MLB Player News

The Cubs acquired Kelly from the Dodgers on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations, Jared Wyllys of AllCHGO.com reports.

Kelly has spent most of the last four seasons in Triple-A and has yet to make his MLB debut. Over 21 innings with the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City to begin the season, Kelly posted a 5.14 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 22:19 K:BB across 21 innings in 23 appearances.

Chandler (2-7) took the loss Sunday against Atlanta, allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out seven.

Working behind an opener for the first time this season, Chandler looked dominant early, blanking Atlanta through his first five frames. However, he ultimately took the loss after walking back-to-back batters in the seventh, both of whom came around to score after the Pirates turned to the bullpen. Despite the disappointing finish, it was an encouraging effort from Chandler, who'd given up eight runs over 10 innings in his previous two starts. Overall, the right-hander sports a 4.91 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP and 62:40 K:BB across 62.1 innings this season.

Fuentes earned the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Pirates, allowing two hits while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

With Raisel Iglesias having pitched back-to-back days, it was Fuentes who got the call in the ninth inning Sunday instead of Robert Suarez. It didn't come easy for the 20-year-old right-hander, as the Pirates got the tying and go-ahead runs aboard with one out. However, Fuentes managed to induce a popup off the bat of Jared Triolo before striking out Endy Rodriguez to close out the one-run victory and earn his first career save. While Atlanta still views Fuentes as a long-term starter, he's been stellar out of the bullpen recently, allowing just one run on eight hits while striking out 14 in his last 12 appearances (13.1 innings).

Elder did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Pirates, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out four.

Elder gave up a home run to Spencer Horwitz to start the game Sunday, though he'd settle in and hold the Pirates to just one additional run (and one hit) over his final five frames. Elder has now turned in quality starts in seven of his last nine outings, lowering his ERA to 2.66 across 14 starts (84.2 innings) with a 1.05 WHIP and 71:25 K:BB. Elder is currently lined up to face the Mets on the road his next time out.

Bender earned the save in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Rays, allowing one hit while striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Pete Fairbanks was utilized out of the bullpen Saturday, so the Marlins called on Bender to close out Sunday's game. Bender ended up tossing 24 pitches, 10 of which came in his strikeout of Cedric Mullins to seal the game for Miami. Bender sits at a 3.04 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, five holds and a 29:9 K:BB across 26.2 innings this season.

Alcantara (5-4) earned the win against the Rays on Sunday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out seven across seven innings.

It was another strong effort by Alcantara, with his lone blemish being an RBI single that he gave up to Yandy Diaz in the third inning. Alcantara tossed 58 strikes on 90 pitches while generating 11 whiffs, and his seven strikeouts matched a season high that he set against the White Sox on April 1. He's logged a quality start in back-to-back outings and now sits at a 4.33 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 89.1 innings this season. He's also up to 57 career wins with the Marlins, which is third-most in franchise history behind Ricky Nolasco (81) and southpaw Dontrelle Willis (68). Alcantara is slated to start next weekend on the road against the Pirates.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington relayed Sunday that Griffin is looking at a "more relaxed timeline" in his recovery from a flexor strain in his right elbow, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.

Cherington didn't offer an exact timeline for Griffin, but the former noted that the 20-year-old shortstop is looking at a longer stint on the 10-day injured list after more exams by team doctors. Griffin has yet to start throwing but has been taking groundballs, and the Pirates should have a better sense of Griffin's recovery timeline once he's cleared to play catch.

Vientos is not in the Mets' starting lineup against the Padres on Sunday.

Vientos will be on the bench for the start of Sunday's game after going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Saturday's 3-2 loss to San Diego. Jared Young will start at first base while Juan Soto serves as the designated hitter.

Nunez is not in the Nationals' starting lineup against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Nunez will get a breather after going 3-for-8 with two RBI and one steal over the first two games of the series. Jose Tena will start at second base Sunday and bat eighth.

Vargas is not in the Diamondbacks' starting lineup against the Nationals on Sunday.

It's the third game in a row in which Vargas will be on the bench for the start of the game. With Pavin Smith serving as the team's DH, Vargas has been losing playing time to rookie LuJames Groover, who is starting at first base and batting eighth in Sunday's series finale.