MLB Player News

Melancon struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Thursday's 3-2 win over Miami.

The 36-year-old has now posted back-to-back clean innings after struggling in his two appearances adjacent to the All-Star break. Melancon upped his league-leading saves total to 29, six more than the White Sox's Liam Hendriks and the Cardinals' Alex Reyes. Through 42 innings, Melancon has a 2.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 35:16 K:BB.

Reyes allowed one walk and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Cubs.

Reyes suffered his first blown save Tuesday, but manager Mike Shildt didn't hesitate to turn to his closer to protect a one-run lead Thursday. The right-hander rewarded his manager's faith with the save, his 23rd in 24 chances this year. While he's allowed six runs across seven innings in July, there's little reason to think Reyes will lose his grip on the closer role. The 26-year-old has a 2.01 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 58:38 K:BB across 44.2 innings overall.

Moore (0-2) allowed six earned runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four across six innings to take the loss Thursday against Atlanta.

The majority of the damage Moore surrendered came in the third inning. He retired the first two batters he faced but allowed two singles and a walk before serving up a grand slam to Dansby Swanson. This was Moore's longest outing of the season, which at least offset the damage of his outing to some degree. Moore now has a 5.79 ERA with a 37:20 K:BB across 42 innings on the campaign.

Long (back) threw a 30-pitch live batting practice session Thursday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.

Long threw a bullpen session Friday and has now taken the next step towards his return to the mound by facing live hitters. He'll likely have to continue to ramp up his workload prior to being activated, though it's unclear if that will require a rehab assignment.

Alzolay (4-10) allowed three runs across six innings and took the loss Thursday against the Cardinals. He gave up four hits and three walks while striking out eight.

Alzolay pitched pretty well, as he set a season high in strikeouts, but the Cubs' offense didn't provide much support in the 3-2 defeat. The righty was done in by two home runs, including a two-run bomb by Nolan Arenado, which accounted for all three runs against him. Alzolay now has a 4.58 ERA this season and is scheduled to take the mound again Tuesday against the Reds.

Nelson (back) could be activated either Sunday or Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Nelson was set to throw live batting practice Thursday. How he responds to that work will dictate when he returns, according to manager Dave Roberts. Regardless, it appears that Nelson likely won't need a rehab assignment prior to being activated from the injured list.

Nelson (back) will throw live batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Nelson resumed mound work at the beginning of the week, and he'll face live hitters for the first time several days later. The right-hander has been on the 10-day injured list since July 9 due to a left lumbar strain, but he appears to be making good progress in his recovery. It's not yet clear whether Nelson will require a rehab assignment before he's cleared to rejoin the Dodgers.

Ramirez (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Ramirez has been on the 10-day injured list with left rotator cuff inflammation since July 8, but he could be nearing his return to the Padres. Since the southpaw serves as a reliever and has only been sidelined two weeks, he likely won't require a lengthy rehab stint before he's activated.

Bender will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher in Thursday's game against the Padres, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The newly recalled Jordan Holloway is expected to serve as the Marlins' primary bulk reliever behind Bender, who will be making his first career start in the big leagues. The 26-year-old rookie has only one save to his name, but he's arguably been the Marlins' most reliable reliever this season. Through 31 appearances spanning 31.2 innings, Bender has posted a 2.27 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 40:8 K:BB.

Megill was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Megill was sent to the minors in late June, and he allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out 11 in six innings during his stint with the Triple-A club. He'll provide a fresh arm out of the bullpen for the Cubs, while infielder Sergio Alcantara was sent down in a corresponding move.