MLB Player News

Strahm earned the save in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Giants, striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Strahm was brought in for the ninth inning of Tuesday's game after usual closer Jose Alvarado was deployed in the eighth frame to preserve the Phillies' lead. Strahm needed only seven pitches (six of which were strikes) to dispatch the Phillies in order, including a three-pitch punchout of Patrick Bailey for the second out. Strahm has opened the season with a 1.23 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 12:2 K:BB across 7.1 innings.

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

The right-hander missed out on the Opening Day roster but will join the Cubs a couple weeks into the season. Palencia had a 6.14 ERA in 10 outings for Chicago last year and allowed two earned runs with a 7:2 K:BB over four innings to begin the year with Iowa.

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

With Eli Morgan (elbow) headed to the injured list and Nate Pearson headed to the minors, Little will make the trip to the majors alongside Daniel Palencia to replenish Chicago's bullpen depth. Little owns a 2.76 ERA through 32.2 career innings in the majors, and he's off to a strong start in Triple-A, allowing two runs in 5.2 frames while striking out six and walking three. He'll likely be used in middle relief while with the Cubs.

The Cubs placed Morgan on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right elbow impingement, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Morgan's elbow forced him to make a premature exit from Monday's game. He'll now be forced to miss another couple of weeks as he moves to the IL, though it remains unknown if he'll require more than a minimum-length stay. Luke Little and Daniel Palencia will come up from Triple-A Iowa to help make up for the loss of Morgan and Nate Pearson, who was optioned to Iowa on Tuesday.

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

The right-hander was a key bullpen piece down the stretch for the Cubs last season with a 2.73 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB across 26.1 innings, but he surrendered 10 earned runs across his first eight outings of 2025 to earn the demotion. Pearson could rejoin the big club later in the year if he can get back on track at Triple-A.

Stewart began a rehab start at Single-A Fort Myers on Tuesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Stewart experienced a setback in his recovery from a left hamstring strain earlier this month, but he now seems to have bounced back and has the green light to test his hamstring in a competitive setting. The Twins haven't said how long they plan on keeping the 33-year-old reliever in the minors, though a return date may be set once he makes a few rehab outings.

Megill (knee) was available to pitch Sunday versus the Diamondbacks and Monday against the Tigers, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Megill imploded Saturday in Arizona and it was revealed that he had recently undergone an MRI on his knee and would be seeking a second opinion. Evidently, he has checked out well enough to pitch. Megill had pitched well prior to struggling in his last appearance and remains at the top of the Brewers' bullpen hierarchy. However, he's a bit of a health red flag right now.

The Astros recalled Hernandez from Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros optioned Luis Contreras to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Hernandez has tossed seven innings in the minors this season, logging a 7:2 K:BB and a 1.29 ERA. He'll provide Houston depth out of the bullpen after Contreras threw 35 pitches in relief Monday.

The Astros optioned Contreras to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Contreras threw 35 pitches across two innings of relief Monday against the Cardinals. On the season, he has a 9.00 ERA and 10:6 K:BB in nine innings of work. In a corresponding move, the Astros recalled fellow right-handed reliever Nick Hernandez.

Orioles GM Mike Elias said Tuesday that Kittredge (knee) could be back by the end of May, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Kittredge threw his first mound session over the weekend and seems to be flying through his return from arthroscopic knee surgery. The veteran right-hander could face live batters in about two weeks. Kittredge had originally been given a June/July timeframe for his recovery.