MLB Player News

Cruz is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Philadelphia.

Cruz's last day off was May 19 -- since then he started 16 straight games and posted a .902 OPS with four home runs and six stolen bases, albeit with a 34.7 percent strikeout rate. The exciting center fielder will rest to begin Saturday's matchup while Alexander Canario starts in center. Meanwhile, second baseman Nick Gonzales is sliding up to the leadoff spot typically occupied by Cruz.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol has confirmed that McGreevy will be called up from the minors to start Sunday's game against the Dodgers, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

McGreevy was effective in his lone major-league outing this season, tossing 5.2 scoreless frames with five strikeouts, one walk and just one hit allowed against the Mets on May 4. The right-hander has also fared well with Triple-A Memphis, posting a 2.78 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 58:12 K:BB over 55 innings. Marmol indicated Saturday that McGreevy's spot with the big club won't be a one-off this time around, per John Denton of MLB.com.

Walker picked up a blown save in Friday's 5-4 extra-inning win over Atlanta, allowing two earned runs on three hits -- including one home run -- while striking out one over 1.1 innings.

Walker struck out the lone batter he faced in the sixth inning. However, he struggled in the seventh, surrendering a single and a two-run homer to the first two batters he faced. The right-hander threw 18 of his 27 pitches for strikes, marking his highest pitch count this season. Walker has appeared in five games since being removed from the closer role, during which he has been charged with three runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out two across 3.2 innings.

Bivens (2-2) picked up the win in one-third of a scoreless 10th inning during Friday's 5-4 extra-inning victory over Atlanta.

The 30-year-old was in the right place at the right time Friday, retiring Atlanta's final batter before Tyler Fitzgerald scored the game-winning run for the Giants in the bottom of the 10th. Bivens now owns a 3.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB across 29.1 innings in 19 games this season.

Atlanta recalled Cox from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

In a somewhat surprising move, Atlanta DFA'd veteran reliver Craig Kimbrel -- who had just been called up Friday -- in order to make room on the roster for Cox. The latter signed with Atlanta in early May after beginning the campaign in Kansas City's system. Cox hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023, and in eight games with Gwinnett after joining Atlanta's organization, he posted a 4.22 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB over 10.2 innings. He's likely to fill a low-leverage role in Atlanta's bullpen.

Atlanta designated Kimbrel for assignment Saturday.

Kimbrel was called up from the minors Friday for a return to the big-league club that drafted him in 2008, but the reunion may end up being short-lived. The veteran reliever looked fine in pitching a scoreless inning against the Giants on Friday, though he allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one batter and averaging only 91.5 mph on his fastball. Atlanta filled Kimbrel's bullpen spot by recalling lefty reliever Austin Cox from the minors.

The Phillies optioned Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Rangel had just been called up from the minors Friday, and he gave the Phillies three innings of work against Pittsburgh that night, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one batter. The righty reliever's return to Triple-A makes room for Philadelphia to call up a fresh bullpen arm from the minors in Daniel Robert.

Verlander (pectoral) threw 35-to-40 pitches in a simulated game at Oracle Park on Friday and will be re-evaluated Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list May 22 due to a right pec strain. The veteran right-hander tossed two simulated innings Friday, facing batters for the first time since suffering the injury. The Giants will evaluate how the 42-year-old responds Saturday before determining his next steps. Verlander has posted a 4.33 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 41:21 K:BB across 52 innings this season, going 0-3 across 10 starts.

Philadelphia recalled Robert from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Robert previously had a stint with the Phillies this season, allowing one run on two hits with a 2:3 K:BB over two-thirds of an inning in mid-May after being acquired in a trade with the Rangers on May 1. He's posted a 0.95 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with a 26:5 K:BB across 19 innings during his time in Triple-A and will get another shot to make an impression as part of the Phillies' bullpen. Fellow righty reliever Alan Rangel was optioned to Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

The Phillies selected Kemp's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Kemp has impressed at the Triple-A level this season, slashing .313/.416/.594 with 14 home runs, 19 doubles, 55 RBI, 49 runs and 11 stolen bases over 58 games. His versatility is also an asset, as Kemp has logged time at both corner-infield positions as well as at second base and in left field in the minors this season. His promotion comes as a corresponding move to Bryce Harper (wrist) landing on the injured list.