MLB Player News

Walker (back) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn a hold in Friday's 10-5 win over the Rockies.

Walker was dealing with back tightness earlier in the week, but he was able to move past it with the help of Thursday's off day. The right-hander is up to five holds on the year, and he's added a 2.35 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 31:4 K:BB over 23 innings. He continues to be one of the Giants' most versatile relievers, though that doesn't often lead to him pitching in late-inning situations.

Bailey (concussion) was evaluated Friday by Dr. Mickey Collins, a concussion expert in Pittsburgh, and was cleared for baseball activities this weekend, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bailey has been on the 7-day concussion list twice this month. The catcher is expected to be evaluated by the Giants again next week, so a return is not imminent. Blake Sabol and Curt Casali will continue to share the catching duties until Bailey is activated.

Grandal isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Saturday's game against the Cubs.

Grandal will get a breather Saturday after going 2-for-5 with three RBI and a run scored during Friday's win. Joey Bart will replace the 35-year-old veteran behind the plate, batting seventh.

Suwinski isn't in the Pirates' lineup Saturday versus the Cubs.

The lefty-hitting Suwinski will retreat to the bench as fellow lefty Shota Imanaga toes the slab for the Cubs on Saturday. As a result, Edward Olivares will pick up a start in right field and bat fourth.

Cruz isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Saturday's game versus the Cubs.

Left-hander Shota Imanaga will start on the mound Saturday for Chicago, meaning the lefty-hitting Cruz will step out of the lineup. Alika Williams will fill the opening at shortstop while batting ninth.

Tellez isn't in the Pirates' lineup Saturday versus the Cubs.

Tellez will take a seat Saturday with lefty Shota Imanaga starting on the mound for Chicago. Connor Joe will start at first base and bat third.

Busch isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

With lefty Bailey Falter set to start on the mound for the Bucs, the left-handed bat of Busch will remain in Chicago's dugout. His absence will give Patrick Wisdom an opportunity to start at first while batting leadoff.

Amaya isn't in the Cubs' lineup Saturday against Pittsburgh.

After belting a solo homer in Friday's loss, Amaya will sit down for the third game of Chicago's series with the Pirates. Yan Gomes will fill in behind the dish and bat ninth.

Hoerner (hamstring) isn't in the Cubs' lineup for Saturday's game against the Pirates.

Saturday marks the fifth game in a row that Hoerner has missed due to a sore left hamstring. The Cubs have been hopeful that the infielder would be able to avoid the injured list, but manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Hoerner may need to spend time on the IL if his hamstring continues to bother him. Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni will once again serve as the Cubs' middle infielders Saturday.

Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that Wicks (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment after throwing two more bullpen sessions, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Wicks progressed to facing hitters for the first time Friday, and the Cubs will look to give him a few more reps off a mound before getting him back into game action. Counsell did not specify exactly when Wicks' assignment will begin, nor did he say how many starts the left-hander will need to make in the minors, but Wicks likely won't require more than one or two outings before rejoining the Cubs' rotation.