MLB Player News

Martin (0-1) took the loss Saturday versus Atlanta. He allowed four runs on six hits and a walk with six strikeouts in four innings.

All of the runs against Martin came via the long ball. He gave up solo shots to Matt Olson and William Contreras as well as a two-run blast also to Contreras. Prior to Saturday, Martin hadn't allowed a homer at the major-league level this year. The poor outing raised his ERA to 4.84 and his WHIP to 1.66 through 22.1 innings. He's added 21 strikeouts and 12 walks in seven appearances (two starts), though his spot in the rotation remains only tenuously in his hands. He should be considered likely to start until Zach Davies (shoulder) or Tyler Gilbert (elbow) can return, which likely means Martin is tentatively set for a home start versus the Rockies next week.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw his third simulated inning Friday and will toss another bullpen session before potentially kicking off a minor-league rehab assignment, per MLB.com.

Pomeranz threw 26 pitches in his most recent sim game, increasing his output from his first two outings against live hitters. The lefty hurler's next steps aren't yet determined beyond an additional bullpen session in the coming days. Pomeranz hasn't pitched in a game for almost a year, so he's likely to require significant time to ramp up once he begins a rehab stint.

Leiter was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.

Leiter was sent to the minors in mid-July but will rejoin the Cubs' bullpen after Chris Martin was traded to the Dodgers on Saturday. Over 14 appearances (four starts) in the majors this year, Leiter has posted a 5.35 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 38.2 innings.

Jansen is unavailable for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks due to a back injury, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Jansen felt a twinge in his back during Friday's relief appearance, and he'll rest for at least one game. However, his injury isn't considered significant, so he should be considered day-to-day. If Atlanta encounters a save situation Saturday, A.J. Minter and Will Smith will likely be the top options to fill in as the closer.

Holton was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Holton has spent most of the season in Reno and has recorded a 3.29 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 27.1 innings over 18 relief appearances in the minors. The southpaw should pitch mainly in low-leverage situations but will be able to handle multi-inning outings if needed.

Naile was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

He has not allowed a run while striking out four in 5.1 innings over four appearances in the majors this year. Dakota Hudson (neck) was activated ahead of his scheduled start Saturday in a corresponding move.

Hudson (neck) was officially activated ahead of Saturday's start against the Nationals, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Hudson is capable of going deep into starts, but he has struck out more than four batters only once in nine starts since the beginning of June. He has a 4.85 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 52 innings over that stretch.

Abbott was recalled by the Nationals on Saturday.

He has given up one run while striking out four in three innings over two MLB appearances this season. Abbott will presumably pitch in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen, but he could also be an option to serve as a spot starter. He's started eight of his 12 appearances at the Triple-A level between the Nationals' and Cubs' affiliates this year.

Yacabonis (groin) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and designated for assignment by the Marlins on Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Yacabonis was on the injured list since July 16 due to a left groin strain but began a rehab assignment Thursday and tossed a scoreless inning during his lone appearance. He'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster now that he's healthy, and it's not yet clear whether he'll remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Castano was placed on the 7-day concussion injured list Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Castano's placement on the injured list doesn't come as a significant surprise since he was diagnosed with a mild concussion and a forehead contusion when he was hit by a comebacker Thursday against the Reds. It's not yet clear whether the southpaw will need to spend more than a week on the shelf.