MLB Player News

Underwood will start Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Underwood hasn't made a start since he covered four frames in his big-league debut in 2018, but he'll open Game 1 of Wednesday's twin bill. The right-hander has recorded more than six outs only twice this season and is unlikely to pitch deeper than an inning or two before giving way to the bullpen.

Helsley picked up the save Tuesday against Washington. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

Helsley found himself in a mini jam Tuesday, as he allowed a leadoff double and later walked a batter, but he came out unscathed to record his 14th save. The 28-year-old has converted the last two save opportunities for St. Louis after Giovanny Gallegos recorded a couple recently. Helsley figures to be the favorite for save opportunities down the stretch given his stellar 0.98 ERA and 0.70 WHIP on the season.

Graterol (elbow) is expected to begin throwing from a mound soon, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

A recent MRI on Graterol's elbow came back clean, and the reliever appears to have avoided a long-term injury. If all goes well when he resumes throwing, the right-hander could be activated soon after he's eligible in mid-September. Graterol has been one of the Dodgers' most effective relievers this season, posting a 3.02 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 39:10 K:BB over 44.2 innings while notching two wins, three saves and nine holds.

Brebbia will work as an opener in Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Brebbia gave up three earned runs his last time out, but that did not stop manager Gabe Kapler from naming him the starter for Tuesday's contest. Brebbia has recorded more than three outs just five times in his league-leading 63 appearances, so don't expect him to be out there too long Tuesday night.

Padilla was designated for assignment Tuesday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Padilla worked his way through three minor-league levels to reach the majors for the first time in late August, but the Cubs needed a spot on the 40-man roster and decided to take him off it.

The Cubs selected Estrada's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Earlier Thursday, the Cubs returned Estrada to Triple-A since he had previously been serving as a replacement for Justin Steele, who was unable to join the team for its series in Canada with the Blue Jays due to his vaccination status. Chicago thus needed to make a second transaction to add Estrada back to the 40-man roster and 28-man active roster as one of its two September call-ups. Estrada proceeded to appear out of the bullpen in an 8-4 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday, when he coughed up one run on one hit and one walk while recording two outs.

The Reds returned Moreta to Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

Moreta will head back to the minors after serving as the Reds' 29th man for Sunday's doubleheader with the Rockies. He appeared in relief in the Reds' 10-0 win in Game 2, striking out one over two scoreless innings while giving up one hit and issuing two walks.

The Rockies returned Blach to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Blach will head back to the minors after he served as the Rockies' 29th man for Sunday's doubleheader with the Reds. He appeared out of the bullpen in the Rockies' 10-0 loss in the second game of the twin bill, recording one strikeout in a scoreless inning.

Doval allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Monday's 7-4 win over the Dodgers.

Doval pitched for the third day in a row, but he was still effective. He threw 10 of 15 pitches for strikes in this outing and limited the damage to a two-out single by Miguel Vargas. During his recent stretch of usage, Doval has throw 3.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts. The closer is 20-for-23 in save chances this year while maintaining a 2.68 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 68:26 K:BB across 57 innings.

Williams issued one walk and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings while earning a save against the Rockies on Monday.

After earning a win in each of his last two outings, Williams picked up his first save since Aug. 28. He's now converted 10 of his 11 opportunities while going 6-3 and adding 25 holds through 57 appearances. Williams has turned in four straight scoreless outings, lowering his season ERA to 1.72 ERA with an 80:25 K:BB.