MLB Player News

Hodge pitched a clean ninth inning in Wednesday's 12-0 win over the Pirates to wrap up a combined no-hitter for the Cubs.

It wasn't a save situation for Hodge, though he still faced plenty of pressure after starter Shota Imanaga and Nate Pearson kept Pittsburgh without a hit through eight innings. Hodge didn't flinch and breezed through the frame on just nine pitches, which has been customary for the young righty all season as he's now sporting a sparkling 1.75 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. Hodge looks locked in as the Cubs' closer for the rest of 2024, and the 23-year-old appears ready to be a fantasy contributor for years to come as well.

Estevez earned the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Toronto. He issued one walk while striking out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning.

It's the sixth straight scoreless appearance for Estevez, who's allowed just two hits while striking out six in that span (seven innings). Estevez's ERA is down to a pristine 2.17 with a 0.79 WHIP and 48:9 K:BB across 49.2 innings between the Phillies and Angels this season. He's converted 24 of 28 save chances.

Cosgrove was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

The left-hander was called up from El Paso on Sunday and will return there without taking the mound for San Diego. Cosgrove has appeared in 18 games for the Padres this season and has a 11.66 ERA, 1.98 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB over 14.2 innings.

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

Neely allowed six earned runs over just four innings during his first stint in the big leagues, but he'll now return to the majors to serve as extra bullpen depth while Justin Steele (elbow) heads to the injured list.

The Marlins optioned Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

Soriano has managed just a 6.26 ERA in 19 appearances out of Miami's bullpen this season. He'll be replaced by Anthony Veneziano, who was claimed off waivers earlier this week and has now been officially added to the active roster.

The Cubs recalled Wingenter from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wingenter was claimed off waivers last month and will get a look after posting a 2.79 ERA and 16:3 K:BB over 9.2 innings with Iowa. He will likely pitch in middle relief initially.

The Cubs placed Lopez on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right groin strain, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Lopez had been unavailable to pitch for a stretch recently because of the injury and he was roughed up for four runs in his last appearance Monday. With Lopez out, Porter Hodge has a clearer path to saves in the Cubs' bullpen.

The Phillies selected Nelson's contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Nelson was outrighted off the 40-man roster last month but earned his way back on by allowing just one run over his last 9.1 innings at Lehigh Valley. He will give the Phillies a fresh relief arm after the bullpen had to cover 8.1 innings in Tuesday's win over the Blue Jays.

The Phillies designated Rucker for assignment Wednesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Rucker has missed much of 2024 due to injury, posting a 6.58 ERA but also a 36:11 K:BB over 26 innings in the minors. The 30-year-old will cede his 40-man roster spot to Nick Nelson, who was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

Triple-A El Paso placed Brito on its 7-day injured list Aug. 23 with an unspecified injury.

The Padres optioned Brito to Triple-A on Aug. 11, with the right-hander making one appearance for El Paso before going down with an injury. The severity of the injury isn't known, making it unclear whether Brito has a chance to pitch again before the 2024 season concludes.