MLB Player News

Kranick was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Wednesday's start against the White Sox.

Kranick made four minor-league starts since he was sent down in early August, and he posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 16 innings during that time. He's given up at least three runs in each of his last four major-league outings but will attempt to turn things around against the White Sox on Wednesday.

Cubs manager David Ross said Tuesday that Alzolay (hamstring) will serve as a reliever once he's reinstated from the 10-day injured list, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports. "Try to control his innings out of the pen, unless something changes in our rotation," Ross said of his plans for Alzolay for the rest of the season.

Before a left hamstring strain sent him to the IL on Aug. 14, Alzolay had already tallied 106.1 innings on the season, an increase of 85 innings from his 2020 total. With little at stake for the non-contending Cubs over the final month of the season, limiting the 26-year-old's workload makes sense. Even though he faded in his six starts out of the All-Star break with a 6.52 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, Alzolay's solid first-half numbers (4.66 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 9.4 K/9) are probably enough to keep his spot in the rotation fairly secure heading into 2022.

Strahm (knee) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Strahm landed on the injured list with right knee inflammation Aug. 18, and he'll miss the remainder of the regular season as a result. The left-hander made six appearances (one start) in the majors this year and recorded an 8.10 ERA and 2.40 WHIP in 6.2 innings. His move to the 60-day IL clears space on the 40-man roster for Taylor Williams (knee), who was reinstated from the 60-day IL on Wednesday.

Lamet (hip/forearm) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Lamet concluded a rehab assignment last week and will rejoin the major-league club after he threw live batting practice Wednesday. The right-hander had been sidelined since late June due to forearm and hip issues. Although he served mainly as a starter earlier in the season, he'll take on a bullpen role now that he's back to full health.

Webb was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Webb was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Aug. 17, and he allowed three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six in 3.2 innings across four minor-league appearances since then. However, he'll provide an extra arm in Atlanta's bullpen since active rosters expanded Wednesday. The right-hander will serve mainly as a low-leverage reliever since he has a 4.29 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 21 innings across 20 appearances with Atlanta in 2021.

The Rockies recalled Lawrence from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Lawrence is one of three Rockies relievers who received a call-up Wednesday with the active roster expanding from 26 to 28 men. He'll likely have to settle for low-leverage work out of the bullpen after struggling to the tune of a 7.16 ERA and 2.20 WHIP over 16.1 innings with the big club earlier in 2021.

Hudson (elbow) is scheduled to move his rehab assignment to Double-A Springfield on Thursday to make his second appearance, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

He'll return to the mound on four days' rest after he tossed two scoreless frames for Low-A Palm Beach on Saturday in what was his first game action since last September, when he suffered a strained right forearm that ultimately required Tommy John surgery. Hudson has made a remarkably quick recovery from the procedure and looks like he'll be on track to return from the 60-day injured list by the middle of September to join St. Louis in a bullpen role. Since the Cardinals still view Hudson as a rotation option for 2022, however, Jones relays that the right-hander will likely stick on a starter's rehab schedule and build up his pitch count in his minor-league appearances.

Helsley (elbow/knee) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Helsley was initially placed on the injured list with a right elbow injury, but he recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee and will officially miss the remainder of the season following his move to the 60-day IL. It's not yet clear whether the 27-year-old will be ready for the start of spring training in 2022.

Diaz struck out two in a perfect seventh inning Tuesday to record his 27th save of the season in the second game of a doubleheader against the Marlins.

The 27-year-old hasn't blown a save since July 19, posting a stellar 1.20 ERA. 0.60 WHIP and 21:3 K:BB over his last 15 innings while racking up eight saves. When Diaz is locked in, there are few better closers in baseball, but the Mets will need him to stay focused in September if they're going to climb back into the playoff picture.

Melancon earned the save over the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, allowing two hits while striking out three over one scoreless inning.

Blake Snell pitched seven no-hit innings and Pierce Johnson followed with a scoreless frame to get the ball to Melancon with a three-run, ninth-inning lead. The veteran closer made things interesting, allowing a pair of two-out singles to bring the tying run to the plate, but he was able to shut the door by striking out Pavin Smith. Melancon hasn't allowed a run over his past 9.1 innings, converting all four of his save chances over that span. His 36 saves on the campaign lead MLB.