MLB Player News

Kimbrel (knee) will either be activated or sent on a rehab assignment Saturday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

It's decision time, apparently, but it's unclear what will factor into the decision. Kimbrel will be the Cubs' closer if he is activated in Pittsburgh.

Smith (5-0) blew a save but recorded the win against the Diamondbacks on Friday, allowing two runs on three hits with three strikeouts over 1.2 innings.

Smith came into the 10th inning to protect a 9-7 lead and gave up home runs to Wilmer Flores and Nick Ahmed to blow the save opportunity and even the score at 9-9. Mike Yastrzemski then homered in the 11th to give the Giants a 10-9 win. Smith has converted 29 saves in 33 chances this year, and has ended up getting credit for the win after all four of those blown saves.

Gsellman hasn't pitched the last two days due to triceps soreness, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

The Mets don't appear to be considering a trip to the injured list for Gsellman just yet, but if his absence lasts much longer, he may need to hit the IL. His last outing dates back to Sunday, when he surrendered two runs on two hits over one-third of an inning.

Avila exited Thursday's game with what appeared to be significant arm injury, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Following a rehab stint in rookie ball, Avila was activated from the injured list Thursday to make his first appearance for Double-A Amarillo since a right elbow strain shut him down in late April. He made it through 1.1 innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on four hits and two walks, before falling to the field and writhing in pain after throwing a pitch. Although he was able to walk off under his own power, the injury appeared to be serious. An update on his condition has yet to be released.

Clarke will be recalled from Triple-A Reno to start Saturday's game against the Giants, Richard Morin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Clarke was sent down to the minors Aug. 4 after surrendering three runs over 5.2 innings against the Nationals, but he's in line for another big-league opportunity after Robbie Ray (back) landed on the injured list Thursday.

Sewald had his contract selected from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

The 29-year-old returns to the major-league bullpen after being designated for assignment in late May but remaining with the organization. In 19 appearances with Triple-A Syracuse this year, Sewald carries an ERA of 3.35 with a 52:15 K:BB over 51 innings. Drew Gagnon was optioned to Triple-A and Tim Peterson was designated for assignment in corresponding moves.

Chargois was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

The 28-year-old returns to the minors after giving up three earned runs in 1.1 innings Thursday against the Marlins. Right-hander Josh Sborz was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Sborz was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

The right-hander will return to the major-league bullpen after JT Chargois was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move. In two appearances at the big-league level, Sborz allowed six earned runs off six hits and two walks over three innings. He likely doesn't hold much fantasy value as a middle reliever in a strong Dodgers bullpen.

Hartlieb was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Hartlieb returns to the Triple-A level after making seven appearances for the big-league club since being recalled July 30. In those appearances, the 25-year-old allowed seven earned runs in six innings while recording eight strikeouts. Cole Tucker was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move.

Wilson was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett prior to Friday's game against the Dodgers.

There doesn't seem to be a spot for Wilson in the rotation, so he will presumably offer length out of the bullpen. The 21-year-old righty has allowed just one run while striking out 25 in 27 innings over his last four starts at Triple-A.