MLB Player News

Mears was optioned to the Pirates' alternate training site Saturday.

Mears made just one appearance since rejoining the major-league roster Thursday. He allowed one run on two hits and no walks while striking out three over 1.2 innings. He'll return to alternate camp after Carson Fulmer and Kyle Crick (shoulder) were added to the active roster.

Cabrera left Saturday's game as a result of a cracked fingernail on his left middle finger, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Cabrera pitched one scoreless inning Saturday, allowing no hits and one walk while striking out three. However, he was unable to progress as he exited the contest with a trainer prior to the seventh inning. It's unclear whether the southpaw will miss any additional time.

Smith was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Saturday.

Smith was recently sent to the Marlins' alternate training site, but he'll now be removed from the 40-man roster. It's unclear whether he'll find a spot with another organization via waivers. The southpaw allowed two runs on two hits while striking out four over 1.2 innings during two appearances this year.

Cabrera exited Saturday's game against Cleveland with an apparent injury, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Cabrera appeared to suffer an injury while warming up for the seventh inning Saturday. He left with a trainer, although the nature and severity of the issue are unclear.

Vesia (undisclosed) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins never provided reasoning for Vesia's trip to the injured list, but the young left-hander was officially activated ahead of the team's game against the Rays on Saturday and should find himself pitching in low-leverage scenarios moving forward.

Stephenson gave up three runs in the ninth inning while retiring only one batter against the Cubs on Friday, forcing the Reds to turn to Raisel Iglesias to close out the game.

Stephenson had entered the game protecting a 6-2 lead, but three hits -- two of them homers -- later and the Reds were hanging on for dear life. This might prevent the Reds from having Iglesias available for more than a batter or two in Saturday's doubleheader.

Alzolay will serve as the Cubs' 29th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Alzolay will be available out of the bullpen for Saturday's twin bill but should return to alternate camp following the pair of seven-inning contests. The right-hander started one game for the Cubs this season, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out six.

Ponce de Leon was optioned to the Cardinals' alternate training site Saturday.

Ponce de Leon was roughed up Friday as he was unable to escape the first inning of his start, and he'll be sent to alternate camp as a result. Johan Oviedo will take the right-hander's spot in the starting rotation for now, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

White was optioned back to the Dodgers' alternate training site Saturday to make space for the callup of Gavin Lux, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

White was called up two days ago and made an appearance in Friday's loss to the Rangers but will be sent back down after his brief stint at the big-league level.

Pomeranz is doing well in his recovery from a left shoulder strain and could come off the injured list Saturday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Pomeranz was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to Aug. 19, so Saturday marks the first day he is eligible to return. The left-hander has progressed to throwing bullpens and appears to be coming along well. "Everything up to today so far has been positive," manager Jayce Tingler indicated. "He's feeling good, and he felt good coming out of his bullpen." Pomeranz is likely to retake the Padres' closer role upon his return.