MLB Player News

Colorado activated Mears (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Mears is recovered from the left oblique strain that sent him to the IL in late June, but the Rockies will keep him on the farm for the time being. He carries a rough 7.16 ERA in 16.1 innings of work this season at the Triple-A level.

Helsley (forearm) won't make a scheduled minor-league rehab appearance Wednesday due to soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

There's no word yet as to the severity of the setback, but Helsley now seems doubtful to return to the St. Louis bullpen at any point this week. Sidelined since June 12 because of a right forearm strain, he had allowed two earned runs through three one-inning rehab appearances with Double-A Springfield. Giovanny Gallegos and JoJo Romero have been sharing the Cardinals' closer role in recent weeks.

Thompson (knee) threw 25 pitches in a simulated appearance Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

That could be the final step before he is cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Thompson had posted a 4.56 ERA and 40:19 K:BB through 47.1 innings of relief this season with the Nationals before he landed on the 15-day injured in early August due to a left knee contusion.

Hughes (knee) threw a successful bullpen session Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hughes is scheduled for another mound workout later this week. He could be an option again for the Cubs' bullpen sometime in September if he is able to avoid setbacks in his recovery from June knee surgery.

The Cubs recalled Rucker from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rucker will return to the Cubs' bullpen mix ahead of Tuesday night's game against the White Sox. The 29-year-old right-hander has posted a 5.03 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 39:17 K:BB across 39.1 major-league innings this season.

The Cubs optioned Kilian to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Kilian has surrendered 10 earned runs in just 5.1 innings of work this season at the major-league level. Michael Rucker will join Chicago's bullpen Tuesday in a corresponding roster move.

The Dodgers selected Varland's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Varland has posted a promising 2.16 ERA and 39:8 K:BB in 33.1 innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City since being returned from the Brewers in May. Milwaukee had selected him away from Los Angeles in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. The 26-year-old right-hander is slated to work in middle relief for the NL West leaders.

Pittsburgh recalled Ramirez from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Ramirez will return to a multi-inning relief role with the Pirates ahead of Tuesday night's game against the Mets. He carries a 4.25 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 23 appearances this season at the MLB level.

The Mets optioned Miller to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

Miller earned a win in relief Monday against the Pirates, but he threw 31 pitches during that appearance and wasn't going to be available for a bit. Jose Butto will take his place in the Mets' bullpen ahead of Tuesday's game versus Pittsburgh.

Washington optioned La Sorsa to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Hunter Harvey (elbow) is back from the injured list in a corresponding roster move. La Sorsa has allowed 12 earned runs in 16.1 innings of work this season with the Nationals.