MLB Player News

Gurriel went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 10-7 loss to the Rockies.

Gurriel provided solid production, driving in three runs without the benefit of an extra-base hit. The left fielder has now posted a trio of three-RBI performances dating back to Aug. 9, and through 15 games this month he's batting .259 (15-for-58) with 17 of his 65 RBI on the season.

Thompson (shoulder) is expected to throw to live hitters Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Thompson threw three bullpen sessions over the last week and is ready for the next step in the rehab process. With Arizona experiencing two spectacular bullpen meltdowns Friday and Saturday, manager Torey Lovullo may be tempted to use Thompson in a high-leverage role as soon as he's activated from the 15-day injured list.

The Phillies reinstated Nola (rib/ankle) from the 60-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Sunday in Washington.

Nola will make his return to the rotation for the first time since mid-May, after he was initially placed on the IL due to a right ankle sprain before his stint on the shelf was prolonged by a stress fracture in his right rib. The veteran righty made enough progress in his recoveries from both injuries to begin a rehab assignment Aug. 1, and after accruing a 2.19 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 17:3 K:BB over 12.1 innings across three rehab starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he proved that he was ready to return. Nola tossed 84 pitches in his final rehab outing and should be capable of handling a typical workload Sunday in what looks to be a soft landing in his return, as he'll be taking on a Nationals squad that has posted a 90 wRC+ as a team since the All-Star break.

Saalfrank was charged with a blown save in Saturday's 10-7 loss against the Rockies. He allowed two runs on two hits over two-thirds of an inning.

The southpaw entered in the eighth inning with a one-run lead, one out and two runners in scoring position, and he promptly gave up the lead by allowing a two-run single to Kyle Farmer. A few batters later, Saalfrank served up a two-run homer to Tyler Freeman. Saalfrank came into Saturday's outing with a sparkling 0.64 ERA through 14 innings on the season, but some regression was inevitable -- after Saturday's performance, he carries a 1.84 ERA to go along with a 1.16 WHIP.

Nelson did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing four runs on eight hits and no walks over 6.1 innings against Colorado. He struck out four.

Nelson was chased from the game after surrendering an RBI triple to Ryan Ritter. The right-hander has cooled off in August, posting a 5.71 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over three starts spanning 17.1 innings.

Bell is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Phillies, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

The absence ends a run of eight consecutive starts for Bell, who had a .940 OPS with two doubles and two homers during that span. Paul DeJong is picking up a start at first base Sunday for Washington.

Freeman went 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI in Saturday's victory over the Diamondbacks.

The right-handed hitter replaced Mickey Moniak in the seventh inning and made the most of his chances, belting a two-run homer in the eighth off Andrew Saalfrank. Freeman has been hot at the plate, hitting safely in six straight contests and in 12 of 14 games this month.

Hoerner went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Pirates.

Hoerner extended his hitting streak to four games, with three multi-hit performances. The speedy infielder has also swiped three bases over that stretch, and he's third on the team with 22 steals this season, trailing Pete Crow-Armstrong's 30 and Kyle Tucker's 25. Hoerner's .294 batting average is tops on the Cubs among qualified players.

Vodnik picked up the save in Saturday's 10-7 win over the Diamondbacks. He struck out one over a perfect inning.

The right-hander has now converted saves in four straight outings, giving Vodnik six on the year and solidifying him as the go-to option in the ninth for the Rockies while Seth Halvorsen (elbow) is sidelined. Vodnik has been scored upon only once in six August appearances, posting a 2.84 ERA. 0.95 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB over 6.1 innings.

Suzuki went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Pirates.

Suzuki got off to a slow start coming out of the All-Star break, but he's been back in form lately. Over his last 10 games, the outfielder is slashing .281/.385/.438 with a home run, four RBI and four runs scored. Overall, Suzuki is tied with Pete Crow-Armstrong for the team lead in home runs with 27. Suzuki also leads the Cubs with 86 RBI this year.