MLB Player News

Blach will start Sunday against the Padres, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

With Johnny Cueto (groin) unable to go, Blach will step in for his first career start at the major league level. He's fared well in two appearances out of the bullpen so far, tossing six scoreless frames with just one hit allowed, albeit with only one strikeout. The 25-year-old Blach averaged just over six strikeouts per nine innings with Triple-A Sacramento before he was promoted to the bigs.

De Leon will start Tuesday against the Padres, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

It appeared as though De Leon may have been squeezed out of the rotation with Scott Kazmir and Brett Anderson returning this week, but he will get another opportunity to start with Kenta Maeda pushed back to Wednesday. De Leon struggled in his last outing back on Sept. 18, allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits in 3.2 innings, but he has a 14:4 K:BB in 14.2 innings with the Dodgers and now draws a favorable matchup in San Diego.

Strop, who pitched a scoreless inning in his return from the DL on Friday, hopes to make three or four appearances before the postseason, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Strop should be a valuable part of the Cubs' bullpen in the postseason, likely covering the seventh or eighth inning in high-leverage situations. He might vulture a save in the last week of the regular season with the team resting many regulars.

Miller didn't factor into the decision Friday versus the Orioles, but fired six innings of scoreless, three-hit ball, walking three and striking out three.

He was notably impressive against a potent lineup on the road, certainly a departure from his other three starts in September, when he'd given up 15 runs (12 earned) over 14.2 innings. The strong outing didn't do much to spruce up Miller's unsightly numbers, which include a 6.47 ERA and 1.70 WHIP along with a 2-12 record, but it was certainly a welcome sight given his recent performances. He'll look to close out a dismal 2016 with another strong performance versus the Nationals.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Neris, Joely Rodriguez, Edubray Ramos and Michael Mariot are in the mix for save chances with Jeanmar Gomez temporarily out of the closer's role, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Mackanin said he wants to give Gomez a break for the next couple of save chances. Neris is the most likely candidate to get the first save chance. He's been dominant this season with his nearly unhittable splitter.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Rodriguez, Hector Neris, Edubray Ramos and Michael Mariot are in the mix for save chances with Jeanmar Gomez temporarily out of the closer's role, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Mackanin said he wants to give Gomez a break for the next couple of save chances. Rodriguez would likely only be used in a save chance if the Phillies are scheduled to face left-handed hitters in the ninth inning.

Manager Pete Mackanin said that Gomez is still the closer, but that other relievers will get a chance to close the next few games, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

It seems that Mackanin is treating the situation like he would with a slumping hitter, which is good news for Gomez in the short-term. Hector Neris, Edubray Ramos, Michael Mariot, and Joely Rodriguez could all be considered for saves in the coming days, although it seems like Gomez could return to his ninth-inning role before the end of the season if Mackanin thinks he's ready to resume that position.

Law -- who entered Thursday's game in the eighth inning -- appears to have lost the closer role to Sergio Romo.

Manager Bruce Bochy had been going with a closer by committee headed by Law and Hunter Strickland, but when both failed to hold a lead in a crucial game against the Dodgers on Sept. 19, Bochy decided to go with Romo for the next two save opportunities. With the former closer converting both saves, it appears he will take over as the team's primary option, relinquishing Law back into a setup role.

Strop (knee) was activated from the 15-day disabled list Friday.

As expected, Strop will return to the Cubs bullpen prior to Friday's afternoon tilt with the Cardinals. The right-hander is expected to pitch in five games prior to the start of the postseason, so he figures to get plenty of high-leverage work with the season winding down.

Jansen struck out two during a spotless inning of work to earn his 46th save of the season Thursday versus the Rockies.

The big righty had five days of rest prior to Thursday's outing, and he was in top form as he threw 10 of 13 pitches for strikes while retiring the side in order. Jansen now sits second in baseball in saves behind Jeurys Familia, and will remain a top-notch fantasy reliever over the season's final week.