MLB Player News

Norby went 0-for-2 with two walks, a run scored and a stolen base Friday against the Giants.

Norby was recalled to the majors as a depth option, but Kyle Karros' (concussion) subsequent placement on the injured list has opened up a starting opportunity. Willi Castro has shifted to third base, while Norby has made three consecutive starts at second base. He has yet to collect a hit, but he has drawn four walks in 11 plate appearances.

Pagan pitched a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 15th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Marlins. He didn't strike out a batter.

The veteran reliever had been dealing with hand soreness earlier in the week and missed out on a save chance Thursday as a result, but Pagan didn't seem bothered by the issue Friday, firing eight of 11 pitches for strikes. He's gone 10 straight appearances without allowing a run since a rocky outing at Coors Field on July 19, posting a 0.40 WHIP and 11:0 K:BB in 10 innings over that stellar stretch while converting all eight of his save opportunities.

Burns (14-2) picked up the win Friday, scattering four hits over seven scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory over the Marlins. He struck out eight without walking a batter.

Matched up against Sandy Alcantara in a duel of the team's respective aces that lived up to its billing, Burns rose to the occasion and fired 62 of 93 pitches for strikes while not even allowing a runner to get into scoring position until the seventh inning, when Otto Lopez led off the frame with a single and stole second base before being stranded. The quality start was Burns' 11th of the year, and his 14 wins have him tied for second in the majors with Boston's Sonny Gray, one back of Philly's Cristopher Sanchez. Burns will look to stay locked in for his next start, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Cardinals.

Alcantara (13-7) took the loss Friday as the Marlins were downed 1-0 by the Reds, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over seven innings. He struck out out.

The veteran right-hander didn't have his best stuff or best command, but Alcantara still put together his fourth straight quality start and MLB-leading 19th of the season on 103 pitches (67 strikes), only to have Chase Burns be just a little bit stingier opposite him. Alcantara was also a little unlucky -- he saw his scoreless streak end at 25.2 innings when Eugenio Suarez dumped a ball into left field that Heriberto Hernandez badly misplayed, allowing Tyler Stephenson to lumber home from first base as the ball rolled to the warning track on what was officially ruled a double. Alcantara has become a throwback workhorse of late, lasting at least seven innings in six of eight starts since the beginning of July while compiling a 1.80 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 46:14 K:BB through 55 frames. He'll look to get more offensive support in his next outing, which is set to come on the road next week in Philadelphia.

Hoerner went 1-for-4 with a stolen base in Friday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals.

While it wasn't a particularly impressive line in the box score, the steal was Hoerner's 20th of the season, marking the fifth straight campaign in which he's reached that plateau. The Gold Glove second baseman has also hit safely in five straight games, and over 26 contests since the All-Star break he's erupted for a .365/.385/.500 slash line with three homers, six stolen bases, 14 runs and 18 RBI.

Liberatore (5-10) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over 5.1 innings as the Cardinals fell 3-0 to the Cubs. He struck out six.

The 26-year-old southpaw put together one of his better performances of the season while tossing 58 of 95 pitches for strikes, but the St. Louis offense got completely shut down as Clay Holmes took a perfect game into the sixth inning. Liberatore hasn't gotten into the win column since before the All-Star break, going 0-4 over his last five starts with a 5.33 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB in 25.1 innings. He'll try to snap that streak in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road next week in Cincinnati.

Suzuki went 2-for-4 with a double and a three-run home run in Friday's 3-0 victory over the Cardinals.

Suzuki provided all of Chicago's offense Friday when he launched his 21st home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning with two runners on. The outfielder has gone deep three times in 12 games this month and is sporting a robust .952 OPS in August. Overall, Suzuki has an .849 OPS, which would be a new career best, and he's once again delivering strong offensive production across the board for fantasy managers.

Webb worked around a hit to toss a scoreless ninth inning and record the save in Friday's 3-0 victory over the Cardinals. He struck out one.

After 6.2 sparkling innings from starter Clay Holmes, Webb followed Ryan Rolison and Ryan Zeferjahn in shutting the door on St. Louis. Webb now has nine saves this season to go along with a strong 2.33 ERA and 10.2 K/9 across 54 innings. He appears to be Chicago's closer of choice at the moment, and he's pitched well enough that he could hold onto the role even after Daniel Palencia (elbow) returns from the injured list in the near future.

Holmes (5-5) tossed 6.2 scoreless innings to earn the win in Friday's 3-0 victory over the Cardinals. He allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three.

Holmes' second start with the Cubs was much better than his first -- he allowed four runs on six hits and two walks in four innings in his team debut. The righty dazzled Friday and retired the first 16 batters he faced before Jose Fermin dumped a soft single into right field in the sixth inning to break up the potential perfect game. While Holmes has just 49 strikeouts in 63.1 innings this year, he's still has been effective with a 2.56 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, and he should get more run support than he got with the Mets now that he's backed by a strong Chicago lineup. He'll look to keep things rolling in his next outing, which is currently lined up for Wednesday against the cross-town rival White Sox.

Santillan (oblique) struck out two and didn't allow any hits or walks during a scoreless inning Friday in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Louisville.

Santillan opened his rehab assignment on a high note, dispatching the side in order on 13 pitches (nine strikes). The right-handed reliever has been on the shelf since June 26 due to a left oblique strain and will likely require at least one more tune-up outing in the minors before rejoining the Cincinnati bullpen.