MLB Player News

The Cubs activated Boyd (shoulder/knee) from the 15-day injured list Thursday, Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Boyd will make his return to the Cubs' rotation Thursday with a start in Queens against the Mets. The left-hander has not started a game at the big-league level since early May, as he's been shelved by meniscus surgery and shoulder soreness. Boyd tossed 59 pitches over four innings in his final rehab start, so his workload will be limited Thursday.

Nunez (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Thursday, Michael Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com reports.

Nunez is less than a year removed from undergoing Tommy John surgery but has already been cleared for game action. Barring any setbacks, the reliever appears in line for his season debut shortly after the All-Star break. Nunez boasts a 2.82 ERA and 59:14 K:BB over 44.2 innings during his time with the Mets.

Cabrera will start Saturday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

To little surprise, Cabrera will receive a second turn through the rotation after he turned in an impressive MLB debut last Sunday, blanking the Twins over five innings while striking out three and allowing just four baserunners. The 24-year-old righty should have a fair amount of leash in the Arizona rotation after Ryne Nelson (elbow) and Michael Soroka (glute) both recently joined Corbin Burnes (elbow) on the injured list.

Chandler (3-7) earned the win Thursday over the Mariners, allowing a run on five hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

It was a strong performance from Chandler, who held the Mariners scoreless for four innings before allowing a lone run in the fifth. The right-hander has now held opponents to two runs or fewer in each of his last four outings, posting a 2.82 ERA across 22.2 innings in that span. Overall, Chandler's ERA sits at 4.42 through 79.1 innings this season with a 1.39 WHIP and 73:46 K:BB. He's currently lined up to face the Phillies on the road his next time out.

The Mets will recall Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse to pitch Friday against the Phillies, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

It's unclear whether he'll be in store for a traditional start or a bulk-relief outing, but Thornton has a chance to remain in the Mets rotation for a while following the trade of David Peterson and demotion of Kodai Senga to the bullpen. Thornton struggled in a spot start in his major-league debut last month, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks in 4.1 innings in a loss to the Nationals. The lefty holds a 4.25 ERA and 56:23 K:BB over 55 innings this season between Double-A Birmingham and Syracuse.

The Diamondbacks will option Bratt to Triple-A Reno prior to Thursday's game in St. Louis, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Bratt had a solid abbreviated major-league debut Wednesday versus the Cardinals, yielding one run over three innings of work. The left-hander is not fully stretched out yet after recently returning from injury at Reno, so he will continue to rebuild his stamina at the team's top minor-league affiliate. Brandon Pfaadt will enter the Arizona rotation in Bratt's place.

Knack (chest) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, yielding two runs on five hits and one walk over 1.1 innings.

Knack struck out a pair in the outing and got his pitch count up to 33. The right-hander has been out all season with an intercostal strain, and he will be built up as a starting pitcher before likely remaining in the OKC rotation once he's activated from the 60-day injured list.

Mlodzinski threw three scoreless innings with three strikeouts while allowing two hits and no walks to earn the save Wednesday against the Mariners.

Mlodzinski continues to serve in a bulk-relief role, this time following Braxton Ashcraft while finishing off a blowout win for the Pirates. He earned his second save in the process and has not been charged with an earned run in each of his last three appearances. However, Mlodzinski's fantasy relevance remains limited because he's pitching about once a week on a starter's schedule, yet with lesser volume and win potential.

Mahle allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four over 5.2 scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Athletics on Wednesday.

Mahle missed about four weeks due to a hamstring strain. He was pretty good in his return, throwing 44 of 70 pitches for strikes, but the Giants didn't get on the board until the ninth inning, leaving him with a no-decision. On the year, Mahle has a 5.49 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 61:26 K:BB over 62.1 innings across 12 starts. The veteran right-hander's time off while injured could help him reset after his poor form to begin the campaign. He is lined up to make his next start on the road in Arizona.

Perez (6-4) allowed three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four over four-plus innings to take the loss Wednesday versus San Diego.

Perez didn't have his best command Wednesday, throwing just 42 of 82 pitches for strikes. James Karinchak allowed an inherited runner to score after Perez put the first two batters aboard in the fifth inning, and that run ended up being the difference in the game. Perez is now at a 3.00 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 60:27 K:BB through 72 innings over 16 games (12 starts) this season. The veteran left-hander has yet to allow more than four runs in a game this year, making him a reliable starter more often than not. Perez is projected to make his next start at home versus the Cardinals.