eligible to pitch until July 6 against the Pirates. Adam Ottavino and Reed Garrett will be the likely candidates to step in for save opportunities during Diaz's absence. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 3:27 pm

Edwin Díaz was ejected from Sunday night’s game against the Cubs after failing a sticky substance check as he entered the game.

Advice: Yikes. The 30-year-old hurler came on with the Mets leading by three runs in the ninth inning, but Diaz was tossed before he was even able to throw a pitch when the umpires performed their routine glove check. Failing that check comes with an automatic 10-game suspension, so unless Diaz plans to appeal, he won’t be closing any games for the Mets for a while. Rotoworld Sunday, 7:13 pm

Alexis Díaz worked a scoreless ninth for his 17th save Friday against the Red Sox.

Advice: Díaz has converted 10 straight save chances, even though he’s had a few hiccups during the run. His 5.08 ERA and 29/19 K/BB ratio in 28 1/3 innings still don’t inspire a ton of confidence, but things are certainly looking up from a few weeks ago. Rotoworld Friday, 10:41 pm