MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Ferguson to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Ferguson served as the team's 27th man during Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Mets, tossing two scoreless innings in the first game. He could get another chance in the majors later this summer but for now will rejoin the bullpen at Iowa.

Gastelum has put together a 19-inning scoreless streak at Triple-A Memphis and boasts a 25:2 K:BB over that stretch.

Gastelum had one rocky outing back in mid-May during which he allowed six runs in two-thirds of an inning, but despite that appearance he still boasts a 2.45 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 44:14 K:BB over 40.1 innings overall for Memphis. The 24-year-old right-hander sits in the low-90s with his fastball, but he's known for a devastating changeup that he's used to log a 31.2 percent strikeout rate in the minors. Gastelum is not on the Cardinals' 40-man roster, but is pushing hard for a chance to prove himself in the majors sooner rather than later.

Lowe went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Thursday's 5-1 win over the Mariners.

Lowe opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with a 391-foot shot off Bryce Miller, his ninth homer of the year. The long ball also extended Lowe's current hitting streak to nine games -- he's gone 12-for-39 (.308) with a pair of homers and an .872 OPS in that span. He's slashing .249/.326/.515 with 51 RBI and 50 runs scored through 331 plate appearances in his first season with Pittsburgh.

Cronenworth (concussion), who was expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A El Paso, did not get cleared in time to play, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Cronenworth had been slated to see his first game action since May 4, but the approval process necessary for him to play did not get finalized in time for El Paso's game. Per Sanders, the utility man didn't suffer a setback, and the hope is that he'll be able to suit up Friday. For that to happen, he'll have to get full medical clearance, as required by MLB's protocols for concussions.

Wagaman went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in an extra-inning loss to the Cubs on Thursday.

Wagaman didn't start the contest, but he was called upon to pinch hit for MJ Melendez with a runner on second base in the sixth inning. That substitution worked out well for New York, as Wagaman clubbed a two-run homer to left field to give the team its first runs of the game. The long ball was the second of the season for Wagaman, who has seen sporadic playing time while up with the big-league club. He's started just twice in the Mets' past eight contests.

Peralta allowed three unearned runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Thursday.

Peralta was pounded by Philadelphia for 10 runs over 2.2 innings in his previous start, so he was badly in need of a rebound coming into Thursday. The right-hander cruised through five scoreless innings, yielding just a pair of singles over that span. However, he ran into trouble in the sixth, giving up three runs before he was pulled having recorded only two outs. The rough frame didn't hurt Peralta's ERA, though -- all three runs were unearned because of an inning-opening error. Peralta has had a mostly disappointing first season in New York with a 4.53 ERA and 5-6 record through 16 starts, and he's lined up to next take the mound against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

Thornton earned a save against the Mets on Thursday, retiring all three batters he faced with no strikeouts in the 10th inning.

The Cubs are without closer Daniel Palencia, who is on the injured list due to a flexor strain. Jacob Webb earned the team's first save following Palencia's injury, but he was deployed in the ninth inning Thursday and kept the game tied. After Chicago took a one-run lead in the top of the 10th, Thornton was called upon to close things out. He needed just 10 pitches to retire the side in order and notch the second save of his eight-year MLB career. The closer situation for the Cubs is hazy with Palencia out of the picture, so Thornton could be called upon again to close given his strong 2.86 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 17 outings this season. However, he doesn't fit the typical closer profile, as he's recorded only 10 strikeouts across 22 innings.

Boyd allowed four hits and issued four walks while striking out four batters over 4.2 scoreless innings during a no-decision against the Mets on Thursday.

Boyd made his return after missing over seven weeks due to a knee injury and subsequent shoulder issue. The lefty kept New York off the scoreboard, though he struggled with his control, throwing just 46 of 76 pitches for strikes and issuing four free passes. Boyd did, however, get a hearty 14 whiffs and recorded big outs when needed, twice stranding a runner on third base. He was understandably on a limited pitch count following the lengthy absence and may need a couple more outings before he's ready for a full workload. The veteran hurler's next start is tentatively slated to be against the Padres in Chicago.

Beeter blew the save Thursday against the Phillies, as he was charged with no runs while allowing no hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning.

Beeter was charged with his fourth blown save after allowing two inherited runners to score and tie the game in the seventh inning. Washington's beleaguered bullpen is searching for answers, as it surrendered 15 combined runs in the ninth inning over this four-game series with Philadelphia. The Nationals optioned the struggling Gus Varland to Triple-A Rochester immediately following Thursday's loss, likely rendering Beeter, who has a 3.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 26:18 K:BB over 24.1 frames, as the favorite for saves while the team evaluates their high-leverage arms. Richard Lovelady could also be in the mix.

Sanchez took a no-decision Thursday against the Nationals, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out six.

Washington took it to Sanchez right away with four runs in the first inning, but the hurler settled in afterwards with four innings of one-run ball. The All-Star southpaw has now worked at least five frames in all 17 starts so far, and he's tied with Sandy Alcantara for the major-league lead with 110 innings on the year. Sanchez has been excellent otherwise in 2026, as he's set to carry a 2.13 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 127:21 K:BB into his next scheduled start at home versus an upstart Pirates lineup.