MLB Player News

Heuer (4-2) was tagged with the loss Saturday against the Marlins after allowing two unearned runs on two hits while fanning one across one inning.

Heuer pitched the eighth with the Cubs holding a one-run lead, but he was unable to maintain that advantage and ultimately gave up both the tying and winning runs -- though both runs came home thanks to a fielding error by Sergio Alcantara. The right-hander, who was acquired by the Cubs from the White Sox before the trade deadline, owns a 2.25 ERA through seven appearances (eight innings) with the Cubs.

Bender recorded the save Saturday against the Cubs after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, fanning two.

Bender had the task of closing things out with a one-run lead after the Marlins restored the lead in the bottom of the eighth, and he got the job done while needing just 13 pitches (seven strikes) to do so. The right-hander has gone 3-for-5 in save chances this season, and while he has given up runs in two of his last four appearances, it's worth noting he has allowed only two runs over his last 10 games.

Fulmer (5-4) earned the win in relief Saturday against Cleveland after tossing a scoreless inning, allowing one walk and fanning two.

Fulmer needed just 14 pitches (eight strikes) to get the job done Saturday and now has tossed eight straight scoreless outings, a span in which he's also posted a strong 11:2 K:BB through 8.2 innings. The veteran has made just four starts this season but has worked almost exclusively out of the bullpen with strong results. He owns a 3.33 ERA with 53 strikeouts across 48.2 innings.

Hentges didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Tigers after allowing three runs on four hits while fanning three across two innings.

Hentges once again struggled to pitch deep into the game but that shouldn't be much of a surprise, as he has pitched at least five complete frames just twice across his 19 outings this season. He also ended a streak of three straight appearances allowing one or fewer runs. The southpaw now owns a 6.00 ERA with a 2.00 WHIP across four appearances this month.

Shaw (5-6) was tagged with the loss in relief Saturday against the Tigers after allowing two runs on three hits and a walk across one-third of an inning, fanning one.

Shaw pitched the eighth but wasn't effective, as he loaded the bases and gave up two runs before recording an out. This woeful performance ended a streak of seven straight scoreless outings for the right-hander.

The Phillies optioned Medina to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

The Phillies brought back Chase Anderson (triceps) from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. Medina was up with the Phillies for only a day and didn't appear out of the bullpen in Saturday's 6-1 win over the Reds.

The Marlins activated Hernandez (quadriceps) from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday's game against the Cubs, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Though Miami never officially announced beforehand that Hernandez would return from the IL ahead of the series finale, things were pointing in that direction after he dazzled in his final rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday, when he struck out 10 over five innings of one-run ball. Hernandez built up to 62 pitches in that outing, so he should be capable of giving the Marlins around 75-to-85 pitches in his first start with the big club since June 3. Though the right-hander has missed considerable time with injuries the past two seasons, he's been very effective in his eight MLB starts over that stretch, posting a 3.27 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 28.6 K-BB%.

Akin is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Red Sox, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Akin initially worked out of the bullpen when he was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Aug. 1, but he was moved into the rotation last week when Alexander Wells was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk. While picking up his ninth start of the season Tuesday versus the Tigers, Akin lasted only three innings while giving up six runs, inflating his season ERA to 8.23. Barring a dramatic turnaround Sunday versus a tough Boston offense, Akin likely won't be long for the Baltimore rotation, especially with Bruce Zimmermann (biceps/ankle) expected to return from the injured list in the near future.

Lopez is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Lopez will make a second turn through the rotation as a replacement for Carlos Rodon (shoulder), who is expected to spend more than the minimum 10 days on the injured list after being deactivated last week. Though Chicago could have turned to All-Star Lance Lynn to start Tuesday after his last outing came in Thursday's win over the Yankees in the "Field of Dreams" game, he'll instead get an extra day of rest, clearing the way for Lopez to take the hill for the second game of the series with Oakland. Lopez -- who struck out four over three scoreless frames in last week's start against the Twins -- could push his pitch count up to the 60-to-75 range versus Oakland. He'll tentatively line up for his second start of the week Aug. 22 in Tampa Bay.

Leone (2-2) allowed two earned runs on two hits and one walk while recording just one out, taking the loss to the Rockies on Saturday.

Leone entered the sixth inning in a tie game. He allowed the first three batters to reach base safely, leading to a pair of runs. He had nine scoreless innings over his last previous nine outings. The 29-year-old boasts a 1.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP this season. In addition, he has a 9.4 K/9 over 30.2 innings.