MLB Player News

Hu signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Thursday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Hu struggled to a 7.18 ERA across 57.2 innings with Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus before being cut loose by the Indians at the end of July. The righty does own a 3.52 ERA across 23 career big-league innings.

Castillo (forearm) was activated from the 60-day injured list Thursday.

He has not pitched in the majors this year and logged a 4.50 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 18:2 K:BB in eight innings during a rehab assignment that spanned stops at three levels of the minors. Castillo will pitch in mid-leverage spots down the stretch.

Morejon was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a left shoulder impingement.

The biggest knock on Morejon so far in pro ball has been his lack of durability. He missed time earlier this year with a shoulder injury and has never logged 70 innings in a season. Jose Castillo was activated from the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

Hart was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, vcbeur reports.

Hart was demoted in order to make room on the 25-man roster for free agent Brad Brach. The 28-year-old right-hander threw a scoreless frame against Pittsburg on Sunday and has now thrown 7.2 scoreless innings and owns a 1.04 WHIP across five major-league outings.

Menez is listed as the Giants' scheduled starter for Sunday's game against the Phillies.

Menez was called up from Triple-A Sacramento earlier this week and entered the rotation Tuesday as a replacement for the demoted Dereck Rodriguez. The rookie was tagged for five runs en route to taking a loss against the Nationals but was able to close on a high note, retiring 10 of the final 11 batters he faced in the six-inning outing. That strong finish will be enough for Menez to earn his third career start, all of which have come at Oracle Park.

Kinley was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Austin Brice (forearm) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. Kinley threw 4.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts since being recalled July 31. The 28-year-old owns a 4.34 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and a 32:19 K:BB in 29 innings of work in the majors.

Williams threw 1.2 innings in his big-league debut Wednesday and allowed two runs -- neither earned -- on three hits while posting a 3:1 K:BB.

Williams had some trouble keeping runners off the bases, which resulted in a couple runs crossing the plate for the Pirates. However, due to an error, neither was charged to his stat line. Williams showed some good stuff in his first appearance at the top level, averaging 96 mph with his fastball and mixing in a couple quality offspeed pitches. He will get more opportunities with the big club, but with the Brewers acquiring several pitchers at the trade deadline, he is the most likely player to be sent down if a roster spot is needed for another pitcher.

Holmes (triceps) will make a second rehab appearance at Double-A Altoona on Thursday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Holmes had been shut down for a little more than two weeks with right triceps inflammation before he was cleared to return to action with Altoona on Monday. He tossed two innings in that outing, giving up three runs on four hits and a walk. The Pirates' decision to let him make another appearance three days after he tossed 34 pitches suggests Holmes is progressing well and won't be in store for a lengthy rehab assignment.

Patino has earned a promotion to Double-A Amarillo, Tyler Maun of MiLB.com reports.

Patino, currently ranked as the Padres' No. 4 prospect, posted a 6-8 record along with a 2.69 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 113:34 K:BB over 87 innings with High-A Lake Elsinore. At 19 years of age, he'll become the youngest pitcher to throw in Double-A this season.

Pomeranz gave up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out three through three innings in a no-decision against the Pirates on Wednesday.

Pomeranz wasn't expected to pitch more than a few innings, and he delivered a solid effort despite allowing a solo home run. Since becoming a full-time reliever in late July, Pomeranz has an 0.87 ERA and an 0.58 WHIP. Although he technically was given the start in this bullpen game, Pomeranz is expected to remain in his reliever role.