MLB Player News

Varland (hand) gave up three runs while getting one out in a rehab appearance for Low-A Wisconsin on Thursday and is scheduled for multiple innings Saturday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Varland allowed three hits in his rehab appearance and also issued a walk. The results are borderline inconsequential, as it's more important that the right-hander is getting closer to making it back to the Milwaukee bullpen after missing time with a bruise on his right hand. If Saturday's appearance goes well, Verland should rejoin the Brewers early next week.

Cubs manager David Ross confirmed Friday that Kilian will start Saturday against the Marlins, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kilian will get the start in the place of Jameson Taillon, after the latter was placed on the 15-day injured list with a groin injury. Kilian has registered a 7.15 ERA for Triple-A Iowa, but eight of the nine runs he's allowed over 11.1 innings came in his first start. The 25-year-old right-hander may not be a future ace, but he throws four pitches for strikes to keep hitters off-balance, and he could be a solid -- if unspectacular -- option while he's a member of the Chicago rotation.

Nance (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a 35-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Miami recently transferred Nance from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list as he continues his recovery from a February shoulder strain, but he's making steady progress and might be ready for activation around the time he's first eligible in late May.

Chargois (oblique) advanced Friday to throwing long toss from 120 feet, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The next step in his recovery should be mound work, which will possibly happen sometime next week. Out since April 10 because of a right oblique strain, Chargois appears on track to return to the Marlins' bullpen around early-to-mid May.

Quezada had his contract selected by the Marlins on Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Quezada will join the bullpen ahead of Friday night's series opener against the Cubs after posting a strong 2.35 ERA over 7.2 innings this season between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville. The 28-year-old right-hander figures to operate in low-leverage spots.

Smeltzer was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Johan Quezada will join the club in a corresponding move. Smeltzer, 27, had struggled to a 6.75 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB through 12 innings this season with Miami after performing pretty well in a swingman role last year with the Twins. He could draw interest on waivers.

Santillan (back) was transferred to the 60-day injured list by the Reds on Friday.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Matt Reynolds. Santillan was on a rehab assignment from a back injury earlier this month when he suffered a knee injury. It's not clear how long he'll be out, but he's now not eligible for activation for another month.

Puk (2-0) earned the win in Thursday's 5-4 victory over Atlanta, striking out one in a scoreless inning.

The Marlins brought Puk into the game in the eighth inning down 4-0, getting their closer some work as he hadn't pitched since Saturday. However, the southpaw would end up with the win after the Marlins rallied for five runs in the bottom half of the frame. The 28-year-old has been solid early in the season, allowing just one run in 10 innings while going 4-for-4 in save chances with a 0.80 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB. Puk seems to have locked down the closing role in Miami.

Iglesias (shoulder) struck out one over a perfect inning in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, Grant McAuley of 929 The Game reports.

Iglesias threw eight of 12 pitches for strikes in what looked to be a sharp showing on paper, although his velocity was down across the board, per Baseball Savant. It's not clear how many rehab appearances Atlanta will ask Iglesias to make, but the club will get him back soon. Whether Iglesias will be immediately thrown back into the ninth inning remains to be seen, but A.J. Minter's struggles in the role will encourage a quick return to closing duties for the right-hander.

Robertson picked up the save Thursday against the Nationals. He struck out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Robertson secured his first save in 11 days Thursday, holding the Nationals hitless for a second straight time. The dry spell was a result of a four-game skid by the Mets, dropping a pair of games to the Giants and to the Nationals before Thursday's victory. However, Robertson is tied for eighth in the league in saves this season and has allowed just one run and five hits over 11.1 innings.