MLB Player News

San Diego optioned Kerr to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Michael Wacha (shoulder) has been activated from the injured list in a corresponding roster move and will start for the Padres on Tuesday night against the Orioles. Kerr, 28, carries a 6.28 ERA in 14.1 innings this season at the major-league level.

Assad is likely to start for the Cubs on Wednesday versus the White Sox, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Marcus Stroman (hip/ribs) was expected to return to the Cubs' rotation Wednesday but has suffered a setback and remains on the injured list. Assad tossed seven innings of one-run ball in an impressive start Friday against the Blue Jays and carries a 3.12 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 45:26 K:BB through 60.2 innings (three starts, 18 relief appearances) this year in a swingman role.

Colorado activated Mears (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Mears is recovered from the left oblique strain that sent him to the IL in late June, but the Rockies will keep him on the farm for the time being. He carries a rough 7.16 ERA in 16.1 innings of work this season at the Triple-A level.

Helsley (forearm) won't make a scheduled minor-league rehab appearance Wednesday due to soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

There's no word yet as to the severity of the setback, but Helsley now seems doubtful to return to the St. Louis bullpen at any point this week. Sidelined since June 12 because of a right forearm strain, he had allowed two earned runs through three one-inning rehab appearances with Double-A Springfield. Giovanny Gallegos and JoJo Romero have been sharing the Cardinals' closer role in recent weeks.

Thompson (knee) threw 25 pitches in a simulated appearance Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

That could be the final step before he is cleared to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Thompson had posted a 4.56 ERA and 40:19 K:BB through 47.1 innings of relief this season with the Nationals before he landed on the 15-day injured in early August due to a left knee contusion.

Hughes (knee) threw a successful bullpen session Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hughes is scheduled for another mound workout later this week. He could be an option again for the Cubs' bullpen sometime in September if he is able to avoid setbacks in his recovery from June knee surgery.

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

Rucker will return to the Cubs' bullpen mix ahead of Tuesday night's game against the White Sox. The 29-year-old right-hander has posted a 5.03 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 39:17 K:BB across 39.1 major-league innings this season.

The Cubs optioned Kilian to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Kilian has surrendered 10 earned runs in just 5.1 innings of work this season at the major-league level. Michael Rucker will join Chicago's bullpen Tuesday in a corresponding roster move.

The Dodgers selected Varland's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Varland has posted a promising 2.16 ERA and 39:8 K:BB in 33.1 innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City since being returned from the Brewers in May. Milwaukee had selected him away from Los Angeles in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. The 26-year-old right-hander is slated to work in middle relief for the NL West leaders.

Pittsburgh recalled Ramirez from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Ramirez will return to a multi-inning relief role with the Pirates ahead of Tuesday night's game against the Mets. He carries a 4.25 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 23 appearances this season at the MLB level.