MLB Player News

Hultzen will be called up by the Cubs on Saturday, Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register reports.

Hultzen's journey to the big leagues was a lengthy one, as a string of shoulder issues derailed his career for several seasons after he was drafted second overall back in 2011, sandwiched between Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer. Now 29 years old, the lefty is finally ready for his first major-league opportunity after posting a 1.26 ERA and a 39.0 percent strikeout rate in 14.1 innings for Triple-A Iowa. He'll be a bullpen option down the stretch.

Kimbrel (elbow) believes he'll be ready to return from the 10-day injured list when first eligible Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kimbrel has been diagnosed with right elbow inflammation, but his MRI results were encouraging and he doesn't expect to miss much time. The closer hasn't been in peak form since joining the Cubs midseason. He's recorded 13 saves but has struggled to a 5.68 ERA. His 29.6 percent strikeout rate would be quite good for many pitchers but isn't anywhere close to his career 41.1 percent mark.

Harvey was recalled by the Rockies on Friday.

Harvey threw 10 innings for the Rockies in the first half, allowing five earned runs while recording an 11:7 K:BB. He'll be one of many options in a deep September bullpen down the stretch.

Voth will get a spot start Saturday in Atlanta, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Joe Ross (forearm soreness) was originally scheduled to make that start. Voth logged 2.1 scoreless innings Sept. 2 and manager Dave Martinez says he will be capable of throwing five innings or 75-80 pitches in this spot start. If Ross is unable to return to the rotation next week, Erick Fedde could also be an option to step into the rotation.

Gott (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

This puts an end to Gott's season, as he last pitched Aug. 26. He finishes with a 4.44 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 52.2 innings.

Cabrera was credited with his first career save in a win over the Giants on Thursday, firing three scoreless innings during which he allowed three hits and recorded three strikeouts.

Saves are not normally associated with 10-0 victories, but the fact Cabrera preserved the lead for the final three innings technically qualified him for such. It was the 22-year-old southpaw's first appearance since his most recent callup last Sunday, and he should continue seeing occasional relief work throughout the balance of the season.

Szapucki (arm) was scratched from the Arizona Fall League roster after ending the season on the 7-day injured list with Double-A Binghamton, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

It was a very successful first full season back from Tommy John surgery for the 23-year-old southpaw, but it ends on an ominous note. He logged a 2.63 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 72:26 K:BB in 61.2 innings across stops at Low-A, High-A and Double-A. Szapucki will need to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason, which is why the Mets pushed him aggressively to the upper levels of the minors. A Mets official told Healey that they are "going to give his arm a rest for a little while", so there is not necessarily an actual injury, it may just be general soreness for a pitcher who just set a career high in innings pitched. If he comes to camp healthy, Szapucki will likely open the year back at Double-A and could be an option to join the big-league rotation later in the summer.

Nelson threw two scoreless innings of relief, allowing three hits and striking out one, in Thursday's loss to the Cubs.

Nelson made his first big-league appearance since June 25, and he avoided any tallies on the scoreboard despite also hitting a batter and uncorking a wild pitch. Nelson threw 30 pitches Thursday and did not throw more than 37 pitches in any of his last 12 outings with Triple-A San Antonio, so it's likely he will be locked into a bullpen role for the rest of the season.

Hernandez didn't factor into the decision against the Pirates on Thursday, giving up five runs (three earned) on three hits over three innings, striking out three and walking two as the Marlins eventually won 10-7.

Hernandez had gone six innings in his last two starts, but he couldn't keep it going in this contest, as the Pirates jumped on him for five runs in the first inning to ensure he would have a short outing. For the season, the 24-year-old sports an unimpressive 5.23 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 72.1 innings.

Hudson (15-6) allowed one hit and two walks while striking out two across six scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday against the Giants.

The lone hit Hudson allowed came on a single by Kevin Pillar in the second frame, but he went to retire eight consecutive Giants until walking Brandon Crawford to lead off the fifth inning. Hudson generated 10 of his 18 outs via groundball, a skill he's leaned on throughout the season. Hudson has now turned in a scoreless effort in four of his last five outings, lowering his ERA from 4.01 to 3.40 in that span. He'll look to keep that run going in his next start, but will be in a tough environment Tuesday at Coors Field.