MLB Player News

Baker struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 9-7 extra-innings win over the Rockies.

Baker's scoreless streak is up to 13 innings after his clean performance Tuesday in the 11th inning. The closer has a 13:4 K:BB in that span and has scattered five hits during his streak. For the season, he's been elite in his first year as a closer, racking up 32 saves in 35 chances with a 1.42 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 48:15 K:BB through 44.1 innings.

Megill recorded his 19th save Tuesday against the Pirates, retiring the side in order in a perfect ninth inning.

Megill was unsurprisingly called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth and needed just 10 pitches to retire Pittsburgh in order for his 19th save of the season. The right-hander has been dominant of late, allowing just one run across his last 20 appearances (19.1 innings) while collecting 21 strikeouts, 11 saves and one hold during that span. On the season, Megill owns a 2.76 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 50:11 K:BB across 42.1 innings.

Granillo cleared waivers Tuesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Granillo was DFA'd by the Tigers on Friday to make room on the 40-man roster for Max Clark, but the former will officially remain in the organization after passing through waivers. Granillo has given up 10 earned runs in 9.1 big-league innings this season and hasn't found much success in the minors either, logging a 6.88 ERA and 1.61 WHIP across 35.1 Triple-A frames. Barring a drastic turnaround, he isn't likely to contribute for the big club this year.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that Bradford (elbow) will return from the 60-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Giants, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Bradford missed the entire 2025 campaign due to an elbow injury that eventually required Tommy John surgery, and a setback in his rehab program in early April extended his absence into the second half of this season. The 28-year-old southpaw is finally ready to make his first appearance for the Rangers since Sept. 25, 2024, after he closed the books on a successful four-start rehab assignment. In his final outing with Triple-A Round Rock last Thursday, Bradford built up to four innings and 56 pitches, so the Rangers will likely put a cap on his workload Wednesday.

Manaea (3-5) earned the win against the Guardians on Tuesday, allowing two runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out seven across six innings.

It wasn't exactly smooth sailing for Manaea, as he averaged two baserunners per inning pitched and allowed at least three Guardians on base in three of six frames. Nevertheless, the veteran right-hander limited the damage to two runs for a third straight quality start and ended his night with 13 whiffs and 64 strikes on 100 pitches. Manaea will take a 4.33 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 97.2 innings into his next start, which is lined up for this weekend on the road against the Pirates.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced July 21 that Maton will rest for roughly three weeks after requiring a platelet-rich plasma injection to address right knee tendinitis, MLB.com reports.

On the shelf for the third time this season due to the knee issue, Maton appears on track to be re-evaluated next week. Even if the PRP injection has resolved Maton's symptoms, the right-hander will likely be ramped up slowly. The veteran reliever submitted a 6.18 ERA and 1.81 WHIP over 27.2 innings in his 31 appearances before landing on the injured list July 20.

The Cubs announced Wednesday that Miler (elbow) has been throwing off a mound and facing hitters at the team's complex in Arizona, MLB.com reports.

Miller has seemingly progressed about as well as the Cubs could have hoped since undergoing surgery Oct. 13 to repair a torn right UCL and flexor tendon. Though the Cubs' main focus is ensuring that Miller is back to 100 percent heading into spring training, he looks like he could have a chance at making it back from the 60-day injured list at some point in September. A clearer target date for his return could emerge once he eventually moves his rehab program from Arizona to Chicago.

Harvey (triceps/shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday at the Cubs' facility in Arizona, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Harvey has been out nearly all season while recovering from a stress reaction near his right triceps and shoulder, making just four appearances for the Cubs before hitting the injured list April 12. He appears likely to remain in Arizona for at least another week or two to build up the volume and intensity of his throwing before the Cubs map out a minor-league rehab assignment for him. Once he eventually returns from the 60-day IL, Harvey could be ticketed for a middle-relief role.

Palencia (elbow) is slated to begin a rehab assignment Wednesday at Triple-A Iowa, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

After completing bullpen sessions and live batting practice sessions without issue over the past couple of weeks, Palencia has been cleared to advance to the final step in the rehab program for his mild right flexor strain, which has kept him on the shelf since June 16. Palencia has endured a tough-luck 2026 campaign, as he also missed time earlier in the season due to a lat strain and has received just three save chances -- converting them all -- in 19 appearances, despite seemingly being locked in as the Cubs' closer. Palencia still looks like a good bet to step back in as the Cubs' closer once he returns from the injured list, though he may need to pitch well during his rehab assignment in order for manager Craig Counsell to formally appoint him for that role.

The Cubs released Blach on Saturday.

Blach was briefly up in the big leagues with the Cubs in May, tossing three scoreless innings of relief in an appearance against the Brewers before being designated for assignment the next day. He ultimately cleared waivers and elected free agency before re-signing with the Cubs on a minor-league deal a few days later. During his time at Triple-A Iowa this season, Blach posted a 6.36 ERA and 1.76 WHIP over 58 innings in 15 appearances (nine starts).