MLB Player News

Norris was granted his unconditional release by the Cubs on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Norris was designated for assignment by the Cubs last weekend, and he'll seek out other opportunities as a free agent after going unclaimed on waivers. The southpaw made 27 appearances (one start) for the Cubs to begin the season, and he logged a 6.90 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 30 innings.

Strahm (wrist) has resumed playing catch, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Strahm is still dealing with a stiff wrist a week and a half after landing on the injured list, but it's encouraging that he's able to begin a throwing program. A better timetable for his return should be revealed once he ramps up his intensity.

Cano was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Cano made nine relief appearances for Minnesota earlier in the year and posted a 9.26 ERA and 1.97 WHIP in 11.2 innings. He'll rejoin the Twins' bullpen after Caleb Thielbar (hamstring) was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday.

Thielbar was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain Saturday, retroactive to July 19, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Thielbar was effective prior to the All-Star break, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six in 4.1 scoreless innings over his last four appearances. However, he's dealing with a hamstring issue that will keep him out until at least early August. Yennier Cano was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul to take Thielbar's place in the bullpen.

Jimenez (shoulder) is set to throw a 25-pitch bullpen session Saturday and is scheduled to face hitters Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

Jimenez's recovery from a shoulder strain has been on a steady uptick over the last couple of weeks, with Saturday's scheduled bullpen the latest example of such. If the right-hander emerges from Saturday's and Tuesday's activities without setbacks, it's likely he embarks on a brief rehab assignment shortly thereafter according to prior comments from manager Mark Kotsay.

Holderman was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Holderman was traded from the Mets to the Pirates on Friday, and he'll be sent to the minors a day later. The right-hander made five major-league appearances between the two teams in July and allowed a run (zero earned) on a hit and three walks while striking out four in 6.1 innings.

Vest (personal) was reinstated from the paternity list Saturday.

Vest landed on the paternity list Thursday but will rejoin the Tigers after spending a few days away from the team. He's posted a 2.35 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 7.2 innings over six relief appearances since the start of July.

Martinez allowed zero runs on one hit and zero walks while striking out zero over one inning Friday against the Mariners.

Martinez entered the game in the seventh inning with the Astros up 5-1 and had little trouble retiring the bottom of the Mariners' lineup. The right-handed reliever now sports a 1.33 ERA and 0.81 WHIP with 24 strikeouts over 27 innings. Despite the strong performance on the season, he is buried in the Astros' bullpen, having seen just 13 total appearances since the start of June, and will likely continue finding save and hold opportunities hard to come by.

Wilson is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Cubs in Chicago.

He'll retain a spot in the Pittsburgh rotation coming out of the All-Star break after striking out three over 3.1 innings and allowing two earned runs against the Rockies on July 17 following his call-up from Triple-A Indianapolis. So long as Wilson avoids an implosion against the Cubs, he could build some security at the back end of the rotation.

The Guardians plan to call up Pilkington from Triple-A Columbus to start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader with the White Sox, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

Pilkington has often been the Guardians' go-to option for spot starts this season, as he'll be making his 12th appearance and ninth start Saturday despite having not been a full-time member of the rotation at any point in 2022. While starting in his last eight outings, Pilkington has produced a 4.84 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 32:20 K:BB in 35.1 innings. Since the Guardians plan on designating Pilkington as their 27th man for the twin bill, he's expected to immediately return to Columbus following Saturday's start.