MLB Player News

Helsley (8-1) earned the win during Saturday's 6-5 victory over Atlanta, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

After being sidelined since Aug. 19 due to personal reasons, Helsley was deployed to pitch the ninth inning with a one-run deficit and became the victor when St. Louis walked it off in the bottom of the frame. The 28-year-old wasted no time getting back into the groove by striking out two on just 11 pitches and remains one of the best relievers in the game with a 0.89 ERA and 0.65 WHIP.

Junis said Tuesday that he's dealing with a "tiny" fracture on the palm of his left hand, but he's feeling significantly better since exiting his last start Aug. 21 against the Rockies and plans to take the hill Sunday in Minnesota, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Junis exited the Aug. 21 start after taking a line drive off the base of his glove and near the bottom of his non-pitching hand, with the 29-year-old being diagnosed with a hairline fracture of his palm. Fortunately for Junis, the injury doesn't look like it'll be anything that forces him to the injured list, as the Giants already list him as their probable starter for Sunday's contest. He'll carry a 3.58 ERA and 1.10 WHIP into his 17th appearance and 14th start of the campagin.

Martin recently underwent an MRI on his arm that came back clean, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Martin was unavailable Friday against the Marlins due to his arm issue, but the injury isn't believed to be particularly serious. The right-hander doesn't expect to require an IL stint, so he should be considered day-to-day.

Thompson (back) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson has been on the injured list for a week due to lower-back tightness, and it's encouraging that he's already been cleared for mound work. The team will likely see how he feels after Saturday's throwing session prior to determining the next steps in his recovery process, but it's possible that he rejoins the Cubs following a relatively minimal IL stint.

Stephenson was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on Saturday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Stephenson made 45 relief appearances for the Rockies this year and posted a 6.04 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 44.2 innings before being designated for assignment Thursday. He's expected to join the Pirates' bullpen and should serve mainly as a middle reliever for his new club.

Cabrera was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Cabrera earned some setup work for the Cardinals over the first half of August, but he gave up seven runs in 2.1 innings over his last two outings and will now lose his spot on the active roster. Zack Thompson was called up Saturday to take Cabrera's place in the bullpen.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Thompson hasn't pitched in the majors in over a month but will provide an extra arm in the bullpen after Genesis Cabrera was sent down Saturday. Thompson posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 22 innings over 12 appearances (one start) with the Cardinals earlier in the year and should serve mainly as a middle reliever now that he's back in the big leagues.

Hoeing was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday.

Hoeing made a two-inning relief appearance Friday against the Dodgers, allowing a run on two hits and no walks while failing to strike out a batter. Although he was more effective than he was when he gave up seven runs in three innings during his major-league debut Aug. 20, he'll head back to the minors after Jake Fishman's contract was selected Saturday.

Johnson (elbow) pitched an inning for Triple-A El Paso on Friday, allowing one run on two hits and tossing a wild pitch.

This was Johnson's second rehab outing and his first at the Triple-A level (the other appearance was with the Padres' ACL team). The right-hander showed some rust Friday, but it's promising that he's back to throwing in games after landing on the injured list in mid-April. Johnson could be back with the Padres sometime next week.

Almonte (elbow) played catch in Miami before Friday's game against the Marlins but remains without a return timeline, the Associated Press reports.

Almonte last pitched Aug. 3, and he hasn't thrown from a mound since going on the injured list Aug. 7. His ability to play catch is at least progress in the right direction, but the right-hander doesn't appear close to going on a rehab assignment. He isn't expected to be activated from the IL until at least mid-September.