MLB Player News

The Cubs recalled Ferguson from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Ferguson was sent back to Triple-A after throwing two shutout innings during Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets, but he'll now rejoin the big club to replace Hoby Milner (abdomen). The 32-year-old Ferguson will likely be limited to low-leverage opportunities while with the Cubs.

The Cubs placed Milner on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to appendicitis, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Milner will make his way to the 15-day IL after last appearing against the Mets on Thursday, when he failed to record an out while giving up an earned run on three hits. On the campaign, the 35-year-old has posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 18:9 K:BB in 35.2 innings. Tyler Ferguson will make his way up to the big-league club to fill the open spot on the roster.

Hart will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Hart has given up just one run in 7.1 innings since joining the big club June 15, and the Padres will now trust him to handle the top of the Dodgers' order to begin the game. He'll likely work an inning or two before handing the game over to bulk reliever Randy Vasquez.

The Cubs optioned Murray to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After a rocky appearance Friday against Milwaukee, Murray will head back down to Iowa after just being recalled Tuesday. The 29-year-old made two appearances after being called up, giving up six earned runs on six hits and two walks through three innings. Bryse Wilson will be added to the active roster as a corresponding move.

Rangel will serve as a bulk reliever in Saturday's game against the Mets, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Rangel allowed just one run in five innings while following Tim Mayza out of the bullpen Monday, so the Phillies will aim to recreate that success by having the two pitchers work together again Saturday.

Mayza will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Mets, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Mayza worked as the opener for Alan Rangel on Monday, and the two pitchers are now set to work in tandem again Saturday. Mayza will presumably remain in the game for an inning or two before Rangel enters to handle the bulk of innings out of the pen.

Rangel is slated to start Saturday's game against the Mets at Citi Field.

Rangel is set to receive another turn through the Philadelphia rotation, this time as a traditional starter after previously pitching in bulk relief Monday after being recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 28-year-old righty excelled while working behind opener Tim Mayza in a 4-1 loss to the Nationals, striking out four over five innings while yielding one earned run on five hits and no walks. Over two extended relief appearances with the big club this season, Rangel owns a 9:0 K:BB in eight innings, but his numbers over a much larger sample at Triple-A have been less impressive (3.99 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 15.6 K-BB% in 70 innings).

Alvarez (1-1) took the loss Friday as the Nationals were downed 3-1 by the Orioles, giving up two runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out five.

The 27-year-old didn't pitch poorly, although he needed 88 pitches (53 strikes) to record 13 outs, but Alvarez didn't get much help as the Nats' offense was held in check by Trevor Rogers. Alvarez has yet to complete five innings in any of his 10 big-league appearances (five starts) this season, making him tough to roster in fantasy formats any time he gets a traditional start rather than working behind an opener, but over 21 innings in June he's produced a 3.00 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB.

Senzatela blew the save Friday against Minnesota, allowing one run on three hits and no walks while striking out one during the ninth inning.

The Rockies rallied for seven runs across the eighth and ninth innings to set up the save opportunity, but Senzatela was unable to maintain the one-run advantage. After a dominant start to the campaign that saw him give up just four earned runs over his first 32 innings, the veteran right-hander has posted a 5.56 ERA while blowing all four of his save chances in his past nine outings, though he's also picked up four wins during that span. Jimmy Herget, who secured a save Wednesday versus Boston, took the loss after giving up the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th, so Senzatela should remain in the closer mix for now.

Iglesias pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-1 win over San Francisco.

Iglesias has run into some struggles lately, allowing four runs (two earned) over his last 5.2 innings. He took two losses in that five-game span, while Friday's outing marked the first time in eight appearances in June in which he didn't allow a hit. Iglesias is still a perfect 16-for-16 in save chances while pitching to a 1.37 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 29:6 K:BB over 26.1 innings this season. While there are some warning signs, Iglesias doesn't appear to be at risk of losing the closing job any time soon, especially while Robert Suarez (elbow inflammation) is on the injured list.