MLB Player News

Fulmer allowed a run on two hits across an inning of work to blow the save Monday against the Mariners. He struck out one.

Tasked with protecting a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning, Fulmer allowed a solo home run to Jarred Kelenic to blow his first save of the year, but the Cubs would rally for the 3-2 win in 10 innings. The run was the first one allowed this season by Fulmer, who now has a 2.08 ERA and eight strikeouts across 4.1 innings. He should continue to see regular save chances, though Brad Boxberger remains in the mix as well.

Strahm (1-0) allowed four hits and a walk over five shutout innings Monday, striking out six and earning a win over Miami.

Strahm received plenty of run support and worked through five innings while dealing with only a few threats. He's fired 10 scoreless frames with a 10:2 K:BB to begin his 2023 campaign. The 31-year-old southpaw forced nine whiffs, including four with the sinker. Strahm is lined up to start in Cincinnati this weekend.

Thompson (1-0) pitched a scoreless inning of relief and earned the win Monday against the Mariners. He walked two and struck out one.

Thompson battled his control a bit but was still able tot earn his first win of 2023 out of the bullpen, as Chicago squeaked out a 3-2 victory in 10 innings. The righty has been sharp, allowing just one earned run this year so far across 6.1 innings to go along with six strikeouts. Thompson made 17 starts for the Cubs in 2022, but it looks like he'll have to settle for being a relief weapon in 2023.

Hudson (knee) has been throwing bullpen sessions but isn't close to a return, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Hudson is still making his way back from left knee surgery, and the team has zero intention of rushing him back before he's ready. The veteran right-hander remains without a firm timetable for a return.

Nelson (elbow) threw Monday at Camelback Ranch and is closing in on a rehab assignment, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Nelson has been on the 15-day injured list since March 30 as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, and the news out of Dodgers' camp has been promising for the right-hander. The club will likely re-evaluate Nelson on Tuesday following his latest throwing session to determine whether he's ready for live action.

Jameson will start Wednesday against the Brewers, Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona reports.

Jameson is moving into the rotation to replace Zach Davies after Davies was placed on the 15-day injured list with his oblique strain. The right-hander has registered a 2.16 ERA and whiffed eight hitters in his 8.1 innings of work. There are some talented arms in the Arizona system who could replace Jameson if he struggles early -- namely top prospect Brandon Pfaadt -- but it seems likely that he'll be given a few turns in the rotation to begin the year.

Hughes (knee) is set to make his second rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Hughes will get in another tune-up outing after he struck out one over a scoreless inning Saturday for Iowa while scattering two hits and a walk. If Hughes' left knee checks out fine following his upcoming appearance Tuesday, he could be cleared to return from the 15-day injured list ahead of this weekend's series in Los Angeles.

Okert (groin) is scheduled to make his second rehab appearance with Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

If all goes well during Okert's upcoming outing, he could be reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of the Marlins' series with the Diamondbacks this weekend. Okert was sharp during his first appearance for Jacksonville on Sunday, issuing one walk and giving up no hits while striking out three batters in the one-inning, 21-pitch outing.

Nance (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Nance had been limited to throwing a 20-pitch bullpen session last week, so he appears to be taking an incremental step forward as he works his way back from a sore right shoulder. The 32-year-old will likely handle a low-leverage role out of the Miami bullpen once activated from the 15-day injured list.

The Cubs optioned Assad to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Assad was needed for three innings in relief Sunday, so he wasn't going to be available for a few days. He will get stretched back out as a starter with Iowa.