MLB Player News

The Cubs selected Kriske's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After turning in a 3.57 ERA and 1.22 WHIP alongside a 27:8 K:BB in 17.2 innings to start the Triple-A season, Kriske will get his first look with the Cubs and return to the majors for the first time since 2023. Julian Merryweather was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Cubs designated Merryweather for assignment Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Merryweather gave up two earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning in Friday's contest, and he'll now lose his spot on the 26-man and 40-man rosters in favor of Brooks Kriske. Merryweather, 33, owns a 5.79 ERA and 1.82 WHIP across 18.2 innings this season.

Casparius earned a hold against the Mets in Friday's extra-innings contest, allowing one walk and striking out six batters in three hitless and scoreless frames.

A 98-minute rain delay in the top of the third inning caused both starting pitchers to have abbreviated outings, with Los Angeles' Clayton Kershaw tossing just two innings. Matt Sauer and Casparius absorbed three innings apiece thereafter to help preserve the team's bullpen, though LA still used eight pitchers overall due to the game lasting 13 frames. Casparius' outing was the most impressive of any of the team's hurlers -- he not only held New York hitless but also notched 13 whiffs on just 46 pitches and struck out six of the 10 batters he faced, including Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor (twice). The dominant effort was a continuation of what has been a breakthrough campaign for the right-hander. In addition to posting a 2.94 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 38:6 K:BB through 33.2 innings, Casparius ranks above the 80th percentile in almost every advanced metric, including in the 93rd percentile in pitching run value and in the 95th percentile in fastball run value.

Manager Terry Francona said Saturday that Lowder (forearm/oblique) "won't be able to do much" for a few weeks, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Lowder suffered an oblique strain during his rehab outing Thursday, and he'll now need to wait a few more weeks before he heads back to the team's complex in Arizona to restart his buildup process. There is no timeline in place for the right-hander to return, and he likely won't have one until he starts throwing again.

Kelly isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.

Kelly has been alternating starts behind the dish with Jacob Amaya as of late, and after going 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in Friday's contest, Kelly will give way to his timeshare partner Saturday.

Heyward isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Heyward will head to the bench for the third game in a row -- two of which have been against right-handed starters -- while Brandon Lockridge starts in left field and bats ninth. The 35-year-old Heyward is batting just .176 with a .494 OPS on the season, putting him at risk of falling down the depth chart.

Bell isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Giants, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Bell will take a seat on the bench Saturday after going 3-for-16 with a homer and two runs scored across his last five games. James Wood will act as Washington's designated hitter instead while Alex Call, Robert Hassell and Daylen Lile start across the outfield.

Rosario (leg) will start at third base and bat second against the Giants on Saturday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Saturday will be Rosario's first start since he received stitches to close a wound he suffered running into a table at the team's hotel last week. The 29-year-old will take the place of Jose Tena at the hot corner against southpaw Kyle Harrison.

Fraley (calf) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

A sore calf has kept Fraley on the injured list for the past two weeks, but he seems to be nearing the end of his recovery and will play in a few minor-league games before rejoining the Reds. Manager Terry Francona said Monday that the goal is for Fraley to return early next week, so the 29-year-old could be activated ahead of Cincinnati's upcoming series in Kansas City.

Contreras (back) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Arizona.

Contreras was a late scratch from Friday's lineup due to back spasms, and he'll need at least another day to recover. Alec Burleson will fill in for him at first base and bat fifth.