MLB Player News

Thielbar struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Mets.

Daniel Palencia (oblique) landed on the IL on Friday, and Thielbar got the call for the Cubs' first save chance in his absence with two left-handed hitters due up for the Mets in the ninth. While the veteran southpaw didn't end up facing either of them as New York emptied its bench for pinch hitters Tommy Pham and Tyrone Taylor, Thielbar still got the job done. It's not yet clear how Cubs manager Craig Counsell intends to navigate closing situations without Palencia, but Thielbar has staked a strong early claim to being the primary option. Through eight appearances and seven innings this season, he sports a 2.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB.

Varsho (knee) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks.

Varsho was taken out of Friday's contest due to left knee discomfort, and the Blue Jays will give him a day off Saturday so he can recover. Myles Straw will fill in as Toronto's center fielder and bat eighth.

Scott isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.

Scott will receive a day off to regroup Saturday after going just 3-for-22 (.136) over his last 10 games. While he sits, Jose Fermin, Nathan Church and Jordan Walker will form St. Louis' outfield trio.

The Diamondbacks designated Baker for assignment Saturday.

Baker has appeared in just three games for Arizona, during which he's gone 1-for-5 with three strikeouts. He'll now concede his place on the active roster to make room for Lourdes Gurriel (knee), who returned from the injured list in a corresponding move.

The Diamondbacks reinstated Gurriel (knee) from the injured list Saturday.

Just seven months after undergoing ACL repair surgery in September, Gurriel will return from the injured list to make his season debut against the Blue Jays. He will likely be limited to DH duties to begin with but is expected to eventually return to his normal place in left field. Luken Baker was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Loperfido (quadriceps) is not in the Astros' starting lineup against the Cardinals on Saturday.

Loperfido injured his right quad during Friday's series opener. He'll rest up Saturday in hopes that he is cleared to return to the lineup for Sunday's series finale. Houston will instead start Yordan Alvarez, Taylor Trammell and Cam Smith in the outfield from left to right.

Castro (hand) isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Castro has been held out of action since he was hit on the hand by a pitch during Wednesday's contest. A move to the injured list doesn't seem to be imminent, but it could come into consideration if the 28-year-old isn't cleared to return soon. Edouard Julien will man second base Saturday.

The Phillies selected Reyes' contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Reyes has gotten off to a strong start at Lehigh Valley, slashing .333./.345/.654 with six homers, 15 RBI and 12 runs scored through 84 plate appearances. The 25-year-old has experience at first and third base as well as the corner outfield positions, so he'll replace the struggling Otto Kemp as Philadelphia's bench utility player. Reyes will be making his MLB debut while starting in left field Saturday against Atlanta.

The Phillies optioned Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Kemp has appeared in 10 games for the Phillies this season, during which he's managed just a .282 OPS through 22 plate appearances. He'll head back to the minors to get back on track, and Felix Reyes will come up from Triple-A to fill the open roster spot.

Manager Clayton McCullough said Saturday that Stowers (hamstring) will return from the injured list Sunday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

After playing five rehab games at Triple-A Jacksonville, Stowers returned to Miami on Saturday to be evaluated by the team. Now that he's been given a clean bill of health, the 28-year-old will officially make his season debut in Sunday's series finale against Milwaukee. He will reclaim his place as Miami's primary left fielder, though the Marlins also plan to give him a few reps at first base.