Mike Tauchman

With Trevor Megill presumably unavailable for workload reasons after converting a pair of saves over the last three days, Payamps got the call to protect a one-run lead in the final frame after William Contreras put Milwaukee ahead in the top of the ninth. He struck out Christopher Morel and Dansby Swanson to open the frame before getting Mike Tauchman to fly out to preserve the victory.

That would presumably put players like Jameson Taillon, Hector Neris, Mark Leiter Jr., Mike Tauchman and Patrick Wisdom up for grabs. The Cubs probably won't give away Leiter, Tauchman or Wisdom, though; despite the fact that all three are 32-33 years old, none will be eligible for free agency until after 2026. Taillon, who will make $18 million in each 2025 and '26, has no-trade protection to 10 clubs. He has a 3.10 ERA in 16 starts this season, though his peripherals aren't very strong.

Canario came up as an extra outfielder when Cody Bellinger was placed on the injured list. Now Canario is headed back to the minors with the Cubs activating Mike Tauchman from the injured list. Canario hit .280 with one home run and two RBI in 25 at-bats with the Cubs.

Tauchman returns after missing about a month with a groin strain. Alexander Canario was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Tauchman's absence opened up regular playing time in centerfield for Pete Crow-Armstrong. Now the Cubs are back to having four spots for Tauchman, Crow-Armstrong, Christopher Morel, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ. Tauchman is hitting .259 with five home runs, 19 RBI and five steals in 220 at-bats this year.

The Cubs activated Tauchman (groin) from the 10-day injured list Friday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.