MLB Player News

Kimbrel retired a single batter to secure the save in Sunday's win over the Diamondbacks.

Chicago started the ninth inning with Dillon Maples, but he allowed a run and put another two runners on base with two outs, so the Cubs turned to Kimbrel to end the threat. The veteran reliever now has 23 saves this season in 25 chances, and he has an elite 0.50 ERA. After down years in 2019 and 2020, Kimbrel has reclaimed his spot as a top fantasy option.

Helsley (5-4) retired both batters he faced, one by strikeout, to earn the win Sunday versus Cincinnati.

After a wild effort from Johan Oviedo, Helsley was called upon to get the last two outs of the fifth inning. He did so on just six pitches, and that was enough for the 27-year-old to collect the win. Helsley has been solid in his last 20 innings, allowing six runs while posting a 14:9 K:BB in that span. For the year, he has a 4.79 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 37:24 K:BB in 41.1 innings, but he's improved throughout the season. The right-hander has added one save, one blown save and seven holds.

Hand (5-4) allowed two runs on one hit and one walk in a third of an inning to take the loss against the Orioles on Sunday.

Hand entered Sunday's game in the bottom of the ninth inning to preserve a one-run lead, but he hit Maikel Franco on a two-strike count to lead off the frame before giving up two runs as he failed to convert on his save chance. The southpaw earned a win and picked up a save in his first two outings after the All-Star break, but he's allowed four runs (three earned) in 2.1 innings across his last two appearances, and he's been charged with back-to-back losses.

Topa (elbow) is progressing well in his rehab but is still several weeks away from a return, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Topa was recently transferred to Double-A Biloxi to continue his rehab assignment, and he's now made four total rehab outings since July 13. Across those appearances, the righty has allowed one hit and no walks while striking out seven in four scoreless innings. Although the Brewers are pleased with Topa's strong results, he'll likely head to Triple-A Nashville at some point before a potential return from the injured list around mid-August.

The Dodgers reinstated Nelson (back) from the 10-day injured list prior to Sunday's game against the Rockies.

Los Angeles placed outfielder Mookie Betts (hip) on the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. Nelson was sidelined for just over two weeks with a left lumbar strain. The 32-year-old reliever owns a 2.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB across 27 innings this season.

Garcia recorded his 15th save of the season Saturday against the Padres after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, walking one and fanning one.

Garcia handled the ninth inning with a one-run lead and while he walked Trent Grisham to start his outing, he quickly closed things out by striking out Manny Machado and then inducing Wil Myers into a double play. This was Garcia's 15th save of the season and he has converted each of his last six save chances.

Hill (5-5) was tagged with the loss Saturday against the Marlins after allowing two runs on three hits and a walk while fanning one across two-thirds of an inning.

Hill pitched the seventh inning but couldn't complete the entire frame, as he gave up runs that would be decisive for the outcome of the contest via two-run single from Jesus Aguilar. This outing ended Hill's run of six straight scoreless appearances, though he only covered 3.1 innings over that span.

Lamet (forearm) pitched one inning against live hitters Saturday, MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been sidelined due to right forearm inflammation since June 26, so Saturday's throwing session represents a tangible step toward a return. Lamet mixed both fastballs and sliders into his simulated inning of work and indicated that he felt good after throwing. According to manager Jayce Tingler, it is unclear where Lamet goes from here. "I don't know what exactly that the next step will be," said Tingler. "If we decide to go on a rehab assignment, or if we do one more [facing live hitters], what exactly that looks like. We wanted to kind of see how this one went, and it went really well."

The Cubs are optioning Megill to Triple-A Iowa to make room on the roster for David Bote (shoulder), who is returning from the injured list Sunday.

Megill has been shuttling between Triple-A and the majors recently, as he was sent to Iowa in late June, recalled Thursday and is now getting sent back down a few days later. The righty has logged 4.2 innings for the Cubs this year, recording an 11.57 ERA. Megill could very well return to the big club at some point, though his fantasy value will be fairly limited in a low-leverage role.

Weathers did not factor in the decision against Miami on Saturday, hurling four scoreless innings during which he allowed two hits and three walks while striking out four. He also hit a solo home run in his only at-bat.

The left-hander returned to the mound after spending nearly two weeks on the shelf with an ankle injury. He had some control issues -- Weathers walked three and threw only 42 of 73 pitches for strikes -- but managed to keep the Marlins off the scoreboard across four innings. He helped his own cause with a third-inning solo shot -- the first long ball of his career. Weathers figures to stick in the rotation now that he is back to full health and is currently slated to make his next start at home against Colorado late next week.