MLB Player News

Megill earned the save Friday in a 3-1 win over the Cubs, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Megill set down the four, five and six batters in the Cubs' order Friday after Joel Payamps faced the top of the lineup in the eighth. Megill and Payamps both figure to see their share of ninth-inning work with Devin Williams (back) likely out until the All-Star break. The 30-year-old Megill lowered his ERA to 1.17 with a 0.91 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB through his first 7.2 innings this season.

Middleton (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Middleton has been on the 15-day IL since the start of the season after sustaining a right forearm strain in mid-March. He recently extended his throwing distance to 110 feet with no setback, and the right-hander has progressed enough to take the next step in his rehab program. Middleton will likely need multiple bullpen sessions without issue before beginning a rehab assignment.

Beck (arm) has been cleared to begin a throwing program, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Beck had surgery back in early March to address an aneurysm in his upper right arm. He is facing a slow build-up, with a return not expected until after the All-Star break.

Ferrer (shoulder) played catch from 60 feet Friday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Ferrer had been shut down since mid-March with a strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder. He's on the 60-day injured list and it will be a while before he can return, but he's ready to begin a throwing progression.

Garcia (illness) will begin a rehab assignment with Low-A Fredericksburg on Saturday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia had a stomach bug bad enough that it forced an injured list move last month, but he's ready for action again. The reliever should return to the Nats' bullpen next week when first eligible.

Mears could be in the mix for save opportunities this weekend against the Pirates after the Rockies placed closer Justin Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Mears was an effective high-leverage option through the first few weeks of the season with a 2.08 ERA and three holds in nine outings, but he's surrendered six runs over his past four appearances. Jake Bird should also be on the shortlist for saves, but neither pitcher provides much fantasy upside. The Rockies have only three saves as a team this season, and Lawrence should rejoin the club early next week.

Bird could be in the mix for save opportunities this weekend in Pittsburgh after Colorado placed closer Justin Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Bird has one save and two holds in 13 outings this season, though he has an unimpressive 5.52 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 8:7 K:BB over 14.2 innings. Nick Mears could also be an option, but neither pitcher offers much fantasy upside since Lawrence should be back in a few days, plus the Rockies have just three saves as a team this season.

The Rockies placed Lawrence on the paternity list Friday.

Lawrence will step away from the team for a few days to be with his growing family. Angel Chivilli was called up in a corresponding move, while Jake Bird and Nick Mears are the likely favorites to serve as fill-in closer if any save chances arise this weekend.

Marte was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to May 1, with right shoulder inflammation.

Marte has seen his velocity drop from 97.8 MPH to 95.7 MPH this season and had surrendered five runs (three earned) during his last three appearances with Philadelphia, both potentially a result of the shoulder injury. Marte will be out for at least the next couple weeks while Jose Ruiz fills in for him after being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

The Rockies recalled Chivilli from Double-A Hartford on Friday.

The 21-year-old will skip the Triple-A level and joined Colorado for his first taste of the big leagues. Closer Justin Lawrence was placed on the paternity list in a corresponding move, so it figures to be a short stay in the majors for Chivilli.