MLB Player News

The Cubs recalled Kilian from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Right-hander Nate Pearson is serving as the Cubs' opening pitcher for Monday's game in Philadelphia, but he's likely to cover only an inning or two before turning the contest over to the bullpen. Kilian will be available out of the bullpen and may end up taking on a bulk-relief role for the Cubs, as his final start with Iowa came six days earlier. Kilian made three appearances (one start) for the Cubs in 2023 but has pitched exclusively in the minors in 2024, turning in a 3.22 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB over 44.2 innings with Iowa.

The Cubs placed Lopez on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right groin strain, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Lopez returned from the same injury just last week, so he evidently must have suffered a setback. The injury ends what was a nice bounce-back season for Lopez, who collected a 2.89 ERA and 50:19 K:BB over 53 innings covering 52 appearances for the Mets and Cubs. He'll be a free agent this offseason.

Martinez (5-6) was charged with a blown save and the loss after allowing one run on three hits and no walks over one-third of an inning Sunday against the Brewers.

Arizona held an 8-0 lead after two and a half frames Sunday, but Martinez and the rest of the bullpen were unable to maintain the advantage. The right-hander entered with two outs in the eighth inning and the Diamondbacks leading 9-7, and he proceeded to give up three runs (two inherited runners) on two singles, a double and a wild pitch. A.J. Puk picked up a save Friday in Milwaukee, which combined with Martinez's save Sept. 4 account for Arizona's only saves so far this month. Martinez should be the favorite for saves in the final week of the regular season, but the lefty Puk is also in the mix.

Iglesias gave up two hits and struck out two in two scoreless innings Sunday to record his 32nd save of the season in a win over the Marlins.

Starter Grant Holmes lasted only four innings, putting extra pressure on the Atlanta bullpen in a nearly must-win game for the club, and Iglesias wrapped things up with his third two-inning appearance among nine trips to the mound in September. The additional workload may have contributed to a five-run meltdown against the Dodgers on Sept. 15, but the right-hander hasn't been tagged with an earned run the rest of the month, and he has a 14:5 K:BB through 11.2 innings while going a perfect 5-for-5 on save chances.

Holmes came away with a no-decision in Sunday's win over the Marlins, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk over four-plus innings. He struck out five.

The righty got the hook after 62 pitches (42 strikes) having put the first two batters of the fifth inning aboard on a walk and a double, but Dylan Lee bailed him out and stranded the runners. Holmes hasn't lasted longer than four innings in either of his two starts since rejoining the rotation, allowing two runs in each with a 7:3 K:BB. He is scheduled to get one more turn before the end of the regular season, at home against the Royals this weekend, but he can't be counted on to last long enough to qualify for a win.

Williams struck out two and issued a walk in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

The right-hander issued a seven-pitch walk to open the frame but retired the next three batters on 14 pitches to close out the one-run victory. It was Williams' first save opportunity since Sept. 13 as Milwaukee has skidded a bit since clinching the NL Central, but he's now converted eight straight save chances and has a 21:5 K:BB without giving up a run in his past 11 outings.

The Marlins outrighted Lindgren to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Lindgren will remain in the Miami organization after clearing waivers upon being designated for assignment last week. The 28-year-old right-hander spent just under a week on the Marlins' 40-man roster and 28-man active roster but didn't make any appearances out of the bullpen.

Diaz struck out four while allowing a hit and two walks over two scoreless innings Sunday to pick up his 20th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Hanging onto a slim lead over Atlanta for the final wild-card spot, manager Carlos Mendoza did not hesitate to put Diaz in for another save opportunity just one day after throwing 17 pitches to get four outs. Diaz left Bryce Harper stranded on third in the eighth and then worked around a pair of walks in the ninth to shut the door on the Phillies. Diaz has given up just one run while owning a 21:3 K:BB in 11.1 innings during September and also reached 20 saves in a season for the sixth time in his career. He owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 79:18 K:BB in 51 innings on the year.

Helsley threw a perfect inning and earned a save against Cleveland on Sunday.

Helsley retired Cleveland's 1-2-3 hitters in order on 11 pitches to close out the 2-1 victory. He moved back ahead of Emmanuel Clase for the solo MLB lead with 47 saves. Helsley has converted five save chances in a row since blowing one in Milwaukee on Sept. 3, and he has not allowed an earned run since Aug. 6. He owns a 2.09 ERA with a 77:23 K:BB through 64.2 innings. Helsley could become the first closer to reach 50 saves since Edwin Diaz in 2018.

Suarez earned the save Sunday against the White Sox, allowing one hit and striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning.

Suarez allowed just a two-out single before striking out Gavin Sheets to end the game. Sunday was just his second outing with multiple strikeouts since Aug. 10, and he's converted just three of his past six save chances and has given up seven runs in that span. Suarez has still been elite in his first season as a closer overall, as he owns a 2.71 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 58:15 K:BB in 63 innings while racking up 34 saves.