MLB Player News

Sewald allowed one walk in a scoreless inning to earn the win in Thursday's 2-1 victory over the Phillies in Game 3 of the NLCS. He struck out one.

Sewald was called into the tied game in the top of the ninth to hold things even for his offense, and he succeeded, with only a walk to Geraldo Perdomo spoiling his final line. Ketel Marte's walk-off hit in the ninth inning left Sewald with the first postseason win of his career, although he does have four saves so far this October. During that stretch, Sewald has pitched to a 0.60 WHIP across five scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

Mantiply will start Game 4 of the NLCS against the Phillies on Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Mantiply has made four appearances during Arizona's postseason run, but he was roughed up in Game 2 against the Phillies, when he allowed three earned runs while recording just one out. He's likely to pitch only one inning, with Ryne Nelson a strong candidate to cover bulk innings after him.

Zimmermann underwent core muscle surgery Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

He is expected to be ready for the start of spring training. Zimmermann, 28, spent the majority of the 2023 season with the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, posting a 4.42 ERA across 21 starts. He held a 4.73 ERA in seven major-league relief appearances.

Roberts (elbow) is expected to have a normal throwing progression this offseason, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Robert missed the entirety of the 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he's now more than 15 months removed from the operation and will head into the winter with no restrictions. The 26-year-old reliever has the upside to be used in high-leverage spots for the Cubs in 2024 but will have to show he's healthy and that he has his stuff is back first.

Burdi (abdomen/elbow) is expected to have a normal offseason, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Burdi required an appendectomy in May and then developed ulnar nerve irritation in his right elbow in August, logging just three total relief appearances with the Cubs in 2023, but he has put both issues in the rearview and will look to compete for an Opening Day bullpen spot next spring. Granted, the oft-injured 30-year-old could be a non-tender candidate for Chicago as he reaches arbitration this winter.

Hughes (knee) is expected to have a normal throwing progression this offseason, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hughes was limited to just 17 appearances this season due to a knee issue that eventually required surgery, but he'll go into the offseason without any restrictions. Adbert Alzolay looks like the early favorite to open 2024 as the Cubs' closer, but Hughes should be used in high-leverage spots if he can stay healthy and return to his 2022 form.

Boxberger (forearm) is expected to resume throwing in mid-November, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Boxberger made only five relief appearances with the Cubs in the second half of the 2023 campaign because of forearm troubles, but he should be able to enjoy a relatively normal offseason. The veteran right-hander carries a $5 million mutual option (or $800,000 buyout) for 2024.

Fulmer underwent UCL revision surgery Thursday on his right elbow and is expected to miss the 2024 season, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

This procedure comes with brutal timing for the 30-year-old reliever, who is set to become a free agent in November. He inked a one-year, $4 million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2023 season and went on to post a 4.42 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 65:28 K:BB across 57 innings before finishing the year on the injured list because of a forearm strain.

Heuer (elbow) is slated to begin a throwing program in mid-November, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Heuer had surgery to repair a fractured right elbow in late June and has completed the initial healing and range of motion phase of his recovery. The next step will be throwing, which will begin in about a month. There is no timetable for Heuer's return, but he would seem to have a good shot to be ready for Opening Day in 2024 if he can progress without setbacks.

The Rockies sent Kauffmann outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

After clearing outright assignment waivers, Kauffmann will officially remain in the Rockies' farm system without the benefit of a 40-man roster spot. Kauffmann struggled mightily in the majors this season to the tune of an 8.23 ERA across 35 innings. The 26-year-old righty will likely need to show significant improvement with Albuquerque before he gets another opportunity in the big leagues.