MLB Player News

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

Rucker has taken a notable step back from his 2022 campaign, accumulating a 5.17 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through 38.1 innings out of the bullpen. He could return to Chicago if he shows signs of improvement in the minors, but for now Hayden Wesneski will come up from Triple-A to take his spot on the staff.

Winn is dealing with soreness in his right elbow and will be examined by a specialist Saturday in San Francisco, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Winn holds a 4.09 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 22 major-league innings, though since being optioned to Triple-A Sacramento in early July he's surrendered six runs across 11 frames. Losing Winn would put a dent in the Giants' organizational pitching depth, as he's been able to hold his own as both a starter and reliever for San Francisco.

The Cardinals optioned Suarez to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Suarez allowed three runs over two innings in each of his two appearances for St. Louis, and will now head back to the minors in order to right the ship. Though his 4.08 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in Triple-A aren't too impressive, Suarez could return to the Cards' bullpen later this season if the major-league club needs a fresh arm.

Bruihl was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Friday.

Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday and has now also lost his spot on the 40-man roster. The 26-year-old lefty holds a 3.65 ERA and 43:21 K:BB in 66.2 career innings at the major-league level.

Mets manager Buck Showalter said Friday that he won't name a closer following the trade of David Robertson, with Ottavino and other options "on the table," Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

"All options are on the table... you might be surprised who might emerge," Showalter said. As DiComo points out, the right-handed Ottavino easily has the most closing experience in the current Mets bullpen with 39 career saves, but southpaw Brooks Raley has posted better numbers this season and collected a save Thursday. Both relievers are worth rostering in deeper fantasy leagues, but it sounds as if save opportunities will be split among multiple pitchers unless one seizes the role.

The White Sox traded Kelly and Lance Lynn to the Dodgers on Friday in exchange for Trayce Thompson (oblique), Nick Nastrini and Jordan Leasure, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Kelly spent three seasons with the Dodgers between 2019 and 2021, recording a 3.59 ERA and 1.22 WHIP through 105.1 innings. His numbers this season haven't quite been at the same level, but the Dodgers have developed a reputation for getting the most out of veteran pitchers. That being said, Kelly likely won't see nearly as many high-leverage situations with his new club as he did with the White Sox.

Robertston will officially be activated by the Marlins on Saturday, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

Robertson was traded from the Mets to the Marlins late Thursday but will need about a day to get settled in before reporting for duty. He is expected to take over as the closer for Miami, but if the club has a late-inning lead Friday they could turn to A.J. Puk or Tanner Scott.

The Brewers reinstated Wilson (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Friday.

Wilson has been out of action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2022, but he's now ready to make his debut in the Brewers' bullpen. Wilson made seven rehab appearances in Triple-A, surrendering just one run across 6.1 innings while striking out six batters and walking one. Milwaukee already has a solid setup corps in front of closer Devin Williams, so Wilson's role could be limited to middle relief. Bennett Sousa (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Legumina (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with the Reds' Arizona Coast League affiliate Friday.

Legumina has been on the shelf since mid-June with right shoulder discomfort but has been throwing without issue lately. He is expected to require about a week and a half's worth of rehab games before being an option for the Reds' bullpen.

Sousa (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Justin Wilson's return. Sousa is beginning a rehab assignment with the Brewers' Arizona Coast League affiliate Friday, so he could be ready for activation when first eligible in early August. He's been out since early June with left shoulder nerve irritation.