MLB Player News

Palencia retired a single batter via strikeout to record the save in Thursday's 8-3 win over the Reds.

The Cubs were looking to let their top reliever rest Thursday, but with Cincinnati threatening in the top of the ninth inning with the bases loaded, Palencia got the call. The flamethrowing righty got a battle from Nathaniel Lowe before retiring him on seven pitches. Palencia just returned from the injured list Sunday and has recorded only two saves this season across seven appearances, but he's locked in as Chicago's closer and should begin racking up the saves more frequently with the team streaking to a 26-12 record.

The Padres placed Campusano on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a left toe fracture.

It has yet to be revealed how Campusano fractured the toe, but he's likely to spend more than the 10-day minimum on the shelf. He had been hitting the ball well to begin the season but was unable to secure the everyday catching job due to Freddy Fermin's superior work behind the plate. Fermin will likely continue to get more starts with Campusano on the injured list while Rodolfo Duran, who had his contract selected from Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, serves as the backup catcher.

The Padres selected Duran from Triple-A El Paso on Thursday.

The Padres are bringing up Duran as Luis Campusano hits the 10-day injured list with a left toe fracture, while Joe Musgrove (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Duran has slashed .238/.356/.429 with Triple-A El Paso in 2026. The 28-year-old Duran is in the lineup versus the Cardinals on Thursday night, marking his MLB debut.

Church (leg) will start in left field and bat seventh against the Padres on Thursday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Church was taken out of Wednesday's game against Milwaukee after taking a pitch off his leg in the second inning, but the incident won't end up costing him a start. The 25-year-old outfielder has slashed .248/.284/.436 through 109 plate appearances this season and has hit safely in each of the last five contests in which he logged multiple at-bats.

The Athletics traded Ferguson to the Cubs in exchange for cash considerations on Thursday.

Ferguson was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Wednesday, but he will now fill the spot of Corbin Martin on the Cubs, who was also recently designated for assignment. Ferguson pitched 1.1 innings in one appearance for the Athletics in 2026, during which he allowed four earned runs on four hits, including two home runs.

Betts (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Betts landed on the injured list April 5 due to a strained right oblique, and his time on the shelf was slightly extended due to a setback he suffered in late April. He was cleared to play in a sim game Thursday and is now ready to test his oblique in a competitive setting. The Comets confirmed that the eight-time All-Star will play for them Friday and Saturday, leaving the door open for him to return to the Dodgers' lineup by the end of their weekend series against Atlanta. Otherwise, he could be activated ahead of Los Angeles' four-game series versus San Francisco.

Mangum was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Diamondbacks due to left hamstring discomfort, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Mangum was scratched just before first pitch, so he might have tweaked something pregame. The Pirates could have more on his status after the game.

Mangum was a late scratch from the lineup for Thursday's game in Arizona, Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

There's no word yet on the reason for Mangum being pulled from the lineup, but the Pirates should have an update shortly. Billy Cook took over in center field in Mangum's stead.

Edwards isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Orioles.

Edwards' seven-game hit streak ended with an 0-for-4 performance in Wednesday's contest, and the Marlins will now get the second baseman some rest during Thursday's series finale. Leo Jimenez will get the nod at the keystone and bat eighth.

Lowder was removed from Thursday's game against the Cubs with right shoulder discomfort, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Lowder was able to make it through three innings Thursday, giving up one earned run on a solo homer from Michael Conforto. Lowder came out for the start of the fourth but was visited on the mound by a trainer after walking the first two batters he faced in the inning. The severity of his injury remains unknown, but the Reds may send the right-hander in for imaging to determine whether he's dealing with a structural issue.