MLB Player News

Strop pitched a perfect ninth inning with a strikeout in Wednesday's win over the Brewers.

With the Cubs up 8-4, it wasn't a save situation for Strop, but the ninth-inning appearance only further cemented his status as the team's go-to closer with Brandon Morrow (biceps) on the disabled list. Morrow is expected to throw off a mound this weekend, though no concrete timeline for his return has been established, meaning Strop should continue to receive save chances for the time being.

Hudson (forearm) is expected to return from the 10-day disabled list Friday, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hudson has been on the disabled list since Aug. 7 with forearm tightness, but he's been cleared to rejoin the Dodgers on Friday after getting through a simulated game with no issues Tuesday. The 31-year-old posted a 3.92 ERA across 43.2 innings prior to landing on the shelf.

Barraclough (back) threw a simulated game Wednesday, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Barraclough hit the disabled list Friday with lower-back stiffness. He's eligible to return Sunday, and the fact that he's back throwing suggests that he has a shot to do so, though a timetable has not yet been announced.

Webb was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

Webb will head to the minors to make way for Brett Cecil (foot), who was activated from the disabled list in a corresponding move. The lefty made five appearances in his latest stint with the Cardinals, allowing just five baserunners over 5.2 scoreless innings.

General manager David Sterns said Wednesday that the Brewers are "running out of time" to get Nelson (shoulder) back in the fold this season, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Nelson is continuing to gradually work his way back from September shoulder surgery, but it's becoming apparent that a return this season is unlikely. Although Nelson has officially spent time on the mound in recent weeks, he's yet to truly advance to pitching off a raised surface, since the extent of his sessions are basically just him playing catch off the mound. Sterns refrained from ruling Nelson out for the rest of the year, but he will need to make a lot of progress over the next few weeks to have a chance at returning in 2018. Sterns added that Nelson may pitch this offseason in either the instructional league or the Arizona Fall League if he is unable to come off the DL this season.

Smith picked up his third save in as many days, firing a scoreless ninth inning while giving up a hit and striking out two in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Smith blew a save chance Aug. 6, but he has responded with three consecutive scoreless saves to tighten his grip on the ninth-inning gig in San Francisco. The 29-year-old is experiencing his best season in the majors with a 2.01 ERA and 12.5 K/9 over 40.1 innings coming off of Tommy John surgery.

Suarez did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers, firing six scoreless innings with four strikeouts against two hits and three walks.

Suarez was locked in a pitchers' duel with Dodgers starter Alex Wood, but a late blown save cost the 25-year-old a shot at his fifth win. Though Tuesday's outing was an effective one, the lefty induced just five swinging strikes and has struck out five or fewer in seven straight with a pedestrian 28:14 K:BB over 38.2 innings in that span. The rookie carries a 4.40 ERA (4.11 FIP) and 1.30 WHIP into Sunday's scheduled start in Cincinnati.

Boxberger gave up a run on a hit and a walk in an inning of work but still came away with his 27th save of the season Tuesday against the Rangers. He struck out two.

Boxberger allowed a leadoff triple to Jurickson Profar before a sacrifice fly brought him in. He also issued a two-out walk but was able to strike out the final batter to end the threat. The run brought Boxberger's ERA up to 3.46 to go along with a 1.25 WHIP, but he's converted 11 of his last 12 save opportunities and appears to have a grasp on the job for the time being.

Richards allowed five runs on 10 hits and two walks across 4.1 innings in Tuesday's no-decision against the Braves. He struck out three.

Richards struggled from the jump, allowing a pair of solo home runs in the first inning. He gave up two more runs on two hits, a walk and a wild pitch in the third before the hosts plated one more as three straight batters reached in the fifth. Richards set season highs for hits and baserunners allowed in this one while his ERA jumped up to 4.28. He hadn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his previous six starts and will look to get back on track next week against the Yankees.

Pivetta allowed one run on three hits and one walk across six innings during Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Sandy Leon touched Pivetta for a solo home run during the third inning, but otherwise he kept the Red Sox's explosive offense quiet. The 25-year-old has three straight quality starts and has allowed three runs and 12 hits over 18 innings during August. Pivetta next lines up to start against the Mets on Sunday.