MLB Player News

Megill recorded his 24th save of the season in Friday's 2-1 win over Atlanta, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out one.

The right-hander fired an efficient 10 pitches (eight strikes) as he converted his 16th straight save opportunity, with his last blown chance coming June 5 at Coors Field. Megill has been scored upon in only one of 14 appearances since the All-Star break, posting a 0.64 ERA, 0.43 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB over 14 innings during that span. With Megill having pitched both Thursday and Friday, Brewers manager Pat Murphy may have to turn to someone else if the team has a late lead Saturday.

Misiorowski (13-5) picked up the win in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Atlanta, scattering four hits and two walks over six scoreless innings. He struck out six.

The 24-year-old right-hander came out on top in a battle of NL Cy Young contenders with Chris Sale. Misiorowski didn't allow a runner to get past second base, and he delivered his fourth straight quality start and 16th of the season on 96 pitches (55 strikes). Over six outings since the All-Star break, he's racked up a 3-1 record with a 1.85 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and dominant 49:6 K:BB over 34 innings. Miz will look to keep rolling in his next trip to the mound, which is set to come at home next weekend against the Rangers.

Sale (12-9) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on eight hits over six innings as Atlanta was downed 2-1 by the Brewers. He struck out six without walking a batter.

Matched up against Jacob Misiorowski in a battle of NL Cy Young contenders, Sale delivered his 16th quality start of the season on 94 pitches (68 strikes), but the veteran southpaw didn't get enough offensive support to avoid the loss. Sale has reeled off six straight quality starts since the All-Star break, posting a 2.19 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and stunning 49:3 K:BB in 37 innings over that stretch. Despite those impressive numbers, he'll look to snap a three-start losing streak in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Rockies.

Amaya is not in the Cubs' starting lineup against the Mariners on Friday.

Amaya will get a breather for Friday's series opener while Carson Kelly starts behind home plate and bats ninth while forming a battery with southpaw Matthew Boyd. Amaya has gone 5-for-25 with two home runs and four RBI across 10 games in August.

Valdez is not in the Pirates' starting lineup against the Dodgers on Friday.

Valdez will take a seat following a three-game stretch in which he went 0-for-12 with eight strikeouts, one walk and one run scored. Jake Mangum will start in right field and bat eighth in Friday's series opener.

The Cubs designated Miller for assignment Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The move corresponds with the Cubs activating Daniel Palencia from the 60-day injured list. Miller's lone appearance in the majors came Monday against the White Sox, when he was brought in as a defensive substitute. He may stay within the Cubs' organization in Triple-A Iowa if he clears waivers.

The Cubs optioned Assad to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The move opens up a spot on the Cubs' active roster for Daniel Palencia, who was activated from the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. Assad was promoted to the Cubs' bullpen on Monday and worked in long-relief against the White Sox on Tuesday, when he allowed two hits while striking out two batters across three scoreless frames. He's started in all five of his outings in Triple-A, where he has a 7.31 ERA and 2.06 WHIP across 16 innings this season.

The Cubs activated Palencia (elbow) from the 60-day injured list Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Palencia has been officially cleared to return from a nearly two-month absence due to a right elbow flexor strain, and he'll be available out of the bullpen for Friday's game against the Mariners. Palencia was the Cubs' closer prior to his injury, but he may be restricted to high-leverage situations in his return given how well Jacob Webb has pitched in save opportunities. In corresponding moves, Owen Miller was designated for assignment and Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Smith (neck) participated in live batting practice Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

It's an encouraging sign in Smith's recovery from a neck injury, given that Friday was the first time he faced live pitching since June. There's optimism that the veteran catcher will be cleared to embark on a rehab assignment next week, putting him on track to be back with the Dodgers before the end of the regular season.

Feduccia (illness) is starting behind home plate and batting ninth against the Pirates on Friday.

Feduccia missed Wednesday's game against Colorado due to an illness, but he's recovered enough to return to action for Friday's series opener. He's gone 6-for-27 (.222) with a solo home run and three additional runs scored across 14 games in August.