MLB Player News

Culpepper is absent from the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Orioles.

It's a routine day off for the rookie after he started the first two games of the series. Ryan Kreidler will step in at shortstop in Culpepper's stead.

Webb recorded his eighth save of the season in Tuesday's 8-6 win over the Nationals, giving up one hit and striking out two in 1.1 scoreless innings.

After Ryan Zeferjahn let the Nats creep closer in the eighth inning, Webb was called in to put out the fire and got the final out of the frame before handling the ninth. Webb hasn't been tagged for a run since June 20, with his scoreless streak standing at 20.2 innings with a 0.87 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB, and he's converted all six of his save chances during that span. Daniel Palencia (elbow) isn't looking especially sharp during his rehab assignment, and Webb is making a strong case to hang onto the closer role for the Cubs even after Palencia comes off the IL.

Imanaga didn't factor into the decision in Tuesday's 8-6 win over the Nationals, giving up four runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- over 4.2 innings. He struck out five without walking a batter.

The ball was flying at Nationals Park as the two teams combined for six long balls, and Imanaga served up half of them, though he was able to limit the damage. The veteran southpaw left the mound after 86 pitches (55 strikes) as he got tagged for more than two runs for the first time since June 24. Over seven starts and 40.2 innings between those shaky performances, Imanaga put together a 1.77 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 37:6 K:BB. He'll look to bounce back in his next outing, which is set to come at home this weekend against the Cardinals.

Criswell (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday, pitching around a hit and a walk to log a scoreless frame.

Criswell landed on the 15-day injured list nearly a month ago with a right shoulder strain. He could require another rehab outing or two before rejoining the Rockies' bullpen.

Fairbanks struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday to record his 18th save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Pirates.

The veteran closer converted his fifth straight save chance while extending his scoreless streak to seven appearances and seven innings -- a stretch in which he's allowed just one hit with a 10:2 K:BB. Despite his recent form, on the season Fairbanks is saddled with a 6.03 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over 37.1 frames with 18 saves in 21 opportunities.

Perez (6-9) picked up the win Tuesday, scattering three hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings in a 2-0 victory over the Pirates. He struck out seven.

Matched up against Paul Skenes, Perez rose to the occasion and fired 62 of 100 pitches for strikes while preventing Pittsburgh from even getting a runner into scoring position. The win was Perez's first since July 5, but he hasn't been pitching poorly -- during that five-start stretch, the 23-year-old delivered a 3.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB over 30 innings despite winding up with an 0-3 record. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road this weekend in Cincinnati.

Sosa (wrist) resumed his rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin on Tuesday, going 1-for-2 with a double and a hit-by-pitch.

Sosa was pulled off his initial rehab assignment in late June following a setback. He should be ready to return later this month if he can avoid another snag in the recovery process, though it's unclear whether there will be room for him on the Blue Jays' active roster.

Skenes (9-11) took the loss Tuesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk over five innings as the Pirates fell 2-0 to the Marlins. He struck out four.

Pittsburgh's hitters couldn't solve Eury Perez and the Miami bullpen, giving Skenes no margin for error in a solid outing. While Skenes made an early exit after 65 pitches (45 strikes), manager Don Kelly told Jason Mackey of MLB.com after the game that there was no injury concern with the right-hander. Instead, the game situation presented Kelly with an opportunity to give the 24-year-old right-hander a bit of extra rest. Skenes has struggled of late, giving up 13 runs in 14.1 innings over his prior three starts, and his fastball velocity was down over one tick Tuesday, averaging 95.7 mph. Skenes will look to rally in his next trip to the mound, which is scheduled to come at home this weekend against the Red Sox.

McGonigle went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and three RBI in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Guardians.

The 21-year-old infielder put the Tigers in the lead for good with his two-run double in the fifth inning. McGonigle has hit safely in five straight games, going 9-for-22 (.409), and since the All-Star break the AL Rookie of the Year favorite has compiled a .308/.387/.473 slash line with four homers, 14 RBI and 19 runs in 22 contests.

The Angels signed Fulmer to a minor-league contract Tuesday.

Fulmer had been with Triple-A Sacramento in the Giants organization, where he held a 2.98 ERA and 52:21 K:BB over 42.1 innings. The veteran reliever could get an opportunity in the patchwork Angels bullpen down the stretch.