MLB Player News

Pallante (4-3) allowed four hits and three walks over 5.1 shutout frames Friday, striking out five and earning a win over Cincinnati.

Pallante worked around a few jams to keep the Reds off the board. The Cardinals would go on to win 1-0, so his scoreless performance was much-needed. Since moving into the starting rotation, Pallante has produced a 3.86 ERA with a 25:13 K:BB in six starts. His season ERA dropped to 4.50 through 38 innings. Pallante's next start is currently lined up to be in Pittsburgh.

Helsley struck out one batter in a perfect inning to earn a save over the Reds on Friday.

Helsley had about as efficient of an outing as possible, needing only six pitches to close out the 1-0 game. It was his 29th save in 30 tries this season, and he lowered his June ERA to 3.00 through 12 appearances. Helsley leads all of baseball in saves and no one else has more than 25. He dropped his season ERA to 2.68 alongside a 44:16 K:BB.

Megill tossed a perfect ninth inning to earn a save against the Cubs on Friday.

Megill threw nine of 11 pitches for strikes and quickly worked through the Cubs' 6-7-8 hitters to finish the 4-2 victory. He's converted 11 straight save chances since his last blown opportunity May 20. During that stretch, he's produced a 1.32 ERA over 13.2 frames. Megill's season ERA is down to 1.71 alongside a 30:7 K:BB.

Matzek (elbow) has been playing catch from 90 feet, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Matzek has been shelved since May 7 due to inflammation in his left elbow. He's yet to throw off a mound and isn't anywhere close to returning at this point.

The Cubs selected Lopez's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After being released by the Mets in unceremonious fashion, Lopez signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs on June 12. He allowed three runs in one inning during a game in the Arizona Complex League, but he bounced back by throwing 2.2 scoreless frames at Triple-A Iowa. Now that he's back in the majors, the 31-year-old right-hander will presumably work in middle relief. Vinny Nittoli was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Cubs designated Nittoli for assignment Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Nittoli signed a major-league contract with the Cubs on Thursday, but he's now been DFA'd twice within the past week. He did not appear in a game during his 24-hour stint with Chicago. Nittoli elected free agency after being pushed off the Athletics' 40-man roster last week, though it's unclear if he intends to do so again. His departure clears room on the Cubs' active roster for Jorge Lopez, who was selected from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.

Almonte (shoulder) will get a second opinion next week, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Almonte sustained a setback in his recovery from a right shoulder strain and is still considering options for how to proceed. The 30-year-old was transferred to the 60-day IL on Thursday and can be considered out indefinitely.

Merryweather (ribs) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Merryweather will incorporate an up-and-down into the session to replicate a half inning. The 32-year-old is still rehabbing in Arizona, but he's been throwing off a mound for nearly two weeks and should be relatively close to beginning a rehab assignment. Merryweather isn't expected to be reinstated from the IL until after the All-Star break.

The Cubs placed Thompson on the 15-day injured list Friday with a right rib fracture, retroactive to Thursday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson has fired 5.1 scoreless innings since returning from Triple-A Iowa on June 16, but he'll now be sidelined for at least the next two weeks as a result of his injury. Ethan Roberts will come up from the minors to fill the vacancy in Chicago's bullpen.

The Diamondbacks recalled Castellanos from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

It'll be the second stint in the majors for Castellanos this season after his contract was selected by Arizona on June 6. The 28-year-old right-hander made one appearance for the big club June 7 against the Padres and was optioned back to the minors the next day. Castellanos has started 11 games for Triple-A Reno this season, but he will likely serve out of Arizona's bullpen with right-hander Scott McGough being optioned to Reno in a corresponding move and ace Zac Gallen (hamstring) set to return from the injured list Saturday.