MLB Player News

Thompson tossed two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Mariners.

Thompson was called up from Triple-A Iowa earlier in the day with Jose Cuas getting sent down, and he immediately had a positive impact. The righty can give the Cubs some length out of the bullpen, as he's a former rotation member who made 23 starts for the team between 2021 and 2022. While he could vulture a win here and there, Thompson is unlikely to have a huge fantasy impact in his current role.

Bednar earned a save in Friday's 5-2 win over Philadelphia, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Bednar turned in a much-needed strong performance Friday after giving up four runs and recording his third blown save of the year during Tuesday's loss to Detroit. He looked much more like his All-Star self against the Phillies, throwing 11 of 16 pitches for strikes and striking out Nick Castellanos on three pitches to begin the ninth. It's still too early to tell if Bednar has fully gotten past his early-season struggles, but Friday was certainly a step in the right direction.

Helsley struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Helsley worked quickly Friday, needing just 11 pitches to finish off the 9-6 win. He's now converted five of his six save chances through eight appearances. He lowered his ERA to 3.38 with a strong 9:1 K:BB. Helsley has punched out four batters in two perfect frames since taking a loss against the Phillies on April 8.

Megill (concussion) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Megill has been sidelined due to a concussion since April 3. He threw a bullpen session earlier in the week without any issues and doesn't project to spend much time on his rehab assignment, making it likely he returns to the Brewers' bullpen within a few days. Megill threw two scoreless innings and struck out three batters during Milwaukee's season-opening series against the Mets.

Sewald (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Saturday's bullpen session will mark Sewald's first opportunity to throw off a mound since he suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain in late March. He will likely require additional bullpen sessions before progressing to facing live hitters and potentially a rehab assignment in the minors, but the right-hander seems to be trending toward a return in late April. Until then, Kevin Ginkel will continue serving as Arizona's closer.

The Padres recalled Morejon from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Morejon pitched two-thirds of an inning during San Diego's series in South Korea but was optioned to Triple-A ahead of its domestic opener. He's given up two runs across 6.1 minor-league frames and will now return to the Padres to provide additional bullpen depth. Pedro Avila was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Padres designated Avila for assignment Friday.

Avila has struggled in his four outings this season, allowing eight runs on five hits and six walks while striking out nine in eight innings over that span. In a corresponding move, the Padres recalled left-hander Adrian Morejon from Triple-A El Paso.

Manager Craig Counsell revealed on "The Parkins & Spiegal Show" that the Cubs had called up Thompson from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, per 670 The Score.

With Jose Cuas being sent down Thursday, the Cubs are bringing in Thompson to shore up their bullpen depth. Thompson has not allowed a run in his last three outings with Iowa, striking out six batters while allowing one hit and two walks in five innings over that span.

Through four appearances (6.2 innings), Smyly has a 4.05 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and seven strikeouts.

Outside of his first appearance of the season, Smyly has retired more than three batters in all of his outings, and he should continue to work in a long-relief role for the Cubs. While a 4.05 ERA isn't amazing, it is an improvement on the 5.00 ERA he posted in 2023. The veteran southpaw has also lowered his WHIP from 1.43 last season. It's still early, but Smyly's results have been encouraging so far.

Through four appearances (3.2 innings), Neris has a 7.36 ERA and 1.91 WHIP to go along with five strikeouts.

Neris has continued to miss bats at a high rate as he's done his entire career, though he's struggled to limit baserunners, and that's led to his high WHIP and ERA so far. It's of course a small sample, and the veteran righty posted a 1.71 ERA and 1.05 WHIP last season with the Astros, so better days are likely ahead. Neris should continue to work in a setup role in front of closer Adbert Alzolay.