MLB Player News

Hughes was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to April 27, with right knee inflammation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

It's the same issue that caused Hughes to miss the first two weeks of the 2023 regular season, and he might need even more time off this time around. Caleb Kilian is up from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move and will start for the Cubs on Saturday at Miami.

Kilian was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and will start for the Cubs on Saturday against the Marlins, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

As planned, Kilian gets the call to fill in for Jameson Taillon (groin) at loanDepot park in Miami. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed 15 runs -- 13 earned -- over his first 11.1 major-league innings last season and was showing an ugly 7.15 ERA through 11.1 innings this year at Triple-A Iowa. He is not a recommended fantasy streamer.

Ferguson earned a hold with a perfect inning against St. Louis on Friday. He struck out one batter.

Ferguson entered in the sixth inning and needed just 11 pitches to retire the trio of batters he faced. The southpaw has picked up a hold in each of his past three appearances and now leads Los Angeles in that category this season. Ferguson has been a steady option in the club's bullpen through 11 appearances, allow just two runs and posting a 9:2 K:BB over 10.1 frames.

Jimenez was activated Saturday from the paternity list.

Jimenez will return to Atlanta's bullpen ahead of Saturday's game against the Mets after welcoming a new addition to his growing family. The former Tigers closer has pitched well out of the gate this season for the reigning NL East champs.

Crowe (shoulder) was transferred Saturday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Miguel Andujar, who had his contract selected by the Pirates on Saturday. Crowe is out indefinitely with a right shoulder issue.

Weems will serve as the 27th man for the Nationals in Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

It's an extra bullpen arm for the Nats in the twin bill versus Pittsburgh. Weems, 30, has posted a 1.93 ERA with 13 strikeouts through 9.1 innings this season at Triple-A Rochester.

Rucker (1-1) allowed a run on two hits without retiring a batter to take the loss Friday against the Marlins. He also hit two batters.

Rucker got the bottom of the ninth inning in a 2-2 game and struggled mightily. He allowed a leadoff single to Jorge Soler, then plunked both Luis Arraez and Avisail Garcia with pitches. That loaded the bases for Jean Segura, who plated the winning run on a single. Rucker had come into the contest with six straight scoreless outings and still carries a solid 3.38 ERA overall, so he should be able to rebound from the tough performance.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo refrained from calling Chafin the team's closer Friday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Despite the continued use of Chafin in save situations, Lovullo would only go as far as saying the reliever was "maybe" his top option. The manager said he might pivot away from Chafin if a situation dictates it. "I don't have a problem running him out there right-left-right," Lovullo said. "But if it's a wall of righties and it's a good matchup for a right-handed pitcher, I would probably go in a different direction." Chafin has converted four of five opportunities so far.

Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Astros. He struck out two over a perfect ninth inning.

The southpaw has been one of the best closers in the league to start off the year, though he's still splitting duties with Craig Kimbrel. Alvarado has allowed just one earned run over 12.1 innings, and his five saves are tied for fifth in MLB. Additionally, he has a 0.49 WHIP and impressive 24:0 K:BB.

Williams picked up the save Friday against the Angels. He didn't allow a run, hit or walk while striking out one in one inning.

Williams has been among baseball's best relievers this season. He has converted all four of his save opportunities and has yet to allow a run in 2023. In nine innings Williams has struck out 14 while posting a 0.78 WHIP.