MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Alzolay to their alternate training site Sunday.

Chicago designated Alzolay as its 29th man for Saturday's doubleheader with the Cardinals, with the 25-year-old receiving the starting nod for the first game of the twin bill. After previously giving up an unearned run over five innings in his first start of the season back on Aug. 19 in St. Louis, Alzolay's rematch with the Cardinals didn't go nearly as well, as he lasted only 2.2 innings while giving up two runs on two hits and five walks. Unless the Cubs place a player on the injured list and call up Alzolay in a corresponding move, the decision to demote the right-hander after the doubleheader will make him ineligible to rejoin the big club when a fifth starter is needed again Thursday against the Reds.

The Reds optioned De Leon to their alternate training site Saturday.

De Leon was the odd man out after Cincinnati reduced its roster from 29 men to 28 following Friday's doubleheader with the Pirates. The 28-year-old has made three relief appearances for Cincinnati this season, giving up 12 runs on five hits and eight walks over four innings.

The Nationals optioned Crowe to their alternate training site Saturday.

After serving as Washington's 29th man in Friday's doubleheader with the Braves, Crowe was predictably sent back to the alternate site when the Nationals reduced their roster to 28 ahead of Saturday's contest. Crowe started the second game of the twin bill, working 2.1 innings and giving up three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out three in a 10-9 victory, though he didn't factor into the decision.

Kelly (shoulder) threw to live hitters Friday and struggled with his command, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Manager Dave Roberts noted that Kelly emerged from the session healthy and will throw again Monday. "He's building up arm strength. As far as command, it wasn't where it needs to be, and right now it doesn't have to be. Monday, for me, is going to be a big test. I expect the command to be more tightened up and the intensity to be ramped up," said Roberts. Kelly will still need to serve a five-game suspension once he is activated.

Suarez was optioned to the Giants' alternate training site Sunday, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

While the southpaw turned in 1.1 scoreless innings his last time out, it was not enough to save his roster spot. Suarez has mostly struggled going back to 2019, but he will likely return later this season when bullpen reinforcements are inevitably needed.

Garcia was recalled from the Giants' alternate training site Sunday, Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Garcia will be up to bolster the bullpen after manager Gabe Kapler used seven different relievers behind Trevor Cahill on Saturday. The right-hander made nine appearances spanning six innings during his first stint with the big club this season, posting a 7.50 ERA, 2.33 WHIP and 3:2 K:BB.

Treinen (3-2) took the loss against Colorado on Saturday, allowing three runs on three hits and notching a strikeout for the only out he recorded.

Treinen had been brilliant in his first season with the Dodgers until Saturday, so the rough outing may just be a bump in the road. The three earned runs allowed by the setup man Saturday were more than he had previously yielded during the entire campaign, and he still holds a 2.55 ERA even after the stumble. Treinen should continue to function in a high-leverage role down the stretch.

Llovera was called up from the alternative site Sunday.

Llovera took part in both the team's original spring training and ramp up in July, though he's now set to make his major-league debut. He has not pitched above Double-A Reading, though he did rack up 72 strikeouts across 65.1 innings there in 2019 in a tough environment for pitchers. He should serve as depth in the bullpen.

Gsellman will shift back to a bullpen role beginning Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Gsellman wasn't able to provide much length after his shift to the rotation, completing more than two innings just once in four starts. He'll serve in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen, though he isn't likely to get high-leverage work. Gsellman has an ugly 7.84 ERA and 2.13 WHIP through 10.1 frames this season.

Williams struck out four batters over two scoreless innings in Saturday's loss to Cleveland.

Only a catcher's interference prevented Williams from being perfect Saturday, as he was otherwise dominant, which is becoming the norm for him. Williams' changeup has taken him to new heights, and over his last eight appearances -- all hitless -- he has struck out a whopping 20 batters and has walked just two in 9.1 innings.