MLB Player News

Thompson (back) will begin a rehab assignment Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson has not encountered any issues since resuming throwing in late August, and he is ready to resume pitching in games. Barring any setbacks, he should rejoin the Cubs at some point before the season comes to a close.

Cruz will work as an opener in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Raynel Espinal is expected to be the primary pitcher out of the bullpen after Cruz gets a few outs to open the game. Cruz has a 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings over five appearances since getting promoted for September.

Bednar (back) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Indianapolis, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

After missing more than a month of action with a back injury, Bednar is ready to get back up on the bump. It's unclear how many times he will throw in the minors before being activated from the injured list, but his return should not be far off.

Treinen (shoulder) played catch Sunday and expressed optimism that he'll be ready to return from the 15-day injured list prior to the postseason, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Treinen was shelved in late April with right shoulder discomfort and missed more than four months before being activated Sept. 2, only to land on the IL one week later following two relief appearances with the Dodgers. On a positive note, Treinen's latest setback with his shoulder doesn't appear to be a major concern, as the Dodgers haven't shut him down from throwing. He'll work on strengthening the shoulder over the next week or so before potentially making his way back from the IL shortly before the regular season ends Oct. 5.

Romano struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Monday to record his 33rd save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Rays.

He fired seven of 11 pitches for strikes in converting his eighth straight save chance, including six in his last six appearances. Romano is now one back of Emmanuel Clase for the MLB saves lead, and a 12-game scoreless streak has reduced his ratios on the season to a stellar 1.95 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 64:17 K:BB through 55.1 innings.

Merryweather will work as an opener in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rays, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Alek Manoah was scheduled to start Tuesday's opener, but for a yet-to-be-announced reason, Merryweather will get the ball instead. Merryweather almost certainly will not be out there long enough to qualify for a win, but he could work more than a lone frame, as he recorded at least five outs in both of his last two appearances out of the bullpen.

Adam (2-3) alowed two earmed runs on two hits while striking out one across one inning to take the loss Monday against the Blue Jays.

Adam entered the game in a setup role with a one-run lead in the eighth inning. However, he allowed a leadoff single and then served up a two-run home run to Bo Bichette to blow the advantage. Adam has an excellent 1.54 ERA with a 0.69 WHIP with a 71:14 K:BB accross 58.1 innings while serving as a part-time closer for the season, though he's now given up four earned runs across his last 7.2 frames.

The Blue Jays recalled White from Triple-A Buffalo and designated him as their 29th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rays.

White was optioned to Triple-A a little less than a week ago, but he's back with the big club for Tuesday's twin bill. According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca, reliever Julian Merryweather is scheduled to serve as the Blue Jays' opening pitcher for the first game of the twin bill, so White could be deployed behind Merryweather as a bulk reliever.

Criswell was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

He gave up one run on two hits and one walk while striking out four in 3.1 innings in Monday's spot start against the Blue Jays. Josh Fleming is up to take Criswell's spot on the active roster.

Fleming was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

The Rays do not have an official starter listed yet for Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader in Toronto, but Yonny Chirinos, who is up as the 29th man, could start and Fleming would be a logical option to piggyback. Fleming has a 6.55 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB in 11 innings over his last five appearances at Triple-A.