MLB Player News

Jansen allowed a run on two hits but still closed out his 20th save Monday against the Cubs.

Jansen gave up two singles, a balk and a sacrifice fly to allow his first run since June 7, but he remained perfect in his last 18 save opportunities dating back to April 22. He owns a 2.45 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. If Jansen can keep up that pace, 2018 will become his fourth straight season with a sub-2.50 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP.

Underwood (0-1) allowed one run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts through four innings in a loss Monday against the Dodgers.

Underwood was making a spot start with Tyler Chatwood on paternity leave. He did his job, as he kept the Cubs in the ballgame, but it's unlikely that he will make another start. Expect the Cubs to make a decision on his roster status before Tuesday's game, but the 23-year-old will likely head back to Triple-A, where he owns a 4.27 ERA in 71.2 innings.

Miller (elbow) lasted 3.2 innings and gave up five runs on six hits and two walks to take the loss in his season debut Monday against the Marlins.

Miller had an ugly return in his first start in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. He was undone by his inability to retire the opposing pitcher, Dan Straily, who doubled and scored in the third inning and walked as part of a three-run fourth frame. Miller also allowed a solo home run in the first inning. On the bright side, Miller's fastball was clocked as high as 97.6 mph, a good sign that his surgically-repaired elbow has healed as anticipated. Unfortunately, Miller hasn't posted a sub-4.00 ERA in any season since 2015, so healthy or not, he may not prove to be a worthy fantasy asset in most leagues.

Bowman (finger) threw a fastballs-only bullpen session Monday and is slated to receive an injection to stimulate blood flow to his fingers Tuesday, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Bowman was sidelined yet again with blisters on June 19, and he's officially been diagnosed with Raynaud's Syndrome, which affects blood flow to the fingers. Monday's activity level was encouraging, and Tuesday's treatment could potentially bring much-needed relief for his condition. If all goes well over the next few days, Bowman is expected to resume throwing all of his pitches by the end of the week.

Underwood was officially recalled from Triple-A Iowa to start Monday against the Dodgers.

This is simply expected to be a spot start, as the Cubs will soon return to a five-man rotation when Tyler Chatwood returns from the paternity list and fifth starter Mike Montgomery will likely head to the bullpen when Yu Darvish (triceps) returns from the disabled list in a week or two, unless the Cubs go with a six-man rotation. Underwood has a 4.27 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 60:20 K:BB in 71.2 innings this year in the Pacific Coast League.

Edwards (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday without issue and will likely throw at least one more, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Edwards just resumed mound work after being limited to throwing only off flat ground, so the Cubs will take their time with him and make sure all is well before sending him out on a rehab assignment. If he avoids any setbacks during his next bullpen session, though, he could be given the green light to see game action with one of the Cubs' affiliates.

Neris was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Neris was optioned to Lehigh Valley just a week ago, but he will rejoin the big club in fewer than the standard 10 days required by that assignment due to fellow reliever Edubray Ramos' placement on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. Neris tossed two scoreless innings in the minors, but he struggled mightily prior to being sent down, so manager Gabe Kapler may be hesitant to use him in key spots until it's clear Neris has turned things around.

Miller (elbow) has been activated from the disabled list, and will make his season debut Monday night against the Marlins.

Miller has been out of action since undergoing Tommy John surgery May 10, 2017, but he is ready to return to action after completing both his recovery and a rehab assignment. Miller threw 81 pitches in his final rehab start last week, and he doesn't figure to be extended too much beyond that in his first MLB start in over 14 months.

Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Phillips was called up Sunday to add another arm to the Braves' bullpen, but he was not used, and will head right back to Gwinnett. Expect Phillips to garner consideration next time the Braves need to call up a reliever from the minors.

Ferguson, who appeared out of the bullpen in relief of Clayton Kershaw (back) in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Mets, is expected to piggyback the southpaw again Thursday against the Cubs, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports. "[Working out of the bullpen is] something for [Ferguson] to grow on, that his pregame can be amended and he can be successful," manager Dave Roberts said.

Ferguson had been in line to make his fourth start with the Dodgers on Saturday, but the surprise return of Kershaw, who was initially scheduled to make a rehab start in the minors the same day, resulted in an assignment to the bullpen. With Kershaw being eased back in for only three innings (55 pitches), Ferguson still ended up getting plenty of work in long relief, and made quite the impression. He tossed four scoreless frames and worked around a few jams while striking out six batters, matching his best total from any of his previous three starts. Kershaw will likely face fewer restrictions against the Cubs, so expect Ferguson to see a lighter innings count out of the bullpen in his next appearance.