MLB Player News

Kimbrel hit a batter but struck out the side in a scoreless inning to earn the save in the Cubs' second game of a doubleheader Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a two-run lead, and he turned in a vintage performance to record his first save of the season. The only blip came when he hit Tommy Edman with a pitch, the third batter of the inning. Aside from that, Kimbrel showed improved control, finding the zone with 13 of his 20 pitches while also generating five called strikes and two swinging strikes. Both Rowan Wick and Jeremy Jeffress have served in the closer role since Kimbrel's early struggles, though it's possible that Kimbrel can regain the role, particularly if he can repeat this success.

Alzolay allowed one run (none earned) on two hits and one walk while striking out six across five innings in the second game of the Cubs' doubleheader Wednesday against the Cardinals. He did not factor into the decision.

Alzolay was recalled by the Cubs to make his first appearance with the big-league club in 2020. He was very effective, earning 12 of his 15 outs between strikeouts and groundouts combined. Give that this was only a spot start and Jose Quintana (finger) should be able return shortly, it's unlikely that Alzolay sticks in the rotation despite the impressive effort.

Grace had his contract selected by the Diamondbacks and was added to the major-league roster Wednesday.

Grace joined the Diamondbacks in the offseason as a non-roster invitee, and he'll now receive a chance with the big-league club. The veteran left-hander had a 2.87 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 56 appearances for the Nationals in 2018, but he struggled last year with a 6.36 ERA.

Chafin was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left finger sprain.

Chafin has surrendered six runs on nine hits through 6.2 innings this season, though it's unclear how long he's been battling the finger injury. Matt Grace had his contract selected from the alternate training site in a corresponding move.

Howard (finger) will start Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Howard was pulled from his previous start due to a blister, but he won't be forced to miss a turn through the rotation as a result. Through two appearances this season, the 24-year-old has allowed seven earned runs on 14 hits across eight innings. Vince Velasquez is scheduled to start the second game of Thursday's twin bill.

Venditte underwent an MRI on his right oblique Wednesday, Andre Fernandez of Sirius XM Radio reports.

Venditte left Tuesday's game against the Mets with an injury which was already diagnosed as a right oblique strain. The MRI should determine the severity of the strain as well as roughly how much time the switch-pitcher will miss.

Suarez was recalled by the Giants on Wednesday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Suarez continues his shuffle between the active roster and the alternate training site, even though he hasn't appeared in any games so far in 2020. Outfielder Steven Duggar was sent down in a corresponding move.

Yacabonis was sent from San Diego to Seattle in exchange for cash considerations Wednesday.

Yacabonis signed a minor-league deal with the Padres over the offseason but never made it onto the 40-man roster, let alone the active roster. He'll remain off both rosters in Seattle but will be part of the team's player pool. All of the 28-year-old righty's big-league innings to date have come with Baltimore, where he posted a 5.75 ERA in 101.2 innings over the last three seasons, striking out just 16.1 percent of opposing batters while walking 12.2 percent.

Gonzalez was recalled from the Dodgers' alternate training site Wednesday, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

With Tony Gonsolin getting optioned down since the Dodgers don't need a sixth starter anytime soon, Gonzalez was brought up to help out the bullpen. He gave up one run in one inning in his lone appearance this season and will work in low-leverage situations.

Alzolay (forearm) was recalled by the Cubs on Wednesday and will serve as the 29th man for the doubleheader against the Cardinals, starting the nightcap.

Alzolay was hit by a ball at the team's alternate training site earlier in the week and suffered a forearm contusion, but the injury was never thought to be serious, as Wednesday's move confirms. Alzolay made two starts and two relief appearances for the Cubs last season without much success, posting a 7.30 ERA and a 1.78 WHIP.