MLB Player News

Fulmer gave up a hit and struck out four over two scoreless innings Friday to record his first save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Rangers.

Neither Brad Boxberger nor Adbert Alzolay had pitched since Tuesday, but Cubs manager David Ross still elected to use Fulmer for multiple innings to close out the shutout, and the right-hander ultimately threw 28 pitches (18 strikes) as he picked up the team's first save of the year. The usage suggests that Ross might view Fulmer as more of a fireman than a pure ninth-inning arm, but he remains the favorite to finish the season leading the team in saves.

Phillips will not be available Friday against the Diamondbacks, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Phillips earned his second save of the season against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, but the right-hander will get the evening off for Friday's contest. Brusdar Graterol is available after missing Thursday's game with back tightness, so he could be tasked with the save chance if necessary.

Graterol (back) is available Friday against the Diamondbacks, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Graterol was not available for Thursday's contest due to tightness in his back. The hard-throwing right-hander could be asked to close if necessary with Evan Phillips (usage) not available Friday night.

Frias was recalled from Triple-A Reno by the Diamonbacks on Friday.

As a result of Cole Sulser (shoulder) hitting the 15-day injured list, Frias will make what figures to be a temporary return to the majors. The 24-year-old righty allowed 20 earned runs over 17 innings with the D-backs last season and will likely be used in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen.

Sulser was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to April 6, with a right shoulder strain.

Luis Frias is up from Triple-A Reno to fill the vacant spot in Arizona's bullpen. Sulser, who last pitched Monday, has allowed three earned runs on three hits and three walks over 4.1 innings this season. There is no estimated timeline for his return.

Hughes (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. Joey Pollizze of MLB.com reports.

Hughes first started experiencing soreness in his left knee a couple weeks ago but has been throwing without issue for a while now. He should be ready to rejoin the Cubs' bullpen after a couple rehab appearances and figures to work his way back into high-leverage spots.

Okert (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Okert is eligible for activation April 11. While he might not quite be ready on that day, he does seem to be tracking toward a mid-April return.

Nance (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Nance is working his way back from a shoulder issue and has finally progressed to mound work. He shouldn't be too far off from a rehab assignment.

Minter (1-0) picked up the win in Thursday's 7-6 victory over the Padres, giving up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning while striking out one.

The southpaw walked the first batter he faced in the top of the ninth and put runners on first and second with one out, but Minter coaxed a double play out of Xander Bogaerts to escape the jam. He was then rewarded with the win after Orlando Arcia's walkoff single in the bottom of the frame. Minter hasn't allowed a run through four innings to begin the season, collecting a win and and save in his four appearances, and with Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) still not throwing, his stint as Atlanta's closer should last at least another couple weeks, if not right on into May.

Vargas allowed two walks and hit a batter over a scoreless ninth inning in Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Vargas managed to escape with his first scoreless outing despite loading the bases with one out. All three of the hard-throwing right-hander's appearances have come in Diamondbacks' losses. Vargas has given up two runs on three hits (one HR) and three walks while striking out six over three games.