MLB Player News

Pruitt (knee) began a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Friday.

Pruitt has been on the injured list since late April due to a right meniscus injury, and he's now been given the go-ahead to begin playing in games. The Rangers haven't provided any details regarding the planned duration of Pruitt's rehab stint, but he'll likely need to make a few appearances with a minor-league affiliate before coming off the injured list. There's also no guarantee the 34-year-old reports to the Rangers upon being activated, as he allowed six earned runs in just 4.1 MLB innings before getting hurt.

Kimbrel earned a save against the Rangers on Friday, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning and did so with two strikeouts and a groundout. The veteran has rebounded from a blown save June 19 with two straight scoreless conversions. On the season, he is 18-for-22 in save chances with a 2.45 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB over 29.1 innings.

Fairbanks earned a save against the Nationals on Friday, walking one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Fairbanks was asked to protect a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning and worked around a one-out walk to secure his 13th save of the season. The closer has rebounded from a blown save June 20 to nail down three consecutive scoreless saves. He is now 13-for-15 in save chances with a 3.14 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 30:13 K:BB over 28.2 innings this season.

Santos (lat) will start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

Santos threw a live BP session Friday without a setback, paving the way for a minor-league rehab stint. Considering that he's been out since spring training, Santos should require several rehab appearances before being reinstated. It's unclear if he'll be able to return prior to the All-Star break.

Speier (shoulder) is set to throw off a mound Saturday, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

Speier will pitch off a mound for the first time since being being placed on the IL on June 1, marking a significant step in his recovery from a shoulder strain. He'll likely need to complete a few bullpen sessions before being sent on a minor-league rehab assignment.

The Mariners optioned Bolton to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday.

Bolton appeared in two games for the big club after being recalled June 14, allowing three runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out three over 2.1 innings. Bolton will cede his spot on the 26-man roster to southpaw Jhonathan Diaz.

Foster (elbow) was transferred to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Foster made three appearances in the Arizona Complex League, allowing one run on four hits across three innings. The 27-year-old will take the next, and possibly final, step in his rehab by pitching at Triple-A. Foster hasn't pitched in the majors since Sept. 2022 due to Tommy John surgery. He could be cleared in late July.

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.