MLB Player News

Freeland (3-13) took the loss against the Pirates on Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings.

Freeland was hurt by the long ball, giving up two-run homers in both the second and third innings. The veteran southpaw generated just four swinging strikes on 94 pitches and has now allowed at least five earned runs in seven of 24 starts this year. He'll carry a 5.31 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 91:34 K:BB across 125.1 innings into a home matchup with the Cubs next weekend.

Doyle went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a stolen base in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Pirates.

Doyle swiped a bag in the second inning and tacked on a solo homer in the ninth, marking the first time he's done both in the same game since April 8. The 27-year-old has been on fire in August, hitting .397 with 11 extra-base hits, 19 RBI, 14 runs scored and three stolen bases over 20 contests. On the season, he's slashing .247/.291/.403 with 14 home runs, 50 RBI, 50 runs scored and 13 steals across 427 plate appearances.

Sosa went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run in Saturday's 6-4 win over the Nationals.

Sosa drew the start at second base versus left-hander Mitchell Parker, blasting his seventh homer of the year and his third of the month of August. The righty-hitting Sosa has a definitive short-side platoon role -- he sports a .917 OPS against lefties in 2025 -- though his .558 OPS against righties will likely continue to prevent him from seeing regular at-bats. Bryson Stott boasts a 1.049 OPS so far this month, which is also working against Sosa's ability to pick up more playing time at the keystone.

Sanoja went 3-for-5 with a double, a run scored, three RBI and a stolen base in Saturday's 7-6 extra-innings loss to the Blue Jays.

The 22-year-old utility player kept the Marlins in the game nearly single-handedly with RBI singles in the ninth and 11th innings, in the process becoming the first player in franchise history to have multiple game-tying hits in the ninth inning or later in the same game. Sanoja has started five of the last six games at third base with Graham Pauley (oblique) and Connor Norby (wrist) both on the shelf, going 6-for-21 (.286) with a double, a homer, a steal, two runs and four RBI.

Quantrill was removed from Saturday's start against the Mets as a precaution due to calf cramps.

Quantrill yielded three runs on five hits and five walks across 4.2 innings before departing his Atlanta debut with calf cramps. He struck out three. The issue shouldn't have any effect on his next start. Quantrill was claimed off waivers from Miami after posting a 5.50 ERA in 24 starts for the Marlins. His five walks tied a season high and the outing marked his fourth straight start not completing five frames. Quantrill is lined up to make his next start in Philadelphia.

The Padres placed Merrill on the 10-day injured list Saturday due to a left ankle sprain.

After Merrill was out of the lineup for a sixth straight game Saturday against the Dodgers, the Padres have decided to deactivate the young outfielder with the hope that he'll be ready to return when first eligible Aug. 30. In the meantime, Ramon Laureano should see most of the work in center field while Gavin Sheets handles left field.

Shaw is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Angels.

Shaw will take a seat for the second time in three games Saturday, freeing up Willi Castro for another start at third base. Shaw has hit five home runs and is slashing .240/.316/.660 in August.

The Cubs recalled Wicks from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Wicks served as the 27th man in Wednesday's doubleheader before being returned to Iowa. Just a couple of days later, he'll join the 26-man roster in place of Javier Assad. Wicks should work out of the bullpen, a role in which he's struggled during 2025 while compiling a 9.72 ERA across 8.1 innings with Chicago.

The Cubs optioned Assad to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Assad was called up to start Friday's game against the Halos, and he'll be sent right back to Triple-A in favor of Jordan Wicks. Assad has a 3.86 ERA in three starts with Chicago this season, and an even better 2.93 ERA in four starts with Iowa.

Junk left Saturday's game against the Blue Jays in the sixth inning due to right forearm discomfort, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Junk didn't have the chance to finish the sixth inning, ending his start having allowed three runs on six hits and one walk across 5.2 innings while recording three strikeouts. Junk's departure came after 92 pitches. Expect the 29-year-old to undergo further evaluations throughout the next 24 hours or so. His next start is tentatively scheduled for Thursday against the Mets.