MLB Player News

The Cubs recalled Bigge from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Bigge was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday, but he'll now head back to Chicago in order to replace the injured Hayden Wesneski (forearm) in the Cubs' bullpen. Bigge owns a minuscule 0.77 ERA through 11.2 innings with Iowa, and he allowed one earned run in 2.1 frames over three appearances during his previous stint in the majors.

The Cubs placed Wesneski on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a right forearm strain, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wesneski pitched 1.1 shutout innings out of the bullpen during Friday's loss to Arizona, though he appears to have come away from his latest appearance with an injury. He'll be held out of action until at least Aug. 4, and the Cubs will recall Hunter Bigge from Triple-A Iowa to fill the opening in their bullpen.

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

Lefty MacKenzie Gore will toe the slab for the Nats, so the lefty-hitting Benson will step out of the lineup while Austin Slater covers center field and bats sixth.

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

Fraley will start Saturday's game on the bench with left-hander MacKenzie Gore set to start on the bump for Washington. Spencer Steer, Austin Slater and Rece Hinds will start across the outfield while Fraley rests.

Phillips wasn't used in the ninth inning with the Dodgers holding a 4-1 lead over Boston on Friday, and Daniel Hudson instead closed out the contest to earn a save.

Phillips entered Friday having squandered his last two save opportunities and holding a 7.50 ERA over his past six appearances dating back to June 30. He's been seeing more work outside the ninth inning over the past month, though those instances have largely been in high-leverage situations in which Phillips faced the opponent's top hitters. It's important to note, however, that the right-hander has struggled against lefties this season -- they've posted a .961 OPS against him, and all four of the homers Phillips has given up have come against left-handed hitters. That likely explains Phillips' absence in the ninth Friday, as all three of Boston's batters in the frame were lefties. Phillips should still be considered the top closing option for Los Angeles, but it's becoming increasingly clear that other relievers will also get save chances for the team depending on the situation.

Winker isn't in Washington's lineup Saturday against the Reds.

Winker and his .667 OPS against southpaws will take a seat on the bench to begin Saturday's game as left-hander Nick Lodolo starts on the mound for Cincinnati. Harold Ramirez will fill in as the Nationals' DH and bat fourth.

Garcia isn't in the Nationals' lineup for Saturday's game against Cincinnati.

The lefty-hitting Garcia will take a seat Saturday as the lefty-throwing Nick Lodolo prepares to start on the bump for the Reds. Ildemaro Vargas will take over at the keystone and bat sixth.

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

Ruiz will take a seat Saturday after hitting his seventh home run of the season during Friday's victory. In his place, Riley Adams will start behind the dish and bat fifth.

The Phillies optioned Mercado to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Mercado was lit up for six earned runs in four innings during his last appearance against Oakland on Sunday, and he'll now head back to Triple-A in order to right the ship. Yunior Marte was recalled from Lehigh Valley to fill the open spot in Philadelphia's bullpen.

The Phillies optioned Marchan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

J.T. Realmuto (knee) was activated from the injured list Saturday, squeezing Marchan off the big-league roster. The 25-year-old backstop owns a solid .894 OPS through 56 plate appearances with the Phillies, though he'll remain in the minors as long as Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs are both active.