MLB Player News

Thompson allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two in three innings to earn the save against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Thompson entered Friday's game in the seventh inning with the Cubs leading 8-2. Although he gave up a solo home run to Daulton Varsho in the top of the ninth, he otherwise held the Diamondbacks in check to earn his first career save. The right-hander has now posted a 2.27 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 39.2 innings this season, but he likely won't see much high-leverage action.

Cleavinger was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Cleavinger has been effective while serving mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors this year, as he's posted a 2.12 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 17 innings across 20 appearances (one start). The southpaw will now head to the minors after Darien Nunez was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Graterol will be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Graterol was sent to the minors in early July, but he'll rejoin the big-league club ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rockies after Max Muncy was placed on the paternity list. The right-hander has posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in four innings across five relief appearances this year.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Kranick started Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks, and he allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in three innings. He'll now attempt to right the ship with the Triple-A club. The Pirates haven't yet announced who could fill his place in the starting rotation, but right-hander Luis Oviedo (quadriceps) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Bellatti was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Friday.

Bellatti's contract was selected by Miami on Monday, and he allowed five runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two in 2.1 innings across two relief appearances. He'll now be cast off the 40-man roster to make room for Deven Marrero.

Williams (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Williams has been able to throw off flat ground since early in the week, but he's now close to resuming mound work as he continues to make good progress in his recovery. The right-hander has been sidelined due to elbow discomfort since July 17, and it's not yet clear when he'll be able to return to game action.

Coonrod has been shut down by the Phillies after he recently experienced right elbow soreness following a rehab outing, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Coonrod began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 17, and he was hoping to return to the major-league club Sunday. While the Phillies think the right-hander could resume throwing as early as this weekend, he'll require more time before he's cleared to return to game action.

Helsley secured his seventh hold in Thursday's win over the Cubs, firing a scoreless seventh inning during which he allowed one hit.

The right-hander plowed through his frame on nine pitches (six strikes) despite having to work around a single. The scoreless effort extended a dominant stretch for Helsley, one that's seen him produce an 0.93 ERA and three holds over the 9.2 innings covering his last 11 appearances.

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) fired a scoreless first inning in Triple-A Memphis' win over Louisville on Thursday, allowing one walk.

The recovering right-hander threw 13 pitches overall, seven which found the strike zone. Ponce de Leon has been sidelined exactly one month, so there's likely several more rehab appearances in his future before he's deemed ready for activation.

Llovera was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Llovera had been with the team since Tuesday, allowing one run in two innings of work Thursday against Atlanta in his lone appearance. He'll make way for Alec Bohm to return from the COVID-19 injured list.