MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

After Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) landed on the injured list earlier this week, Atlanta went with a bullpen day in Saturday's 9-6 loss to the Orioles when his turn in the rotation came up. Aaron Bummer recorded Atlanta's first seven outs before Dodd entered and allowed two earned runs on two hits over 2.2 innings. Since Dodd tossed 39 pitches Saturday and was unlikely to be available out of the bullpen for another day or two, Atlanta opted to swap him off the 26-man roster for a fresh bullpen arm in Jesse Chavez, who was called up from Triple-A.

Atlanta selected Chavez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Chavez will regain a spot on Atlanta's 40-man roster for the third time this season, as he had previously elected free agency and re-signed with the organization on minor-league deals after being designated for assignment on two occasions in April. Since signing his latest contract May 1, the 41-year-old righty has pitched well for Gwinnett, logging a 2.22 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 24:12 K:BB in 24.1 innings. He'll likely fill a low-leverage role for Atlanta.

Bachar didn't allow a baserunner or strike out a batter in the ninth inning to earn the save Saturday against the Brewers.

Calvin Faucher and Ronny Henriquez pitched the seventh and eighth innings of a 2-2 game, and Bachar was called upon for the save chance after Miami scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth. The right-hander has been a reliable bullpen option for Miami this year with a 3.29 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 42:21 K:BB over 41 innings, and he hasn't been scored upon in his past 11.1 frames. Bachar isn't likely to see regular save chances but could get the occasional opportunity when Miami's top arms have already been used or are unavailable.

Nelson (5-2) earned the win Saturday against the Royals, allowing one run on four hits and no walks over seven innings. He struck out five.

Since surrendering seven runs over three innings June 3 in Cincinnati, Nelson has been lights out, giving up just five earned runs with a 0.78 WHIP and 36:6 K:BB across his past five starts. The right-hander opened the campaign as a reliever, but he's taken advantage of the absence of Corbin Burnes (elbow) and has pretty well cemented his spot at the back end of Arizona's rotation. Nelson has a 3.39 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 64:21 K:BB over 74.1 innings, and he lines up to face the Angels on the road next weekend.

Keller (3-1) allowed five runs on five hits in an inning of relief to take the loss Saturday against the Cardinals. He struck out one.

Keller struggled with the long ball, allowing a solo home run to Alec Burleson and a three-run shot to Yohel Pozo during the eighth inning. The rough outing -- the first time Keller has allowed any runs over his last seven appearances -- pushed Keller's ERA from 1.82 to 2.88. Even with the bad game, the veteran righty has been a key relief piece for the Cubs this season, posting a 1.16 WHIP and 38 strikeouts across 40.2 innings out of the bullpen.

Wrobleski (4-3) tossed 4.2 innings in bulk relief Saturday, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out six batters to take the loss.

Shohei Ohtani gave the Dodgers two scoreless frames to begin the game, but Wrobleski couldn't hold a 2-0 lead. He gave up four runs in his initial frame, then served up a solo homer in the fourth inning. To Wrobleski's credit, he gave Los Angeles some needed length and retired 12 of the final 14 batters he faced, but the early damage against him was too much for the Dodgers to overcome. It appears Ohtani will continue to build up his workload gradually and slowly, so Wrobleski may continue to work in a bulk role behind the two-way star. If that ends up being the case, both hurlers could next see action against San Francisco next weekend.

Lawrence (elbow) progressed to throwing from 120 feet Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Lawrence has been sidelined since April 25 and received a platelet-rich plasma injection one month later. This is his first reported progress since, though he's still likely at least a few weeks away from being activated from the injured list.

Mayza (shoulder) progressed to throwing from 120 feet Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Mayza has been sidelined since April 19 and is already eligible to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list. While this activity marks positive progress, he'll need to throw bullpen sessions and engage in a rehab assignment before being activated.

Borucki (back) resumed throwing bullpen sessions Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Borucki has been sidelined since June 21, and this was his first reported progress since. He has no official timeline for a return, but he could be available shortly before or after the All-Star break.

Flexen didn't factor in the decision Saturday against the Cardinals after giving up one run on four hits and no walks over 3.2 innings as a bulk reliever. He struck out two.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that the veteran right-hander was a candidate to get stretched out after Jameson Taillon (calf) was placed on the injured list, and Flexen then pitched behind an opener Saturday. The 31-year-old has excelled as a relief option for the Cubs this year with a 0.83 ERA across 32.2 innings, and it appears he'll now get a look as a rotation piece. Flexen threw 64 pitches in Saturday's contest, and it's unclear if Chicago plans to utilize him as a traditional starter or keep him in the bulk role.