MLB Player News

Hill earned a save against the Cubs on Tuesday by tossing a perfect ninth inning.

With Colorado up by three runs heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Warren Schaeffer turned to Hill to close things out. The right-hander did so without any drama, setting the side down in order on 12 pitches. It was the first save of Hill's career in his 67th outing, all of which have been out of the bullpen. Hill does have a career-high 11 holds on the campaign, so he's been given more high-leverage duties this year. The back of Colorado's bullpen is highly unsettled, and no pitcher on the squad has more than four saves this season, so it's certainly possible that Hill will get more save chances moving forward given his effectiveness Tuesday.

The Phillies recalled Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Lazar has given up four earned runs over five innings at Lehigh Valley since the beginning of June, but he'll end up back in the majors following Brad Keller's (forearm) move to the injured list. The 27-year-old righty has yet to appear in a big-league game this season, though he owns a 4.75 ERA in 55 career innings and will likely be limited to middle relief as long as he's with the Phillies.

The Phillies placed Keller on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Sunday, with right forearm tendinitis.

Keller appears to have picked up his forearm injury following his last outing Saturday in Milwaukee, during which he gave up three earned runs in one inning out of the bullpen. He'll now spend at least the next couple of weeks on the shelf, and Max Lazar will come up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the vacancy in Philadelphia's bullpen.

The Cubs recalled Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hollowell was knocked around for two runs on two hits and four walks over 1.2 innings in his lone appearance with the Cubs earlier this season. He will likely be utilized in low-leverage situations.

The Cubs placed Palencia on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right elbow inflammation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Palencia picked up the win Monday versus the Rockies, tossing a scoreless top of the ninth inning before the Cubs walked it off in the bottom of the frame. However, he's now on the IL for the second time this season after missing time earlier this year with a lat strain. The Cubs could lean on a committee approach at closer while Palencia is sidelined, with Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton and Jacob Webb all in the mix.

The Marlins recalled Fulton from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday.

The left-hander was in the majors for one day in early May and was set back to Triple-A after giving up two runs across four innings of long relief. Fulton, who has primarily been working out of the rotation for Jacksonville, will now get another look in the big leagues and is likely to work as a long reliever.

Kempner was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday.

The right-hander fired 2.1 scoreless innings Monday against the Phillies and is being sent down Tuesday in favor of a fresh bullpen arm (Dax Fulton). Kempner has given up just three hits with a 10:2 K:BB across nine scoreless frames in the majors this season, so it should only be a matter of time before he gets another look with the big club.

Assad is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Rockies at Wrigley Field.

After spinning 6.1 scoreless innings of long relief June 7 against the Giants in Chicago following Jameson Taillon's (hamstring) early exit, Assad ended up taking over as the Cubs' new No. 5 starter last week following Taillon's move to injured list. Assad thrived again in a matchup with a weak Giants offense -- this time in San Francisco -- striking out five batters over six shutout frames en route to picking up his fourth win of the season. The right-hander will get another favorable matchup for his upcoming turn, but Assad's standing in the rotation will be murky following Wednesday's outing. After a recent setback, Matthew Boyd (knee/shoulder) was able to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, and he could be ready to return from the 15-day injured list to replace Assad in the rotation the next time the Cubs need a fifth starter.

Lord (5-0) picked up the win against the Royals on Monday, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk over three innings of relief. He struck out two.

The right-hander wasn't particularly effective over 48 pitches (31 strikes), but he was the pitcher of record when the Nationals took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth inning. Lord's been a versatile bullpen option this season, adding three holds and a save to his ledger over 22 appearances and 48 innings with a 2.44 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 39:14 K:BB.

Scott earned a save against the Rays on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

Scott had just a one-run lead to work with when he entered in the ninth frame, but he didn't show any stress, retiring the Rays in order on 13 pitches. The southpaw is now 8-for-9 in save chances on the season after stepping in as closer for the injured Edwin Diaz (elbow) in late April. Scott blew 10 saves in 33 chances in his first regular season with the Dodgers last year, but he's been much better in 2026, as evidenced by his 2.40 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 36:3 K:BB through 30 innings spanning 32 outings.