MLB Player News

Pallante (2-3) took the loss Saturday, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits over 3.1 innings as the Cardinals were downed 5-1 by the Cubs. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The right-hander didn't pitch badly, blanking Chicago through three innings, but Pallante got lifted after 59 pitches (40 strikes) with two runners on base in the fourth and had to watch Chris Roycroft let them both come around to score. Pallante has been effective in three of four outings since moving into the rotation, posting a 3.64 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB through 17.1 innings over that stretch. He lines up to make his next start at home next week against the Giants.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Saturday that Williams (back) is expected to be cleared to throw off a mound soon, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports.

Murphy also added that Williams remains on track to return just after the All-Star break, although that would seem to be a tentative timetable given that the reliever has yet to resume throwing off a mound. Williams is working his way back from multiple stress fractures in his back. Trevor Megill has operated as the Brewers' primary closer with Williams on the shelf.

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

Thompson will provide a fresh arm for a bullpen that was needed to cover 7.1 innings Friday. He holds a 4.97 ERA and 19:6 K:BB over 12.2 relief innings during his time with the Cubs this season.

Wilson is in line to serve as a bulk reliever Saturday versus the Reds behind opening pitcher Jared Koenig, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Wilson has now alternated between traditional starts and bulk relief over his last six appearances. The right-hander had turned in a 3.00 ERA over a stretch of 11 appearances spanning 48 innings from April 10 through June 3, but he had his worst outing of the season in a loss to the Tigers this past Sunday, when he surrendered seven earned runs over 4.1 frames.

Koenig will serve as the Brewers' opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Reds, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

It's a familiar role for Koenig, who hasn't been scored upon in 4.1 innings as an opener this season. He's expected to be followed Saturday by Bryse Wilson in bulk relief.

Merryweather (ribs) threw a 26-pitch bullpen session Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Merryweather has been on the shelf since early April due to a rib stress fracture and has finally progressed to mound work. While he's moving in the right direction, the reliever would seem to still be several weeks away from a potential return.

Kilian (shoulder) threw a 32-pitch bullpen session Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

It would appear to be the first time he's thrown off a mound since being diagnosed in early March with a teres major strain in his right shoulder. Kilian, who is on the 60-day injured list, figures to need a lengthy rehab assignment once he's deemed ready. Further, it isn't a given that he will be added to the big-league roster once he's off the IL.

Uribe will undergo surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, MLB.com reports.

Uribe landed on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A Nashville last week with the knee issue and the decision has been made to go under the knife. Brewers general manager Matt Arnold said the extent of the damage won't be known until the surgery is performed, but "it could just be a light cleanup." The hope is that Uribe will be able to return later this season, but more will be known following the operation.

Diaz gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his sixth save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Padres.

A leadoff single by Jurickson Profar and a stolen base by pinch runner Jose Azocar created another nervous ninth for the Mets, but Diaz buckled down after that and fanned Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth to preserve the win. Diaz's velocity appears to be all the way back -- his fastest pitch Friday hit 100 mph -- and he's looked to be in just about peak form in two appearances since recovering from a shoulder impingement. The 30-year-old right-hander is just 6-for-10 in converting save chances in 2024, but as long as he's healthy he should be locked in as the Mets' closer.

Bednar allowed one earned run on one hit while striking out one Friday against the Rockies.

Bednar was called upon to preserve a 5-1 lead in the ninth inning. He retired the first two batters he faced without issue but then served up a solo home run to Charlie Blackmon. Bednar has now given up a home run in consecutive appearances, though the Pirates still won on both occasions.