MLB Player News

Fulmer (forearm) is expected to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Fulmer has been playing catch without issue over the last few days and is ready to take the next step in his recovery from the mild right forearm strain that sent him to the injured list Aug. 26. He could potentially skip a minor-league rehab assignment and return to the Cubs' bullpen this weekend if everything continues to go smoothly.

Mariot was designated for assignment by the Reds on Tuesday.

Mariot made his first major-league appearance in seven years Monday versus the Mariners and allowed one earned run on four hits and one walk over 2.2 innings of relief. Kevin Herget will take his place on the 40-man roster as he returns to the Reds' bullpen ahead of Tuesday night's game against Seattle.

Cincinnati selected Herget's contract from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Herget has struggled to a 5.73 ERA in 22 innings this season at the major-league level, but the Reds are in need of fresh arms. The 32-year-old right-hander will likely operate in a low-leverage relief role.

Washington optioned La Sorsa to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

La Sorsa has posted a rough 6.98 ERA in 19.1 innings of relief this season at the major-league level and will head back to the farm as starter MacKenzie Gore returns from bereavement leave.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Sunday that Rainey (elbow) will "get a few more outings" on his minor-league rehab assignment before being activated from the 60-day injured list, MLB.com reports.

Rainey has a bit of achiness in his right arm, but Martinez labeled it as "the norm" for a pitcher who went a full calendar year between live appearances. Now more than 13 months removed from Tommy John surgery, the 30-year-old reliever has posted a 5.14 ERA and 8:6 K:BB in seven rehab innings between the rookie-level Florida Complex League, Single-A Fredericksburg, Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester.

Walker will serve as the Giants' opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Walker will be opening for the 12th time this season and will likely cover anywhere from 1-to-3 innings before turning the game over to the bullpen, with lefty Sean Manaea or right-hander Jakob Junis representing the top candidate to work in bulk relief. After going 7-0 in Walker's first seven turns as an opener, the Giants have lost each of the last four games that the right-hander has started.

Heller was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

Heller has posted a 4.41 ERA and 14:10 K:BB across 16.1 relief frames with Atlanta this season. He'll exit the 28-man active roster to make room for right-hander Michael Soroka, who was recalled from Gwinnett ahead of his scheduled start Tuesday versus the Cardinals.

Romero was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday with left knee patellar tendinitis.

Romero has been serving as the Cardinals' primary closer since late July, though St. Louis hasn't provided a ton of save opportunities for him. Giovanny Gallegos collected a save Sunday and could see more while Romero is out, with Ryan Helsley also in the mix after recently returning from the 60-day IL.

Alvarado earned a save against the Padres on Monday, issuing two walks and striking out two batters over a hitless and scoreless inning.

The Phillies built a big early lead before the Padres stormed back in the sixth and seventh frames. In the eighth, usual closer Craig Kimbrel was brought in to face the top of San Diego's order and settled matters down with a scoreless frame. Alvarado followed in the ninth and quickly put himself in trouble with two straight walks before righting the ship and retiring the next three batters he faced, two by strikeout. The save was Alvarado's seventh of the season, but his first since he returned from a lengthy stay on the injured list Aug. 22. Kimbrel has emerged as a steady ninth-inning option for Philadelphia and should maintain that role most days moving forward, though as Monday highlighted, Alvarado could still sneak in the occasional save chance.

Bednar earned a save Monday with a perfect inning against the Brewers.

Bednar had no trouble protecting a two-run ninth-inning lead, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. The right-hander has successfully converted nine straight save opportunities, allowing just two earned runs over 10.1 innings while posting a 7:1 K:BB during that span. Bednar is 32-for-35 in save chances on the campaign, compiling a 2.02 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 64:16 K:BB across 58 frames.