MLB Player News

Thornton fired a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout to earn the save in Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Orioles.

Thornton was the fifth Chicago pitcher used in the game, and he retired Baltimore in order to record his second save of the season. The righty has tallied both of those saves in the past week with Daniel Palencia (elbow) still on the injured list and not set to return until after the All-Star break. Jacob Webb has been the Cubs' top option for saves with Palencia on the shelf, but he was called on in the seventh inning Tuesday to help his team get out of a bases-loaded jam. Thornton has been solid overall with a 2.63 ERA out of the bullpen, though he has only 13 strikeouts across 27.1 innings of work, which doesn't make him an ideal closer candidate.

The Cardinals selected Shuster's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

Since his last appearance in the big leagues May 6, Shuster has turned in a 9.00 ERA and 2.39 WHIP alongside a 16:14 K:BB across 18 innings with Memphis. Despite his poor performance, he'll return to the Cardinals' bullpen to give the big club a fresh arm for the second game of its doubleheader against Milwaukee. Bruce Zimmermann was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Phillies plan to reinstate Keller (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Keller made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Lehigh Valley over the weekend, and the Phillies will give him two days to rest up before activating him from the IL. The right-hander has recoded three saves and 13 holds with a 4.15 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 31:12 K:BB across 30.1 innings this year.

Perez will serve as the Mets' opening pitcher Tuesday against the Royals.

After recording four outs in a 16-pitch appearance in Monday's 7-6 win, Perez will likely be capped at an inning or two in his start before turning the game over to the bullpen. Kodai Senga will be available on three days' rest and could be a candidate to cover multiple innings in long relief once Perez exits the game.

The Padres optioned Jacob to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Jacob has had three separate stints with the big club this season, allowing three runs with a 6:2 K:BB over five innings. His spot on the roster is being taken by Jhony Brito, who will be the Padres' bulk reliever in Tuesday's contest versus the Diamondbacks.

Stanek was removed from Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Brewers due to an apparent leg injury, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The right-hander was able to avoid a major collision at first base between Joey Ortiz and Bryan Torres as Ortiz beat out a bunt single, but Stanek appeared to jam his leg into the ground while attempting to slide into the bag. The specifics of the injury aren't clear, but 34-year-old is unlikely to be available for Tuesday's nightcap as he's evaluated.

The Mets designated Zuniga for assignment Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Zuniga was called up Monday and tossed a scoreless frame against Atlanta but now finds himself off the 26- and 40-man rosters a day later. The Mets will announce a corresponding roster move prior to Tuesday's game in Atlanta.

The Phillies recalled Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The right-hander was up with the Phillies for a few days in mid-June, when he allowed two runs on three hits with a 4:0 K:BB over four innings. Lazar, who has a 4.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 16 relief outings at Lehigh Valley, should fill a low-leverage role out of the bullpen for Philadelphia.

The Phillies optioned Backhus to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Backhus pitched each of the last two days, so the Phillies will replace him with a fresh bullpen arm. It will be Max Lazar taking Backhus' spot on the roster.

Atlanta recalled Karinchak from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

The right-hander was optioned to Gwinnett on Friday but will quickly rejoin the MLB bullpen since Tyler Kinley was placed on the paternity list. Karinchak pitched well after being promoted from Triple-A in early June, allowing just two earned runs with a 7:4 K:BB across 8.2 innings.