MLB Player News

The Cubs reinstated Kimbrel (knee) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Sidelined since Aug. 3 with right knee inflammation, Kimbrel ended up missing just two weeks and was cleared to return from the IL without requiring a minor-league rehab assignment beforehand. The Cubs are expected to immediately reinstall him as the team's closer after taking a committee approach to save situations while he was sidelined.

Beede will stick in the rotation for Tuesday's start against the Cubs, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manager Bruce Bochy said, "it's our job to get him over the hump." Beede has surrendered 22 earned runs in 23.1 innings over his last five starts. Shaun Anderson (blister) could bump Beede from the rotation if the righty's struggles continue.

Rodney will be part of a closer-by-committee situation while Sean Doolittle (knee) is on the 10-day injured list, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Doolittle is not expected to be sidelined for long. Manager Dave Martinez said he will play matchups in the ninth inning while he is without his closer. Rodney, Daniel Hudson and Hunter Strickland are options to close while Doolittle is out.

Hudson will be part of a closer-by-committee situation while Sean Doolittle (knee) is on the 10-day injured list, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Doolittle was placed on the IL with knee tendinitis and is not expected to be sidelined long. While he is out, Hudson, Hunter Strickland and Fernando Rodney will be the top options for saves. Manager Dave Martinez says he will play the matchups in the ninth inning.

Jackson was recalled from Triple-A San Antonio prior to Sunday's game against the Nationals.

The Brewers used 10 pitchers in Saturday's 14-inning win against the Nationals, so they needed reinforcements. Jackson should work in low-to-mid-leverage situations.

Sborz was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Sborz did not pitch during his most recent stint in the majors and has given up six runs in three innings with the Dodgers this season. He should return when rosters expand in September.

Clarke (4-4) allowed five runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over 1.2 innings, striking out one and taking the loss Saturday against the Giants.

Clarke retired the Giants in order in the first inning but quickly loaded the bases in the second and allowed a grand slam to Brandon Belt. He was done for the game after an Evan Longoria sacrifice fly made it 5-2, lasting just 53 pitches in the appearance. Clarke now has a 5.74 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 49 strikeouts over 64.1 innings this season. After a lackluster performance, Clarke may not receive another turn in the rotation in place of Robbie Ray (back).

Melancon gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Dodgers.

The veteran reliever now has saves in two of his last four appearances for Atlanta, but he's been tagged for six total runs in the other two. Shane Greene struck out the side in a perfect eighth inning Saturday, and it's his performance as much as Melancon's own that will determine how long Melancon can hang onto ninth-inning duties for Atlanta.

Yates struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 34th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Phillies.

The 32-year-old continues to put up elite numbers in his first full season as a closer. Yates has converted 34 of 37 save chances while posting a 1.10 ERA and 78:9 K:BB through 49 innings, and perhaps most impressively given the long-ball madness occurring around him in 2019, he's served up only one home run all year.

Lamet (2-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 5-3 victory over the Phillies, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six.

The right-hander now has two quality starts in eight trips to the mound since returning from Tommy John surgery, and those performances account for his two wins. Lamet will take a 3.95 ERA and 55:17 K:BB through 41 innings into his next outing, at home against the Red Sox on Aug. 24.