MLB Player News

Boxberger (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Boxberger will head to the Cubs' spring training facility to throw his second bullpen session in the last week. It's unclear how much longer he'll need to ramp up before returning to game action, though he is expected to go on at least a brief rehab assignment before being activated.

Doval picked up the save Thursday against Colorado, logging a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

Doval has converted his last 12 save opportunities, improving to 16-for-17 on the season. He's allowed just two earned runs in that span (16.2 innings) while striking out 26. The 25-year-old Doval has been a top-tier closing option this season -- his ERA is down to 1.95 with a 0.94 WHIP and 41:10 K:BB through 27.2 innings.

Rockies manager Bud Black said after Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Giants that Johnson's status as the primary closer will be "addressed," Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Johnson was called into Thursday's game with the Rockies leading 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning and promptly gave up three earned runs on two hits and two walks while recording only two outs. He's blown two saves in the last week and his season ERA has risen to 7.50. Justin Lawrence, Jake Bird, Brent Suter and Brad Hand are among the other options at closer for Colorado. Daniel Bard could maybe even get another shot.

Alvarado (elbow) will be activated from the injured list Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado is again ready to be a high-leverage contributor out of the Phillies' bullpen following a four-week recovery from left elbow inflammation. He had become manager Rob Thomson's primary closer prior to the IL stint and should quickly work his way back toward the top of the saves mix. When healthy this year, Alvarado has delivered a terrific 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and no walks in 14.1 innings.

The Nationals claimed La Sorsa off waivers from the Rays on Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

La Sorsa was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay last weekend after making two relief appearances -- his first career appearances at the major-league level. The 25-year-old left-hander will report to the Nats' Triple-A affiliate in Rochester.

Robertson struck out three batters in two perfect innings against the Reds on Wednesday.

Robertson got his first call-up to the majors Tuesday after posting a 2.13 ERA and 37:7 K:BB over 25.1 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The right-hander needed just 22 pitches to get through two frames in his first major-league appearance, tossing 15 strikes and punching out three batters. Robertson has closer-like stuff, including a fastball that tops out in the upper-90s, and he saved seven games for OKC before his promotion. He'll likely work in middle relief for now but could ascend up the pecking order in Los Angeles quickly given the team's bullpen struggles this season.

Atlanta activated Tonkin (neck) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Tonkin is back to fill a multi-inning bullpen role for the current NL East leaders after needing a couple weeks off due to a neck injury. Roddery Munoz was sent out in a corresponding roster move.

Scott was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The 31-year-old was just sent down Tuesday, but he's quickly back with the big club to replace the injured Noah Syndergaard (blister). Scott should operate in middle relief.

Lawrence (2-3) allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four across two innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Giants.

Lawrence appeared to take over the closer job in Colorado after tallying consecutive saves in the team's series against Kansas City. However, he entered Wednesday's matchup in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and no outs. He got out of that jam impressively without allowing an earned run, but he then struggled in the eighth frame. Lawrence has been excellent all season, so one bad performance isn't likely to shake the team's confidence in him, but he may be headed for a high-leverage role with only a partial share of save chances.

Puk gave up a hit and struck out the side in a scoreless ninth inning during Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Royals.

The Marlins erased a save opportunity by scoring three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but with Puk already warmed up, manager Skip Schumaker elected to stick with his closer for the top of the ninth. It was the southpaw's first appearance since coming off the injured list Tuesday, and it looks like he'll immediately bump Dylan Floro back to setup duty despite being sidelined for nearly a month. Puk sports a 2.87 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and impressive 22:3 K:BB through 15.2 innings on the season.