MLB Player News

Thompson (back) will begin a rehab assignment Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson has not encountered any issues since resuming throwing in late August, and he is ready to resume pitching in games. Barring any setbacks, he should rejoin the Cubs at some point before the season comes to a close.

Cruz will work as an opener in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Raynel Espinal is expected to be the primary pitcher out of the bullpen after Cruz gets a few outs to open the game. Cruz has a 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings over five appearances since getting promoted for September.

Bednar (back) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Indianapolis, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

After missing more than a month of action with a back injury, Bednar is ready to get back up on the bump. It's unclear how many times he will throw in the minors before being activated from the injured list, but his return should not be far off.

Treinen (shoulder) played catch Sunday and expressed optimism that he'll be ready to return from the 15-day injured list prior to the postseason, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Treinen was shelved in late April with right shoulder discomfort and missed more than four months before being activated Sept. 2, only to land on the IL one week later following two relief appearances with the Dodgers. On a positive note, Treinen's latest setback with his shoulder doesn't appear to be a major concern, as the Dodgers haven't shut him down from throwing. He'll work on strengthening the shoulder over the next week or so before potentially making his way back from the IL shortly before the regular season ends Oct. 5.

Nelson (2-1) picked up Monday's loss to the Dodgers, allowing three runs one hit, one walk and a hit batsman without retiring a batter.

Nelson came in after starter Ryne Nelson flummoxed the Dodgers over six shutout innings. The reliever Nelson, who had four straight scoreless appearances since coming off the injured list Sept. 1, left with none out and bases loaded. The lefty reliever has a 2.19 ERA, 30 strikeouts, 14 walks and 11 holds through 37 innings.

Alexander earned a save against Atlanta on Monday, allowing one hit over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Alexander entered with two outs and the tying run at third base in the eighth inning. He got Matt Olson to fly out to end the threat, then navigated past a leadoff single in the ninth to complete his first save of the campaign. Alexander had seven career saves coming into Monday, but his last one was in 2018. The left-hander got the opportunity because regular closer Camilo Doval had pitched each of the past two days, so it's unlikely Alexander will see many save chances moving forward despite his impressive appearance Monday.

Crowe allowed two hits and two walks over two scoreless innings Monday, striking out one and earning a save over the Reds.

Crowe put two Reds on base in each of the eighth and ninth frames but escaped both threats to finish off the 6-3 win. He was 2-3 with a blown save and a 6.39 ERA over his 12 previous outings since he last recorded a save Aug. 2. The 28-year-old lowered his season ERA to 3.64 with a 64:34 K:BB through 56 appearances.

Wilson (3-8) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks over 5.2 innings Monday, striking out four and earning a win over the Reds.

Wilson turned in three shutout innings to begin the game before serving up a two-run shot to Aristides Aquino in the fourth. The 24-year-old righty has given up at least three runs in six straight starts, posting a 6.43 ERA through 28 frames during that stretch. His season ERA is now sitting at 6.03 with a 62:24 K:BB through 21 appearances. Wilson is projected to face the Mets on the road this weekend.

Hughes allowed one run on one hit across 1.2 innings and earned the save in Monday's 5-2 win over the Mets.

Hughes recorded the final two outs of the eighth inning before also working the ninth. The lefty allowed a solo home run to Francisco Lindor but rebounded to retire Jeff McNeil to end the game. Hughes now has five saves and a solid 3.24 ERA this season across 50 innings, and he's struck out 61 batters. He should continue to see save chances for the Cubs along with righty Rowan Wick, depending on matchups.

Assad (1-1) allowed just one run on five hits across six innings to earn the win Monday against the Mets. He walked three and struck out six.

Assad once again pitched well, and the Cubs scored five runs in the first four innings, propelling the rookie to his first MLB win in his fourth career start. The righty struggled with walks again, and he now has 10 free passes across 21.1 innings this year, but he's otherwise been solid with a 2.53 ERA. Assad will look to keep rolling in his next scheduled start, which is currently penciled in for next Monday against the Marlins.