MLB Player News

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said he expects Helsley (personal) to be reinstated from the restricted list prior to Wednesday's game in Chicago against the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Helsley was initially placed on the paternity list Friday, but he put in a request to spend more time with his wife and newborn child after he was away from the Cardinals for the maximum three days. To facilitate Helsley's request, the Cardinals moved him to the restricted list Monday, but he looks like he'll need only two additional days away from the team before he's ready to return to action. The All-Star closer has turned in a 0.91 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 72 strikeouts over 49.2 innings this season in addition to picking up 12 saves.

Graterol struck out two batters in a perfect inning against Milwaukee on Monday.

Graterol's first outing in six weeks went about as smoothly as possible, as he threw 11 of 14 pitches for strikes, fanned two of the three batters he faced and hit 100 mph on the radar gun, per Sarah Wexler of MLB.com. The fireballing reliever is set to immediately resume a high-leverage role in the Dodgers' bullpen, and he could even see an occasional save opportunity given Craig Kimbrel's recent struggles.

The Cubs selected Assad's contract from Triple-A Iowa ahead of his scheduled start in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Outfielder Jason Heyward (knee) was transferred from the 10-day IL to the 60-day injured list to clear room on the 40-man roster for Assad, who will be making his MLB debut Tuesday. Assad will likely just be in line for a spot start before heading back to Iowa, though he could change the Cubs' plans for him if he fares better than expected against a hot-hitting St. Louis lineup. Over his 36.2 innings at Iowa since receiving a promotion from Double-A Tennessee earlier this summer, Assad produced a 2.95 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 37:7 K:BB.

The Cubs selected Padilla's contract from Triple-A Iowa ahead of Tuesday's doubleheader with the Cardinals, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Padilla will serve as the Cubs' 27th man Tuesday, joining the team's bullpen after posting a 1.69 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 14 strikeouts over 10.2 innings in seven games with Triple-A this season. The right-hander will likely return to Iowa following Tuesday's action.

Scott allowed one hit and struck out one batter over one inning Monday to earn a save over the Athletics.

Edward Cabrera tossed another scoreless outing for Miami, and he turned the ball over to Scott with the Marlins leading by three runs in the ninth. The closer gave up a one-out single to Sean Murphy but didn't really face much stress in registering the save. Scott is prone to the occasional blowup, but he's been pretty good of late, succeeding on six of his past seven save chances and striking out 12 batters over 9.1 innings during that stretch. However, he's also walked seven hitters during that period, highlighting the most significant flaw in his game this season.

Bellatti walked one batter and struck out two in a scoreless inning while earning a save over the Reds on Monday.

Bellatti worked around a leadoff walk to finish the 4-1 win with little issue. It was his second save of the year and first since June 26. The 31-year-old lowered his ERA to 3.76 through 45 appearances. Bellatti is one of several Phillies that are expected to see some ninth-inning work while Seranthony Dominguez (triceps) is out.

Jansen picked up the save Monday against Pittsburgh. He struck out two in a perfect inning.

Jansen had little trouble recording his 29th save as he needed just 11 pitches to shut down the Pirates in order and secure Atlanta's victory. The veteran is now tied with Josh Hader and Taylor Rogers for the MLB lead in saves. His two strikeouts on the night also improve his K/9 which was his second highest since 2018 at 12.0 entering Monday.

Alzolay (lat) started a rehab assignment Monday with the Cubs' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay opened the 2022 campaign on the injured list due to a strained right lat, but he's been ramping up his activity of late. He'll likely need to prove his health in at least a few rehab outings before having a chance to be activated from the 60-day IL before the season ends.

Assad will be called up to start the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Assad was promoted to Triple-A Iowa at the beginning of July, and he's posted a 2.95 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 36.2 innings over eight appearances (seven starts) at the Triple-A level. The Cubs' starting rotation is currently banged up, so it's possible that Assad makes more than one turn through the rotation if he performs well Tuesday.

Graterol (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Graterol was initially targeting a return during the Dodgers' weekend series against the Marlins, but the team ultimately waited to activate him until Monday. He recently completed a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City and allowed a hit and a walk while striking out four in 3.2 scoreless innings over four appearances. He'll be available out of the bullpen for Monday's series opener against the Brewers.