MLB Player News

Martin recently underwent an MRI on his arm that came back clean, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Martin was unavailable Friday against the Marlins due to his arm issue, but the injury isn't believed to be particularly serious. The right-hander doesn't expect to require an IL stint, so he should be considered day-to-day.

Thompson (back) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson has been on the injured list for a week due to lower-back tightness, and it's encouraging that he's already been cleared for mound work. The team will likely see how he feels after Saturday's throwing session prior to determining the next steps in his recovery process, but it's possible that he rejoins the Cubs following a relatively minimal IL stint.

Stephenson was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on Saturday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Stephenson made 45 relief appearances for the Rockies this year and posted a 6.04 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 44.2 innings before being designated for assignment Thursday. He's expected to join the Pirates' bullpen and should serve mainly as a middle reliever for his new club.

Cabrera was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Cabrera earned some setup work for the Cardinals over the first half of August, but he gave up seven runs in 2.1 innings over his last two outings and will now lose his spot on the active roster. Zack Thompson was called up Saturday to take Cabrera's place in the bullpen.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Thompson hasn't pitched in the majors in over a month but will provide an extra arm in the bullpen after Genesis Cabrera was sent down Saturday. Thompson posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 22 innings over 12 appearances (one start) with the Cardinals earlier in the year and should serve mainly as a middle reliever now that he's back in the big leagues.

Hoeing was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday.

Hoeing made a two-inning relief appearance Friday against the Dodgers, allowing a run on two hits and no walks while failing to strike out a batter. Although he was more effective than he was when he gave up seven runs in three innings during his major-league debut Aug. 20, he'll head back to the minors after Jake Fishman's contract was selected Saturday.

Johnson (elbow) pitched an inning for Triple-A El Paso on Friday, allowing one run on two hits and tossing a wild pitch.

This was Johnson's second rehab outing and his first at the Triple-A level (the other appearance was with the Padres' ACL team). The right-hander showed some rust Friday, but it's promising that he's back to throwing in games after landing on the injured list in mid-April. Johnson could be back with the Padres sometime next week.

Almonte (elbow) played catch in Miami before Friday's game against the Marlins but remains without a return timeline, the Associated Press reports.

Almonte last pitched Aug. 3, and he hasn't thrown from a mound since going on the injured list Aug. 7. His ability to play catch is at least progress in the right direction, but the right-hander doesn't appear close to going on a rehab assignment. He isn't expected to be activated from the IL until at least mid-September.

Murfee (4-0) recorded the win in an extra-innings victory over the Guardians on Friday, firing a scoreless 11th inning during which he issued two walks.

Murfee didn't allow any hits or record any strikeouts, but the right-hander nevertheless made it an eventful frame with an intentional walk of Jose Ramirez and a conventional free pass issued to Oscar Gonzalez. The 28-year-old buckled down with two on and two out by getting Mike Freeman to ground out into an inning-ending fielder's choice, and he was rewarded with his fourth victory of the season when Mitch Haniger singled in the game-winning run in the home half of the frame. Murfee now has just one fewer win than his five holds and has complemented those counting stats with a 2.67 ERA and 0.87 WHIP across 54 innings.

Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Jackson spent two weeks in the minors and struck out five in three scoreless innings over three relief appearances across that span. However, he'll rejoin the major-league club to provide bullpen depth after Jackson Stephens (concussion) was placed on the 7-day injured list.