Indians bolster bullpen with All-star closer Hand, Cimber from San Diego

American League Central-leading Cleveland acquired left-handed closer Brad Hand and rookie right-handed reliever Adam Cimber from San Diego for catching prospect Francisco Mejia on Thursday.

Coming off his second straight All-star selection, Hand, 28, has 24 saves with a 3.05 ERA and 65 strikeouts over 44 1/3 innings this season. A sidearmer, Cimber, 27, has a 3.17 ERA and 51 strikeouts over 48 1/3 innings.

Mejia, 22, ranked the majors’ No. 5 prospect by Baseball Prospectus before this season, was batting .279 with seven home runs and 45 RBIS in 79 games for Triple-a Columbus. Mejia also can play third base and outfield, but Padres general manager A.J. Preller said he’ll focus on catching at Triple-a El Paso.

Cubs 9, Cardinals 6 — At Chicago, Jason Heyward had three hits and two RBIS, Ian Happ belted a two-run homer, and Chicago beat St. Louis in the majors’ first game after the All-star break. Anthony Rizzo added two doubles as Chicago kicked off a five-game series with its fourth straight win. Victor Caratini had three hits and scored three runs, and Ben Zobrist had a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the Cubs’ five-run fifth.

Cubs: Right-handed closer Brandon Morrow (inflamed right biceps) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, and outfielder Albert Almora Jr. was activated from family medical emergency leave. Also, Chicago acquired veteran right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez from Texas for minor league left-hander Tyler Thomas.

Yankees: Gary Sanchez (right groin strain) was activated from the disabled list, and fellow catcher Kyle Higashioka was optioned to Triple-a Scranton/wilkesbarre.

Angels: Two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s sprained right elbow ligament is continuing to heal, and he has been medically cleared to begin a “throwing progression,” the team said.

Athletics: Right-handed reliever Santiago Casilla, 37, who has a 3.16 ERA this season despite issuing 20 walks over 31 1/3 innings this season, was released.

Giants: Third baseman Evan Longoria (broken left hand), who has been out since June 14, began a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-a Sacramento.