MLB Player News

Fulmer (forearm) threw a successful bullpen session Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

It was his first time throwing off a mound since he landed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 26 due to a mild right forearm strain. There is not an exact timetable for Fulmer's return to the Cubs' bullpen, but he would seem to be getting close. He may be allowed to skip a minor-league rehab assignment if his side work continues to go smoothly.

The Padres claimed Otto off waivers from the Rangers on Thursday.

Otto was DFA'd by Texas on Tuesday after accumulating a 10.13 ERA and 1.88 WHIP through 10.2 innings in the majors. However, he's been solid in Triple-A with a 3.38 ERA and 1.07 WHIP through 29.1 frames, so the Padres will take a flier on him as a bullpen depth piece. Ben Gamel was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Mariot passed through waivers unclaimed and was outrighted Thursday to Triple-A Louisville, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Mariot was pushed off the 40-man roster Tuesday after making his first major-league appearance since 2016 on Monday against the Mariners. The 34-year-old right-hander will remain part of the Reds organization for the time being.

Pepiot was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Pepiot is slated to start Thursday's game in Miami. The young right-hander has been terrific in three appearances (one start) for the Dodgers this season, holding a 1.29 ERA and 14:2 K:BB over 14 innings. The Dodgers are in need of rotation help, giving Pepiot the chance to make multiple starts down the stretch if he continues to pitch well.

Wood (5-5) took the loss Wednesday, allowing five runs on five hits and one walk over 2.1 innings against the Cubs while striking out two.

Wood got off to a rough start, allowing four of the first six batters to reach base in the first inning, which led to three runs coming across for Chicago. He got tagged again in the third for another two runs, marking the third time this season in which he's allowed at least five runs. The lefty had not given up an earned run in five straight appearances coming in, which covered a span of 9.1 innings. Wednesday's start was Wood's first since July 21, and he hasn't covered more than four frames in an outing since July 8, so he doesn't offer much fantasy upside even if he sticks in a starting role.

Bednar picked up the save Wednesday against the Brewers, allowing one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning. He did not walk a batter.

Bednar gave up a leadoff single to Andruw Monasterio in the top of the ninth but was able to retire the next three batters to nail down his 33rd save of the season. The right-hander has now converted each of his last 10 save opportunities and has not allowed a run through five September appearances. He also has not walked a batter since Aug. 19 against the Twins (spanning eight appearances).

The Diamondbacks will option Jarvis to Triple-A Reno on Thursday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Ryne Nelson is set to come up from the minors to start Thursday, so Jarvis will be pushed off the active roster to free up a spot. Jarvis has posted a solid 3.21 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across 14 innings in the majors this season, so there's a chance he returns to Arizona's bullpen before the end of the year.

Kelly (forearm) is on track to be activated from the 15-day injured list early next week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kelly has completed multiple successful bullpen sessions since suffering a minor setback in late August and is expected to return to action during the Dodgers' upcoming three-game series against the Padres, which begins Monday. The veteran reliever landed on the injured list Aug. 13 due to right forearm inflammation.

The Marlins selected Smeltzer's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

Smeltzer was pushed off the 40-man roster last month, but he remained with Miami after passing through waivers unclaimed and will now get another opportunity at the big-league level. The left-hander figures to operate in a low-leverage bullpen role.

Hartlieb was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Wednesday.

Hartlieb has made only two major-league appearances with the Marlins this season and owns a career 7.17 ERA in 70.1 total innings of work at baseball's highest level. Devin Smeltzer will take his place on the 40-man roster.