MLB Player News

The Cubs activated Miller from the 10-day injured list Wednesday and designated him for assignment, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Despite having pitched only two innings this season, Miller and his astronomical 31.50 ERA no longer have a place on the Cubs' pitching staff, which has improved significantly since the veteran landed on the injured list April 23. The righty has not pitched well the past three seasons, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see a pitching-needy team add him to provide innings out of the bullpen.

Martin wasn't available to pitch Tuesday due to side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Manager Brian Snitker didn't sound too concerned about Martin's status following Tuesday's game but said that the right-hander wasn't available. It's not yet clear whether Martin will be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale against Boston.

Hildenberger was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento after clearing waivers Wednesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Hildenberger was claimed off waivers by the Giants on May 18 but was designated for assignment Friday. He'll now head to the minors to serve as organizational depth going forward.

Mears was recalled by the Pirates on Wednesday.

Mears began the 2021 campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis after he was sent down in mid-March. He made four relief appearances in the minors and allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out seven in 3.2 innings. Mears should serve mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors.

Rainey (COVID-19 protocols) threw an extended bullpen session Wednesday, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Rainey had been on the COVID-19 injured list since May 19, but he was cleared to return to the team's clubhouse Tuesday. Manager Dave Martinez said that Rainey will be reinstated from the injured list Thursday if the right-hander continues to feel good following his throwing session.

Loup has been charged with a run in four of his last seven appearances and sports a 5.40 ERA and 1.95 WHIP through 6.2 innings in May.

The veteran reliever didn't allow an earned run in April, but he hasn't been as successful since the calendar flipped. Loup remains the top lefty in the Mets' bullpen though, and he has one win, four holds, a 3.00 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and a 13:2 K:BB through 12 innings across 16 appearances.

Castro (1-1) picked up the win Tuesday against the Rockies, striking out four over two scoreless innings while walking one.

The right-hander was the first pitcher out of the bullpen after Jacob deGrom got the hook following five strong innings in his return to the rotation, and Castro was rewarded for his dominant effort when the Mets took the lead for good in the sixth. On the season, the 26-year-old has three holds in addition to his win with a 2.79 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 30:10 K:BB through 19.1 innings.

Smith picked up the save Tuesday against the Red Sox with a scoreless inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

Smith is now 8-for-8 in save opportunities, though this was the first one he picked up since May 6. The 31-year-old might have a 5.00 ERA across 10 appearances this month, but he also owns an 11.0 K/9 in that span.

Devenski has opted to undergo elbow surgery, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed he wouldn't be able to expound on the nature of the procedure until a surgeon is able to see the extent of the ligament damage. However, it sounds like there are a number of potential scenarios for Devenski in play, including Tommy John surgery.

Neris allowed one hit and didn't have a walk or a strikeout during a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Tuesday in Miami.

The 31-year-old surrendered an infield single with two outs to Garrett Cooper, but he otherwise had no issues with the Marlins. Neris is 8-for-10 in save opportunities with a 2.08 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 26:7 K:BB across 21.2 innings this season.