Author: www.espn.com - MLB

Chris Sale’s 2,500th strikeout came in his 2,026th inning, the fastest timeframe in which a pitcher has reached that mark.

The Cubs agreed to a one-year contract with former New York Mets left-hander Génesis Cabrera on Thursday and designated right-hander Brooks Kriske for assignment.

Yordan Alvarez, who has missed nearly all of May with right hand inflammation, is “really close” to returning to the lineup, manager Joe Espada said.

Starter AJ Smith-Shawver left the Braves’ 5-4 loss to the Phillies in Philadelphia on Thursday with an elbow injury and will return to Atlanta to undergo testing.

Right-handed reliever Joel Payamps cleared waivers and was sent outright to the minor leagues on Thursday, a week after the Milwaukee Brewers had designated him for assignment.

Cubs ace left-hander Shota Imanaga has taken a step toward returning from a left hamstring strain that has sidelined him since May 4, manager Craig Counsell said on Wednesday.

Sixteen months after signing a $33 million, three-year contract with the Angels, reliever Robert Stephenson has finally thrown a pitch for his new team.

Mets star Juan Soto, who went hitless again in Wednesday’s loss and is batting .224 this season, is “too good of a hitter” for his current slump to last.

White Sox reliever Miguel Castro had to be helped off the field after injuring his right knee while covering first base in the ninth inning Wednesday against the Mets.

Astros first baseman Christian Walker left Wednesday’s game against the Athletics after being hit by a pitch on his right hand. X-rays were negative.