MLB Player News

Cease did not factor into the decision in Friday's win against the Nationals, dealing 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts.

Cease bounced back in dominant fashion Friday, silencing the Nationals into the sixth inning while racking up double-digit strikeouts for the third time this season. The right-hander had been in a rough patch leading up to this start, posting a 6.51 ERA over 27.2 innings over his previous five appearances. While consistency has eluded the 29-year-old ace at times this year, his ability to miss bats remains intact, as he's now tallied 139 strikeouts across 108.2 innings. Cease will look to build on this performance when he takes the mound against the Marlins next week.

Thielbar tossed a scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts to earn a hold in Friday's 4-1 win over the Red Sox.

After allowing two runs in his last appearance before the All-Star break, Thielbar got back into a groove Friday. The veteran lefty has been scored upon only six times in 41 outings this season, leaving him with a solid 2.23 ERA to go along with 10 holds and two wins out of Chicago's bullpen. After posting a 5.32 ERA last year for Minnesota, Thielbar has bounced back in his first year with the Cubs, working as an effective bridge to closer Daniel Palencia, who earned his 13th save of the season Friday.

Suzuki went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 4-1 win over the Red Sox.

Suzuki's 26th home run of the season with two runners on in the first inning ended up being the difference in the game. The outfielder has already set a new career high in long balls, and he's now up to sixth in the majors this year. Suzuki's 80 RBI, which are also a new career best, are good for third in MLB, trailing only sluggers Cal Raleigh with 82 and Aaron Judge with 81. Now in his fourth season since coming over from Japan, Suzuki is really taking off as an offensive force for the Cubs.

Palencia picked up the save Friday, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to close out a 4-1 win over the Red Sox.

Called upon to protect a three-run lead, Palencia continued his excellent run in the ninth Friday, working around a base hit to record his 13th consecutive save and improve to 13-for-14 in save opportunities this season. The 25-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 1.53 and has now tallied 39 strikeouts across 35.1 innings of work.

Walker will bat seventh and play right field Friday against the Diamondbacks.

Walker wasn't in the initial starting nine, but he'll enter the lineup after Nolan Gorman (undisclosed) was scratched. The Cardinals activated Walker from the 10-day injured list Friday morning. He's slashing .210/.267/.295 with three homers and three steals in 191 plate appearances this season.

Gorman is no longer part of the Cardinals' starting lineup, per MLB.com.

Gorman had been nursing a back injury ahead of Friday's contest, and it's possible he aggravated the injury pregame. Brendan Donovan will shift to second base while Jordan Walker enters the lineup in right field.

Rea (8-3) earned the win Friday against the Red Sox, allowing one run on four hits and four walks over five innings while recording five strikeouts.

For the fourth consecutive start, Rea earned the win and limited the damage to two or fewer runs. The only run charged to the right-hander Friday came on a third-inning RBI double by rookie Roman Anthony, but otherwise, the veteran kept Boston in check. Over this four-game win streak, the 35-year-old has quietly pieced together a 1.90 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 23.2 innings, showcasing an ability to navigate lineups with efficiency even without overpowering stuff. Rea will look to make it five straight when he takes the mound Wednesday, July 23 against Kansas City.

Suarez (hand) will start at third base and bat fifth Friday against the Cardinals.

Suarez avoided a serious injury after taking a pitch off his left hand during the All-Star Game, and a few days of rest will allow him to remain in Arizona's lineup to begin the second half. The 34-year-old infielder slashed .250/.320/.569 with 31 homers and 78 RBI before the break and is a likely candidate to be brought up in trade discussions over the next couple of weeks.

The Brewers recalled Perkins from Triple-A Nashville on Friday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Perkins will fill in for the IL-bound Sal Frelick (hamstring), marking Perkins' first MLB action of 2025. He suffered a fractured shin in February and picked up a groin injury during his recovery before being reinstated July 13. He should see regular playing time in right field while Frelick is shelved. Perkins notched a .648 OPS with 23 stolen bases in 434 plate appearances with the Brewers last season.

The Brewers placed Frelick (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list Friday, retroactive to Tuesday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Frelick strained his hamstring while making a sliding catch during the final game before the All-Star break. After waiting to see how he felt coming out of the break, the Brewers will now place the 25-year-old on the shelf, keeping him out for at least another week. Blake Perkins was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move and will likely take over as Milwaukee's primary right fielder until Frelick can return.