MLB Player News

The Cubs transferred Brown (neck) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Christian Bethancourt. Brown now isn't eligible for activation until mid-August, but he hadn't seemed likely to return before then.

Thompson (ribs) is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson threw live batting practice Tuesday and has been given the green light for in-game action. The 29-year-old has been on the shelf since June 28 with a fractured right rib and should require multiple rehab appearances before rejoining the Cubs.

Miami recalled Kitchen from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Kitchen joins the active roster for the first time since being claimed off waivers from the Rockies on June 25. He's surrendered two runs in 5.2 innings for Jacksonville and should provide some bullpen depth for Miami.

Nunez (forearm) isn't expected to have much more than a minimum stay on the 15-day injured list, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Nunez landed on the IL earlier Friday with a pronator strain in his right forearm, but Mets manager Carlos Mendoza admitted to being relieved that the reliever didn't have any ligament damage. The righty will be eligible to return Aug. 8 and it sounds like he might be back by that date, or shortly after.

The Padres optioned Reynolds to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Reynolds will give up his spot on the 26-man roster to Adam Mazur, who'll start Friday's game against Baltimore. Reynolds appeared in two games with the Padres after being called up July 12, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

The Pirates designated Fleming for assignment Friday.

The left-hander has posted a 4.02 ERA and 17:14 K:BB across 31.1 frames with the Pirates this season. Because he's already been outrighted once before, Fleming could elect for free agency if he clears waivers again.

The Pirates activated Stratton (triceps) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Stratton has been out since mid-June with a right triceps strain but has been cleared to return to the active roster following a few rehab appearances. The 27-year-old holds a 4.26 ERA with a 30:5 K:BB over 31.2 innings out of the bullpen this season.

The Phillies reinstated Rucker (hand) from the 60-day injured list Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic report.

Philadelphia acquired Austin Hays in exchange for Seranthony Dominguez and Cristian Pache earlier Friday, and Rucker will fill the open roster spot. The right-hander was acquired from the Cubs in February but has been sidelined by an arterial vasospasm in his right hand. Rucker posted a 4.91 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 40:19 K:BB over 40.1 innings for Chicago last season and is now on the cusp of his debut with Philadelphia.

The Nationals recalled Salazar from Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Salazar was just optioned Tuesday but is eligible to return since he's replacing an injured player in Jordan Weems (lower leg). He'll operate in low-leverage situations.

The Nationals placed Weems on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shin splints, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

It's not year clear how much time Weems might miss. Eduardo Salazar was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to take his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.