MLB Player News

Smyly (hip) threw another bullpen session Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Smyly continues to work his way back from a right hip impingement, which prompted his placement on the 15-day injured list April 23. The 34-year-old southpaw will need to advance to facing live hitters in batting practice and will likely require a rehab assignment before being activated.

The Cubs recalled Cuas from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Cuas had just been sent down a day ago, but he's back to replace Adbert Alzolay (forearm), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. He will be used in low-leverage spots.

The Cubs placed Alzolay on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right forearm strain, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Alzolay netted a save in Sunday's extra-inning win over the Pirates, although he gave up two runs (one earned) in the process. The righty hasn't displayed strong form this season, collecting a 4.67 ERA and 13:6 K:BB over 17.1 innings. Hector Neris will continue to operate as the Cubs' primary closer.

Diaz (1-1) secured the win over Alanta on Sunday, tossing a perfect ninth frame while striking out a batter.

Diaz entered to begin the ninth with the Mets trailing 3-2 and wound up with the win thanks to a Brandon Nimmo two-run walk off homer in the bottom of the inning. He's bounced back with a save and a win in his last two outings after allowing three runs in his previous four innings. He's also struck out at least one batter in all 15 of his appearances thus far. For the year, Diaz owns a 2.30 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB in 15.2 innings.

Bender (1-2) picked up the win Sunday against the Phillies, walking two and striking out one in a scoreless 10th inning.

Both free passes the right-hander issued were at least semi-intentional, but Bender was able to get Kody Clemens to pop out with the bases loaded to end the threat. The Marlins then walked it off in the bottom of the frame to give Bender the victory. He's delivered six straight scoreless appearances and the 29-year-old right-hander does have a 20:7 K:BB through 17 innings on the season, but his 5.82 ERA and 1.71 WHIP make him tough to rely on for fantasy purposes.

Lee struck out one in a scoreless two-thirds of an inning to record his first hold of the season in Sunday's loss to the Mets.

The southpaw has primarily been used as a lower-leverage long relief option this season, throwing two-plus innings in seven if his 11 appearances, but Lee was brought in with one out in the eighth inning to protect a 3-2 lead and needed only seven pitches (five strikes) to retire Joey Wendle and Harrison Bader. Lee's been effective no matter his role, posting a 1.40 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 17:7 K:BB through 19.1 innings, and with Tyler Matzek (elbow) on the shelf and A.J. Minter struggling of late -- he blew the save in the ninth Sunday -- Lee could see more high-leverage usage.

Chapman (0-3) allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks across 0.2 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Cubs.

Chapman entered Sunday's game having turned in five consecutive scoreless appearances, though he had just an 8:5 K:BB in that span. Things fell apart for him in the 10th inning of Sunday's loss, as he allowed a leadoff single and then a solo home run two batters later. For the season, Chapman now has a 4.61 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 13.2 innings.

Minter was charged with a blown save in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Mets after allowing two runs on two hits while managing to get just one out.

Minter was called upon to close things out in the ninth with Raisel Iglesias unavailable to pitch and failed to take advantage. Jeff McNeil reached on a bunt single before Brandon Nimmo ended things with a two-run walk-off homer to center field. Minter has now suffered three blown saves this season and has coughed up runs in two of his last three outings. He owns a 3.78 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 20:4 K:BB in 16.2 innings.

Wilson allowed two runs on five hits and five walks over four-plus innings in a no-decision Sunday. He struck out one in the loss to St. Louis.

Wilson walked home a run in the second inning but managed to hold the Cardinals to one run through four frames. He was knocked out of the contest after coughing up a home run to Paul Goldschmidt and a double to Alec Burleson to begin the fifth inning. Wilson has produced a shaky 16:13 K:BB over his last four starts but owns a 2.21 ERA during that span. He's produced a 2.65 ERA through 34 innings this season. Wilson's currently projected to start in Houston next weekend.

Neris (3-0) picked up the win Sunday against the Pirates, allowing two hits and one walk over a scoreless inning. He struck out one.

Neris took the mound in the top of the ninth during a 2-2 ballgame and fired off a scoreless inning, eventually earning the win after the Cubs put up three runs in the 10th. Since taking over closing duties from Adbert Alzolay, Neris has converted all six of his save chances and has earned a pair of wins. Over his last nine appearances, Neris owns a 2.00 ERA and a 7:7 K:BB in 9.0 innings.