MLB Player News

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Sunday that Steele will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his flexor tendon and address UCL damage in his left elbow, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Counsell didn't go into specifics regarding the extent of the UCL damage, but if Steele requires a Tommy John surgery or internal brace procedure, his availability for the start of the 2026 season would also be affected. Steele was initially hopeful for a minimum-length stay on the 15-day injured list after he was deactivated Wednesday due to what the Cubs termed as left elbow tendinitis, but a more significant injury was detected after he received two medical opinions on his arm. With Steele now done for the rest of the 2025 season, the Cubs should have permanent spots in the rotation available for both Ben Brown and Colin Rea, at least until Javier Assad (oblique) is back from the IL.

Greene (2-1) earned the win against the Pirates on Sunday. He allowed two hits and one walk while striking out eight across seven scoreless innings.

Greene got off to a bit of a rocky start after allowing a double and a walk in the first inning, but he was able to escape the frame without allowing a run. He yielded one more hit in the second inning, but he proceeded to retire the next 17 batters he faced and extended his scoreless streak to 18.2 innings in the process. Greene generated 18 first-pitch strikes and 16 whiffs across 98 pitches (71 strikes), and the 25-year-old right-hander has started the season with a 0.98 ERA and 0.58 WHIP across 27.2 innings, with his 31 strikeouts ranking second in the National League behind MacKenzie Gore (32). Greene is tentatively slated to face the Orioles on the road next weekend, when he'll look to earn his third straight win.

Sproat gave up one run on two hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in Saturday's start for Triple-A Syracuse.

After a bumpy first outing this season, Sproat has bounced back to post an 8:2 K:BB over his last two starts and 8.1 innings for Syracuse. The 24-year-old righty tossed 75 pitches (51 strikes) in Saturday's appearance, and while he'll need to be more efficient before he'll be a real option for a spot start with the Mets, he's making progress toward his big-league debut.

Atlanta optioned Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Though Atlanta won't welcome Spencer Strider (elbow) back from the 15-day injured list until next week, Smith-Shawver will head to the minors now, with the team electing to proceed with Bryce Elder as its No. 5 starter. Smith-Shawver went 0-2 with a 4.61 ERA and 1.98 WHIP while issuing eight walks and striking out 17 over 13.2 innings, but an elevated .447 BABIP and 16.7 HR/FB% suggest that he likely would have been due for some positive regression. The 22-year-old could be back in the majors quickly if Elder struggles, or another rotation spot opens up due to injury.

Sasaki (0-1) took the loss against the Cubs on Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out three batters over five innings.

Sasaki continues to be a work in progress, and his stat line would have looked a lot different had center fielder Andy Pages not brought back what looked to be a grand slam off the bat of Michael Busch in the third inning. Still, Saturday was another step forward for the young hurler, as he completed five frames for the first time in his big-league career. Sasaki also showed much better control than he did earlier in the campaign, as he threw 50 of his 81 pitches for strikes. The right-hander's 12:13 K:BB through 13.2 frames remains ugly, but Sasaki has at least been better with a 7:4 K:BB across his past two starts. Despite his inconsistencies so far, Sasaki has managed a 3.29 ERA, and Los Angeles appears comfortable letting him work through his growing pains with the big club rather than in the minors.

Brown (2-1) earned the win over the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing five hits and striking out five batters over six scoreless innings.

Brown cruised through six, as Los Angeles didn't manage any extra-base hits against him. The right-hander came into the contest having issued nine free passes over 11.2 innings, but he had outstanding control Saturday, throwing 59 of 84 pitches for strikes and finishing the outing without issuing a walk. Brown has pitched in four games this season -- three times as a starter and once in relief -- and has posted a 5.09 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB over 17.2 frames. His next start lines up to be against Arizona at home.

Dollander (1-1) took the loss against San Diego on Saturday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over 5.2 innings.

There were plenty of positives to be taken from Dollander's performance -- he racked up 10 whiffs, punched out seven and allowed just three hits. However, two of the knocks were homers, and Colorado couldn't put any runs on the board, resulting in Dollander taking his first loss as a big leaguer. The rookie has given up four home runs over 10.2 frames to begin his MLB career, but he's otherwise looked pretty good with a 13:3 K:BB.

Hart (2-0) earned the win over Colorado on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out four batters over six scoreless innings.

This was a drastic turnaround for Hart, who allowed five runs in just two-thirds of an inning in his previous start against the Cubs. The southpaw was nearly flawless Saturday -- the only baserunner he allowed came on a fourth-inning Kyle Farmer double. Hart's game-to-game performance is pretty hard to predict given the up-and-down nature of his results so far and the fact that prior to this season he last pitched in the majors in 2020. Fantasy managers will likely pay him more attention following Saturday's start, but it's worth noting that he still has just a 5.40 ERA and 8:5 K:BB over 11.2 innings on the campaign.

Patrick didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Diamondbacks, allowing five hits and two walks over 4.1 scoreless innings. He struck out three.

Patrick managed to keep Arizona off the board despite dealing with baserunners in every inning. However, he'd be forced out of the game with just one out in the fifth after throwing 77 pitches. Overall, Patrick has gotten off to a strong start with the Brewers, posting a 1.76 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP and 13:9 K:BB through his first 15.1 innings. Patrick figures to remain in the rotation for at least one more turn with numerous Milwaukee starters dealing with injuries. He tentatively lines up for a home matchup with the A's in his next outing.

Burnes did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Brewers, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out three.

After allowing a pair of runs in the second inning, Burnes held Milwaukee off the board until Jackson Chourio homered in the sixth. It was a step in the right direction for Burnes, who's gotten off to a shaky start with the Diamondbacks. He now has a 5.28 ERA with a 1.57 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB through his first 15.1 innings this season. Burnes currently lines up for a road matchup with the Cubs in his next outing.