MLB Player News

Hughes (knee) was activated off the 15-day injured list by the Cubs on Saturday.

Hughes has been out since the start of the season due to soreness in his left knee. The southpaw should be a late-innings option for the Cubs now that he's healthy. Nelson Velazquez was sent back down to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.

Varland left Saturday's game against the Padres in the eighth inning after being struck in the face by a comebacker, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports. He allowed an unearned run over two-thirds of an inning before exiting.

It was a scary moment for Varland, as he was hit in the chin area by a line drive off the bat of Manny Machado that had a 105 mph exit velocity. The right-hander went down to a knee before being able to leave the contest. Javy Guerra replaced Varland on the mound.

Fleming allowed two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out one over 3.1 innings Saturday against Toronto.

Fleming followed opener Calvin Faucher and Trevor Kelley as the bulk hurler for the Rays, and he wasn't at his best. Fleming walked in a run with a free pass to George Springer in the sixth inning and gave up another run on an Alejandro Kirk single in the seventh. The 26-year-old was strong against Boston with four innings of one-hit, shutout baseball Monday, but wasn't close to as effective against the Toronto lineup. Fleming will likely work in a similar role at some point next week.

Romano was diagnosed with a right rib contusion after picking up a save Saturday against the Rays, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports. He allowed three hits and struck out two while not allowing a run.

X-rays on Romano's ribs returned negative. The right-hander was struck in the rib during Saturday's appearance against Tampa Bay on a liner off the bat from Wander Franco, and while he was able to make the play, he looked to be in significant pain after making the throw over to first base. The positive news is there's no structural damage, but there is a good chance that Romano may need to sit out a game or two while recovering from the rib bruise.

Moreta picked up the save in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Cardinals in 10 innings, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless inning.

Moreta was tasked with getting the save after David Bednar worked the ninth inning against the Cardinals, and he got the job done. It's the first save of the season for Moreta in eight appearances. As long as Bednar is on the roster, it's unlikely Moreta will see many more save chances.

An MRI taken Friday on Kelly's right elbow turned up negative for any structural damage, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The righty reliever is still experiencing discomfort and will pay a visit to the doctor who performed surgery on his arm back in 2020. Kelly was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with what has been diagnosed for now as right elbow inflammation.

Yacabonis had his contract selected by the Mets on Saturday.

Yacabonis will join the Mets' bullpen Saturday in Oakland as a replacement for Stephen Nogosek, who has landed on the IL with a bone bruise in his right elbow. Yacabonis figures to operate in middle relief.

Santana was designated for assignment by the Mets on Saturday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Santana earned a win in relief Friday against the Athletics, but he had surrendered six earned runs on seven hits and five walks through 7.2 total innings this season. The 27-year-old posted a 5.22 ERA across 58.2 frames with the Rangers in 2022.

Legumina was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Louisville.

Acquired from the Twins in November as part of the Kyle Farmer trade, Legumina is set to make his MLB debut out of the Reds' bullpen. He had worked to a 1.59 ERA with five strikeouts and no walks through 5.2 innings this season at Triple-A.

Rodriguez (shoulder) was transferred Saturday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

Rodriguez recently suffered a setback with his troublesome right shoulder and there is no current timetable for his 2023 debut. This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for top prospect Zach Neto.