MLB Player News

Pagan struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 18th save of the season in a 10-8 win over the Cubs.

The veteran righty handled the heart of Chicago's order on an efficient seven pitches (six strikes), including a three-pitch strikeout of Ian Happ. Pagan's last blown save came back on May 4, a game in which he suffered a hamstring strain that landed him on the IL for nearly two months, and since returning at the beginning of July he's put together a 1.96 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 23:3 K:BB over 18.1 innings while converting all 12 of his save opportunities.

Iglesias came away with the save in Friday's 6-4 win over the Rockies, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not record a walk or strikeout.

Iglesias was brought out for the ninth inning to protect Atlanta's two-run lead. He allowed a leadoff single to Hunter Goodman but responded by getting TJ Rumfield to ground into a double play, with Iglesias successfully closing things out after getting Willi Castro to line out. Iglesias has logged a save in each of his last five outings and is up to 29 saves on the year, which is eighth-most in the majors. He has a 2.88 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 52:16 K:BB over 50 innings this season.

The Diamondbacks optioned Burgos to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Burgos has pitched 1.2 shutout innings since coming up from the minors Monday, but he'll end up as the roster casualty necessary to make room for Kohl Drake, who was recalled from Reno to start Friday's game versus San Francisco. Burgos has now given up one run in 4.1 major-league innings this year and could still return to Arizona down the stretch to provide bullpen depth.

The Cubs placed Milner on outright waivers Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Feinsand previously reported that Milner was designated for assignment, but the 35-year-old southpaw has actually been placed on waivers, allowing another team to claim him. Milner is on the 15-day injured list after undergoing an appendectomy, but he could garner interest from a team seeking an extra left-hander for its bullpen. Milner has a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, six holds and an 18:9 K:BB over 35.2 innings this season.

The Mets selected Devenski's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Devenski will join his second big-league roster this season after appearing in three games for Pittsburgh from late April to early May. In five outings with Syracuse, the 35-year-old posted a 1.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB over 7.1 innings. The Mets transferred Jorge Polanco (ankle) to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster for Devenski and optioned Xzavion Curry to Triple-A to open a spot in the bullpen for the veteran right-hander.

The Mets optioned Curry to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Curry's latest stint in the majors lasted one day, and he threw 46 pitches while yielding two runs over 2.1 innings in Thursday's loss to the Brewers. His spot on the roster will be absorbed by Chris Devenski.

The Cubs activated Milner (appendectomy) from the 15-day injured list Friday and designated him for assignment, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Milner underwent an appendectomy two months ago and pitched well in 10.2 rehab innings, posting a 2.53 ERA and 9:2 K:BB. However, the Cubs determined they didn't have room on their active roster for the lefty specialist. He has just a 17.2 percent strikeout rate over the last two seasons, but Milner boasts a 3.54 ERA and 49 percent groundball rate over the last five seasons. The southpaw could clear waivers given his $3.75 million salary, but Milner should land on his feet elsewhere.

The Pirates optioned Murdock to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

After making just one appearance with Pittsburgh since being recalled Tuesday, Murdock will head back to the Triple-A squad. With Indianapolis, the 28-year-old has posted a 0-2 record, 4.21 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB over 25.2 innings this season. Pittsburgh recalled Evan Sisk to replace Murdock on the 26-man roster.

Pittsburgh recalled Sisk from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

The southpaw spent just over two weeks in Indianapolis before rejoining the Pirates in St. Louis for their series opener Friday. With the big-league club this season, the 29-year-old owns a 2.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 47:18 K:BB and five holds over 40.2 innings. Pittsburgh optioned Noah Murdock to Triple-A to clear a spot in the bullpen for Sisk.

Tong's recent turnaround with Triple-A Syracuse has made him a candidate to replace Robert Stock in the Mets' rotation when rosters expand in September, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Tong has struggled this season to maintain his extreme over-the-top arm angle while incorporating new pitches into his arsenal, primarily a cutter, but the 23-year-old right-hander may have finally figured things out. He's allowed one run or fewer in five of his last six starts for Syracuse, posting a 2.48 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 34:15 K:BB over 29 innings during that stretch. Stock will stay on turn Monday -- the final day of August -- for a road start against the Rays, but if Tong maintains or even improves on his current form when he takes the mound Saturday at Triple-A, his next start will likely come in the big leagues.