MLB Player News

Manager Dave Roberts said Kimbrel is unavailable Wednesday against the Pirates while attempting to clean up some of his mechanics, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kimbrel last pitched Monday and blew the save against the Pirates, and he's given up runs in each of his past three outings. The right-hander's delivery has become too rotational, according to Roberts, so the veteran closer is taking a couple days off in an attempt to right the ship. Kimbrel is expected back on the mound by at least Friday, so he could also be available for any potential save situation Thursday versus the Mets. Daniel Hudson is the likely bet to step in for a save chance Wednesday, should one arise.

Hudson (4-2) allowed a run on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts in seven innings, earning the win Wednesday over the Padres.

Hudson had missed the five-inning mark in three of his last four starts, but he bounced back with his longest outing of the year Wednesday. The lone run on his line came from a Manny Machado RBI single in the first inning. This was also just the second time in 10 starts that Hudson's issued less than two walks -- the first time was in his season debut. He's done fairly well despite the shaky command, posting a 2.96 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 28:24 K:BB through 51.2 innings this year. He'll look to build off of this strong outing next week in a road start versus the Rays.

Rucker (toe) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Rucker was on the injured list since May 19, but he recently made a rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa and allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless inning. The right-hander should reclaim his role as a low-leverage reliever in the Cubs' bullpen.

Rodriguez (elbow) was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and placed on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Rodriguez has been on the 7-day minor-league injured list with a right elbow strain since April 14, and Wednesday's move will clear a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster. The right-hander will be eligible to return in mid-June, but it seems likely that he'll head back to the minors once he's cleared for game action.

Long was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

Long was sent to the minors in early May, and he posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 7.1 innings over five relief appearances in Sacramento. He's made nine appearances (three starts) for the Giants this year and should take on a bullpen role during his current stint with the major-league club.

Pop was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to serve as the 27th man in Wednesday's doubleheader against the Rockies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Pop was sent to the minors in early May, and he posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 7.2 innings over seven relief appearances in Jacksonville since then. The right-hander will provide additional bullpen depth during Wednesday's twin bill before likely heading back to the minors.

Rolison (shoulder) hasn't made as much progress in his recovery as the Rockies had hoped, so he'll visit a specialist next week, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Rolison was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left shoulder strain at the end of spring training, but his injury hasn't improved much over the last several weeks. A better idea of the left-hander's status will likely come into focus after he's examined by a specialist.

The Rockies recalled Smith from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

Since he's being designated as the Rockies' 27th man for Wednesday's doubleheader with the Marlins, Smith is eligible to rejoin the big club one day after being optioned to Triple-A. The 26-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut over the weekend in Washington, striking out one in a scoreless inning of relief. He'll likely be returned to Albuquerque following the twin bill.

Smith (finger) retired four of the seven batters he faced via strikeout and allowed two hits and no walks over 1.2 innings out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 10-0 win over the Nationals.

Smith was back on the mound just two days after dislocating his right pinkie finger during his relief appearance in Sunday's win over the Phillies. He had no issues with finding the zone or making bats miss Tuesday, as he threw 23 of his 29 pitches for strikes and induced five swinging strikes. The Mets will likely aim to stay away from Smith in Wednesday's series finale one day after the lengthy appearance, but his finger injury doesn't look to be anything that will bother him moving forward.

VerHagen (3-0) earned the extra-inning win Tuesday versus the Padres. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in one inning.

VerHagen kept the Padres off the board in the 10th inning, and he was rewarded with the win when Albert Pujols plated the game-winning run with a sacrifice fly. In his last four outings, VerHagen has picked up three wins while allowing two runs, four hits and four walks in 5.2 innings. The right-hander has a 3.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 9:9 K:BB across 13.1 innings, but his usage lately suggests he's trusted to pitch in close games even if he's seen mostly middle-relief assignments.