MLB Player News

Roberts (finger) made the fifth appearance of his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Iowa, striking out one batter while allowing one hit and two walks over a scoreless inning.

Roberts was placed on the 15-day injured list April 14 due to a right middle finger laceration but was cleared to head out on a rehab assignment a week and a half later. Through his five appearances, Roberts has permitted one run while posting a 5:4 K:BB across five innings. He could be a candidate to return from the IL this weekend during the Cubs' three-game series versus the Rangers.

The Pirates recalled Sanders from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Sanders joined the Pirates' taxi squad ahead of Wednesday's contest, and he'll now grab a spot on the active roster to make up for the loss of Chris Devenski (illness). Sanders will likely be limited to low-leverage work after allowing four runs in three MLB innings this year and logging a 5.19 ERA and 2.44 WHIP at Indianapolis.

The Pirates placed Devenski on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to an illness.

Devenski would have been eligible to return from his two-game suspension Thursday, but he'll instead spend the next couple of weeks on the injured list due to an undisclosed illness. Cam Sanders was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move.

The Marlins selected Jones' contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Jones earned the promotion by holding a 3.24 ERA and 19:13 K:BB over 16.2 frames with Double-A Pensacola this season. The 28-year-old will be making his major-league debut when/if he enters a game.

The Cubs recalled Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hollowell has permitted only two runs with a 15:6 K:BB over his first eight innings at Iowa. He'll give manager Craig Counsell a fresh bullpen arm.

The Cubs designated Martin for assignment Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Martin pitched well initially after being added to the Cubs' roster last month, but he was scored upon in each of his last three appearances. Gavin Hollowell will absorb his spot in the bullpen.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that Fairbanks (hand) threw a "very encouraging" 13-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Jeremy Tache of Marlins.tv reports.

Fairbanks was able to get back on the mound for the first time since Miami placed him on the 15-day injured list April 28 due to nerve irritation in his right hand. Though Fairbanks had a similar occurrence of nerve irritation back in the 2024 season with the Rays and ended up missing about three weeks, the Marlins are hopeful that the veteran reliever will be ready to return from the shelf in close to the minimum 15 days. Fairbanks' ability to complete a side session is a promising step toward meeting that goal, and he's set to throw again Friday before Miami determines his next steps, per MLB.com.

The Cubs outrighted Rios to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Rios had been removed from the 40-man roster and went unclaimed on waivers. The 32-year-old reliever has the ability to decline the outright assignment and elect free agency, but it's unclear what he plans to do. Rios tossed 1.2 scoreless innings in his lone outing with the Cubs.

Williams struck out both batters he faced to earn the save in Wednesday's 10-5 win over the Rockies.

Sean Manaea was tasked with protecting a five-run lead in the ninth inning, but he instead loaded the bases while recording just one out. Williams came in and racked up six strikes on nine pitches to escape the jam, earning his third save in as many appearances in May. A four-game stretch in the middle of April saw Williams give up eight runs over two innings, but he's posted five consecutive scoreless outings since then. His 6.17 ERA and 1.80 WHIP for the season are ugly, but Williams has converted five of six save chances and has a 20:6 K:BB over 11.2 innings. The struggles haven't cost him the closer role yet, though the Mets' overall poor performance hasn't led to a ton of closing opportunities.

Soto walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Soto has primarily worked as a setup man this season, but he converted the save chance Wednesday after Paul Skenes spun eight shutout innings. Dennis Santana pitched in Tuesday's contest, while Soto hadn't been utilized since Sunday. The winds may be changing in the Pirates' bullpen, as Santana hasn't gotten a save chance since blowing one April 27 versus the Cardinals. Soto is at a 1.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 24:7 K:BB through 18 innings, and he's added two saves and six holds across 18 appearances. Soto hasn't worked as a primary closer since 2022 with the Tigers, when he converted 30 of 33 opportunities, but he's certainly gaining momentum with his work early this year, which has made him the most reliable reliever on the team, regardless of role.