MLB Player News

The Cubs’ closer will head for further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury, but it sounds like a trip to the injured list could be in the cards here. He came on with the Cubs leading 3-1 in the ninth inning on Sunday and surrendered five runs on four hits and a walk — including a pair of home runs — without recording an out before he was mercifully lifted. Brad Keller has been terrific in a setup role and could be the next man up in the ninth inning, though Porter Hodge may be in the mix as well for save chances if Palencia misses any time.

Cole stranded two baserunners through four scoreless innings before running into some trouble in the fifth. The Braves brought two runs in on four straight hits to start the inning. Cole would settle down, striking out two of the last three batters to get out of the jam. He gave the Yankees two more scoreless frames, ending his day after seven innings with nine strikeouts in an excellent performance. The 35-year-old right-hander will take a 3.35 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and an 87/17 K/BB ratio across 80 2/3 innings into a start against the Blue Jays in Toronto on Friday.

The Yankees drew first blood in Saturday’s contest against the Braves, putting a run on the board against Sale in the second inning on two hits. A walk, triple, and a balk brought two more runs in for New York in the fifth before Sale got out of trouble. Sale would return for one more inning, ending his day after six innings with a quality start. He struck out eight. The 37-year-old left-hander will take an outstanding 2.20 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 151/28 K/BB ratio across 123 innings into a start against the Diamondbacks in Atlanta on Friday.

Henry Davis will catch in his place against the Mets. Rodríguez was also absent Friday, but that just seemed to be a day off. If Rodríguez lands on the IL, the Pirates will probably call up a non-catcher (most likely Tyler Callihan or Billy Cook) and let Davis and Rafael Flores Jr. split time.

Jansen has been out since June 6 with a strained right forearm. With Kyle Higashioka also on the IL, Jansen will probably serve as the Rangers’ starting catcher once he comes off the IL.

Pasquantino hit .282 in 11 games last month after returning from a broken hamate, though that came with just one extra-base hit. It looks like he’ll be back to give it another try next weekend.

Lee had a 12-game hitting streak while playing pretty regularly in the second half of last month, but he’s taken a backseat since Javier Báez came off the IL. The Tigers seem pretty happy with Báez at short and Kevin McGonigle at third right now.

Myles Straw replaced him, with Jesús Sánchez switching from left field to DH. Springer is likely day-to-day.

After nearly three months off, Holmes will make his return and his Cubs debut in a start tonight against the Royals.

Garrett, recalled Thursday after being acquired from the Marlins on Monday, didn’t pitch in his two days with the Cubs.

Castaño had been on the IL since June 21 with a pectoral strain. After two scoreless innings to begin his rehab assignment, he gave up four runs for Albuquerque last night, which probably ruined his chances of getting re-inserted into the Rockies pen.