MLB Player News

Kimbrel pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save against the Braves on Thursday, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one batter.

Kimbrel's first appearance with the Cubs looked to be smooth sailing when he retired Brian McCann and Johan Camargo to begin the ninth inning, but things got interesting after he gave up a double and a walk to the next two batters. Freddie Freeman followed with a smash down the first base line that Anthony Rizzo snagged on one hop, diving to narrowly beat Freeman to first base and end the game. Kimbrel may exhibit some rust after sitting much of the season, but his career 1.91 ERA and 334 saves make him the obvious choice to close games for the Cubs the rest of the season.

Neris allowed three earned runs on four hits while managing to record just one out to blow the save Thursday against the Mets.

Neris entered the game in the ninth inning with the Phillies up one, but he quickly blew the lead by allowing a two-run homer to the third batter he faced. He then allowed two more singles prior to being pulled, though he was charged with another run after JD Hammer allowed an inherited runner to cross the plate. It was a disappointing effort for Neris and the second time in his last six appearances that he's allowed multiple earned runs. As a result, his ERA has jumped to 3.18, though he still has a strong 1.06 WHIP to go along with 46 strikeouts across 34 innings for the season.

Wilson gave up six runs (four earned) in 4.1 innings and did not factor into the decision against the Cubs on Thursday. He gave up six hits and one walk while striking out six.

On the day he was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Mike Foltynewicz's spot in the rotation, the 21-year-old was roughed up by the Cubs, giving up a home run to the first batter he faced and scuffling through a three-run fourth inning. He received plenty of offensive support but was pulled in the fifth after 82 pitches following an Anthony Rizzo RBI double that turned what was once a 6-1 lead into a 6-5 nailbiter. Neither of Wilson's starts have gone well this season -- in the other, he was pounded for four runs in 3.1 innings by Philadelphia -- so it remains to be season whether he'll remain in the rotation for another start.

Hader completed two perfect innings against the Mariners on Thursday, striking out three batters to earn the save.

Hader was summoned in the eighth inning to protect a three-run lead and made things look easy, retiring all six batters he faced -- including three by strikeout -- to earn his 19th save. It was the third straight outing of exactly two innings for Hader, each of which has resulted in a blemish-free save. After posting an uncharacteristic 4.63 ERA in April, the 25-year-old has been downright dominant in May and June, allowing only two runs while striking out 45 batters in 25 innings.

Diaz (1-5) allowed five earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one to blow the save and take the loss Thursday against the Phillies.

Diaz immediately blew the Mets' 3-1 lead, as he walked the first batter he faced and then allowed a two-run home run to Maikel Franco. However, the trouble didn't stop there, as he allowed three more hits, capped by a three-run home run to Jean Segura to give the Phillies the win. After beginning the season in similar fashion to his dominant 2018 campaign, Diaz has three outings in the past month in which he's allowed three or more earned runs. That's caused his ERA and WHIP to rise to 4.94 and 1.42 respectively, though he has still managed 50 strikeouts across 31 innings. Diaz will look to get back on track during the Mets' weekend series against the Braves.

Young had his contract selected from Triple-A Reno ahead of his scheduled start against the Giants on Thursday.

As expected, Young will join the big-league rotation. Prior to earning a promotion, the 25-year-old Young compiled a 5.79 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 32.2 innings (eight starts) with Reno. Assuming the southpaw holds his own in his big-league debut, he should be given an opportunity to stick in the rotation until Luke Weaver (forearm) returns. Steven Souza (knee) was transferred to the 60-day injured list to free up a 40-man spot for Young while Stefan Crichton was optioned to the minors to clear a spot on Arizona's active roster.

Howard (shoulder) allowed a hit and a walk, while striking out five, over three innings in his first rehab start since being sidelined in late April.

Howard needed just 24 pitches (20 strikes) to record nine outs following a lengthy absence. He'll presumably pick up another rehab start or two before rejoining the rotation at High-A Clearwater. A summer stint at Double-A Reading should follow barring any further injury setbacks.

Ferguson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Ferguson spent the past two weeks with the Dodgers, compiling a 4.26 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 12:2 K:BB across 6.1 innings (five appearances) during that stretch. Edwin Rios was summoned to the majors to take Ferguson's place on the roster.

Edwards (back) completed a bullpen session Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, Edwards checked out fine upon being re-evaluated Thursday and is slated to throw again Saturday. Edwards has been on the shelf since June 13 after being diagnosed with a left thoracic strain. If he can advance to facing hitters by early next week, he'll have a chance at making it back from the 10-day injured list before the All-Star break.

Barraclough (forearm) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Barraclough has been on the shelf since June 16 with radial nerve irritation in his right forearm. Wednesday's mound session is a step in the right direction for the right-hander, though he's slated to report to the Nationals' spring training facilities following Thursday's series finale in Miami to continue rehabbing, suggesting a return isn't imminent.