MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Thompson to the Arizona Complex League on Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Following the activation of Adbert Alzolay (forearm) from the 15-day IL, Thompson will be pushed off the active roster and continue working at the Cubs' facility in Arizona. He holds a 4.71 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through 28.2 innings on the year, and he could end up being a bullpen depth option in the postseason should the Cubs secure a spot.

The Cubs reinstated Alzolay (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

A strained right forearm sent Alzolay to the injured list Sept. 11, and he will now return for the Cubs' final series of the year as they attempt to secure the final NL Wild Card spot. The 28-year-old righty has been a crucial piece of Chicago's bullpen in 2023, posting a 2.71 ERA and 1.02 WHIP through 63 innings while racking up 22 saves. Keegan Thompson was optioned to the Arizona Complex League in a corresponding move.

The Brewers transferred Megill (paternity) to the restricted list Friday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

He was placed on the paternity list Tuesday, but his move to the restricted list will allow Megill to spend extra time away from the team. Manager Craig Counsell said the right-hander is expected to return to the team Saturday, so Megill's availability for the postseason seemingly won't be affected.

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

One day after recording his first major-league save, Small will head back to Triple-A in favor of Clayton Andrews. Small holds an 8.71 ERA and a 2.61 WHIP through 10.1 big-league innings in his career, though the 26-year-old lefty could still be in a position to compete for a spot in Milwaukee's bullpen during spring training next year.

The Brewers recalled Andrews from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Andrews had a largely successful season with Nashville, recording a 2.53 ERA and 1.23 WHIP through 57 innings. He has not had the same success at the major-league level, giving up eight earned runs over just 1.2 innings in three appearances. Nonetheless, Andrews will replace Ethan Small on the roster and could see action during Milwaukee's series against the Cubs if the Brewers opt to keep their primary bullpen pieces fresh for the playoffs.

The Reds placed Duarte on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder tightness.

Duarte's injury will put an early end to what has been a solid campaign. The 26-year-old finishes with a 3.69 ERA and 1.39 WHIP through 31.2 innings while also picking up the first save of his MLB career. Carson Spiers was recalled from Triple-A Louisville as a corresponding move.

The Pirates recalled Bolton from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Bolton has put up a rather unimpressive 6.52 ERA and 2.22 WHIP through 19.1 innings in the majors this season. Nonetheless, he will come up to give Pittsburgh a fresh bullpen arm for its final series against Miami. Luis Ortiz was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Nationals placed Garcia on the paternity list Friday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia is allowed to miss up to three games as he spends time with his expanding family, which would keep him out for the rest of the year. Tanner Rainey (elbow) was reinstated from the 60-day IL in a corresponding move and will take Garcia's place in the bullpen.

The Nationals reinstated Rainey (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Friday.

Rainey has been on the shelf all year while recovering from a Tommy John procedure he underwent in August 2022. He began a rehab assignment in early August of this year and posted a 3.75 ERA and 1.42 WHIP through 12 innings while striking out 13 batters and walking six. Rainey may make an appearance out of the Nats' bullpen before the end of the year, but he doesn't figure to serve in a prominent role as he re-adjusts to major-league batters.

Woodford is scheduled to start Friday's game against the Reds at Busch Stadium.

Woodford will make a second straight turn through the rotation in what will likely mark his final appearance of 2023. In his return from Triple-A Memphis last weekend in San Diego, Woodford struck out one over 3.2 innings and gave up one earned run on four hits and two walks. He threw 78 pitches in that outing, so Woodford should be fully stretched out Friday.