The Cubs activated Lopez (groin) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Lopez spent the minimum 15 days on the IL with a strained right groin. The veteran reliever had been in the closer mix before getting hurt and should regain a high-leverage role, although Porter Hodge still looks like the better bet for saves in the Cubs' bullpen.

The Cubs optioned Palencia to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Just one day after being called up from Triple-A, Palencia will return to Iowa with the Cubs needing to open up a spot on the 28-man active roster for lefty Justin Steele (elbow), who will return from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Athletics. Palencia struck out two over two perfect innings out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Oakland.

The Cubs optioned Neely to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Neely will give up his spot in the Chicago bullpen to right-hander Jorge Lopez (groin), who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Through six appearances at the big-league level this season, Neely has given up six earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings.

Helsley allowed a hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Pirates.

Helsley is up to 45 saves this season, though he's earned just three of them in September amid the Cardinals' struggles to find leads. He's allowed just one unearned run over his last 14 innings, posting a 19:3 K:BB in that span. The closer has enjoyed an excellent season despite pitching on a middling team, maintaining a 2.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 74:23 K:BB over 62.2 innings.

Diaz earned the save in Tuesday's 6-5 win over Atlanta, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Atlanta made things interesting in the ninth with a two-out single followed by a stolen base. However, Diaz proceeded to strike out Michael Harris, stranding the tying run on second to lock down his 28th save this season. The 27-year-old Diaz has now delivered seven straight scoreless appearances (seven innings), allowing just one hit while striking out seven in that span. His ERA is down to 4.14 on the year with a 1.27 WHIP and 54:28 K:BB across 54.1 innings.

Holmes didn't factor into the decision Tuesday against Cincinnati, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out two.

Making his return to Atlanta's rotation in place of Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), Holmes was only able to get through four innings Tuesday, needing 78 pitches. The 28-year-old Holmes pitched well in his last start before moving to the bullpen, allowing two runs over seven innings in a win versus San Francisco. Overall, Holmes sports a 3.84 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and 56:13 K:BB across 58.2 innings this season. With Lopez likely sidelined for the rest of the regular season, Holmes figures to remain in Atlanta's rotation. He's currently scheduled for a road matchup with the Marlins this weekend.

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

Palencia has collected a 7.11 ERA over nine appearances out of the Cubs' bullpen this season. The hard-throwing right-hander will give the club a fresh relief arm.

The Cubs optioned Wingenter to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wingenter threw 34 pitches over two scoreless innings in Monday's win over the Athletics, so he probably wasn't going to be available for a day or two. Daniel Palencia is taking his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Sanchez (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session last Friday, MLB.com reports.

Sanchez has thrown multiple live sessions since landing on the injured list June 2 with right shoulder inflammation, but given his long history of shoulder-related problems, the Marlins don't seem to be preparing him for a return in 2024. The right-hander should at least continue his throwing progression over the final two weeks of the season, setting him up for a relatively normal offseason. Sanchez posted a 6.06 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over 35.2 innings across 14 appearances (seven starts) before being deactivated.

Gibaut (forearm) allowed one run on two hits over one inning for Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

Gibaut commenced a rehab assignment with the Bats and gave up a home run during his one inning of work. He's missed the entire season due to arm and calf issues and is hoping to pitch in the majors before the end of September.