MLB Player News

Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said Tuesday that Thompson (back) will throw a live batting practice session in the next 7-to-10 days, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

On Tuesday, Thompson tossed his second bullpen session since being placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 20 with lower-back tightness, but the Cubs don't seem motivated to accelerate his throwing program. He'll likely throw off a mound at least once or twice more before advancing to facing hitters, which seemingly takes a return from the IL in the minimum amount of time off the table. Hottovy noted that the Cubs haven't decided on what Thompson's role will look like once he returns from the IL, but the right-hander will stay on a starter's routine for the time being.

Triple-A Rochester reinstated Burdi (undisclosed) from its injured list Tuesday and assigned him to High-A Wilmington.

After signing a minor-league deal with the Nationals in April, Burdi was placed on the IL and didn't appear with an affiliate until Aug. 5, when he began a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League. He made two appearances in the FCL before settling with Wilmington last week. In his first two outings at the High-A level, Burdi struck out three over three scoreless frames. If he continues to perform well at Wilmington, a promotion to one of the Nationals' two higher-level affiliates could be in the cards before the end of the season.

Castano (concussion) threw a 10-pitch bullpen session Aug. 22 but has yet to be cleared for running, MLB.com reports.

Castano is still working his way through the concussion protocol after being drilled in the head by a line drive in a July 28 start against the Reds, and though he's progressing through baseball activities, he looks like he still needs to pass some more tests before ramping up his cardio work. Given that he's been sidelined for more than a month and hasn't yet been cleared to face hitters, Castano will likely be limited to a bullpen role if he's activated from the 7-day injured list before season's end.

Estrada's contract was selected from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday.

Estrada was called up to take the roster spot of one of the two pitchers who were placed on the restricted list while the Cubs play a three-game set in Toronto. He will presumably return to Iowa after the series concludes, but the Cubs will not be required to place him on waivers.

The Dodgers recalled Reed from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Reed will join the bullpen as a replacement for Phil Bickford, who was optioned to Triple-A after working in relief in three of the past four days. Between stints in the majors this season with the Dodgers and Mets, Reed has allowed nine earned runs on nine hits and seven walks over nine frames.

The Dodgers optioned Bickford to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

Bickford covered 2.2 innings in total while making relief appearances in three of the past four days, so his demotion is likely the result of the Dodgers wanting to add a fresh arm to the bullpen in advance of Tuesday's game against the Mets. Right-hander Jake Reed was recalled from Triple-A and will replace Bickford in the bullpen.

The Reds selected Law's contract from Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Law will take over the 40-man roster spot and 26-man active roster spot of fellow reliever Ross Detwiler, who was designated for assignment after serving up five earned runs across 2.1 innings between his most recent two appearances. During his upcoming stint with Cincinnati, Law will likely be used in a lower-leverage capacity out of the bullpen.

Bender (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

It was reported earlier this month that Bender would require Tommy John surgery, and he was able to sneak in the procedure before August came to a close. Given the timing of the injury, Bender may not be ready to pitch again until sometime in 2024.

Martin earned a save with a scoreless outing against the Marlins on Monday. He struck out one batter in two-thirds of an inning.

The game went into an extra frame, and the Dodgers scored one run in the top of the 10th inning to take the lead. Craig Kimbrel -- who pitched a perfect ninth -- was brought back out for the bottom of the 10th, but he issued two walks to load the bases with one out. Martin was then summoned from the bullpen, and he struck out Garrett Cooper and then got Jacob Stallings to foul out to slam the door. Martin recently took a few days off due to arm issue, but he appears to be recovered since he pitched both Sunday and Monday.

Devenski signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Tuesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Devenski parted ways with the Diamondbacks on Sunday, and it did not take him long to find work with a new club. Devenski had a rough go of it with Arizona the last couple years, but the Phillies will try to help him get back on track.