MLB Player News

Melancon struck out two and allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning during Friday's 8-4 win over the Marlins.

His first work since being named Atlanta's new closer came in a non-save situation, but Melancon still got the job done. Shane Greene picked up a hold in the eighth inning but allowed an inherited runner to score, ruining the potential save chance for Melancon, and their respective performances Friday don't hint at Greene getting the closer job back any time soon.

Hader (2-5) struck out four and picked up the win after blowing his fourth save of the season Friday, allowing one run on one hit and one walk in 1.2 innings in a 6-5 victory over the Rangers.

The lefty served up a solo shot to Elvis Andrus in the top of the ninth inning to squander a 5-4 lead but then got the win when Eric Thames responded with a walkoff blast in the bottom of the frame. Hader now has 25 saves in 29 chances this season with a 2.77 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 102:15 K:BB through 55.1 innings -- the second straight season he's topped 100 strikeouts.

Chafin (2-2) struck out one and earned the win Friday after holding the Dodgers scoreless over 1.2 innings.

Chafin came into a 2-2 game in the ninth inning with one out and retired all five batters with ease. Meanwhile, Carson Kelly hit a go-ahead home run in the 11th to gift Chafin and the Diamondbacks with the win. Through 56 appearances, Chafin owns a 4.28 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Jansen was charged with a blown save after surrendering two runs on three hits while striking out two in an inning of relief against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

After allowing a leadoff single to Nick Ahmed in the ninth, Jansen blew a 2-0 lead by serving up a two-run homer to Carson Kelly. It was the Dodgers closer's fifth blown save of the season and his first home run allowed since Kelly homered against him July 3. The 31-year-old has pitched to the tune of a 3.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 60:11 K:BB over 44 appearances this season while posting 26 saves.

Beede did not factor into the decision during Friday's loss to the Phillies, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings.

Beede tied his season high of seven punchouts but struggled to prevent runs once again. The bulk of the damage against him came from a three-run triple by Corey Dickerson in the third inning and a solo home run by Bryce Harper in the fifth. The 26-year-old now owns a 5.61 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 76:36 K:BB and will search for his first win since July 14 during his next start at Arizona on Thursday.

Neris tossed a perfect inning with two strikeouts to earn the save against the Giants on Friday.

Called upon in the ninth inning to preserve a 9-6 lead, Neris barely flinched as he retired the only three batters he faced, including strikeouts of Mike Yastrzemski and Evan Longoria. The save was his 20th of the season to go with a 3.51 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 67:16 K:BB over 48 appearances.

Reyes (pectoral) met with team doctors as scheduled Thursday and was encouraged to seek a second opinion regarding his injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The Cardinals' medical team found nothing else amiss with Reyes besides his existing pectoral strain during their examination Thursday, so he'll seek a second opinion based on the team's own recommendation. Manager Mike Shildt concedes Reyes' chances of returning to the majors this season aren't "overly favorable", but he's also not ruling out the possibility. The right-hander has now missed significant time in three straight seasons, with a 2017 UCL injury and right lat tendon surgery last season responsible for his two other injury-shortened campaigns.

Hudson didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 6-2 win over the Pirates, allowing two runs on six hits over four innings. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The right-hander tossed only 49 pitches (31 strikes) before being lifted for a pinch hitter with the score tied 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth, marking the third straight start in which Hudson failed to pitch into the fifth inning. While his rotation spot may not be in jeopardy, his fantasy value takes a big hit if he can't last long enough to even qualify for a win. Hudson will take a 4.01 ERA and 93:57 K:BB through 121.1 innings into his next outing Wednesday in Kansas City.

Iglesias gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 23rd save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Cubs.

After serving up homers in three straight appearances in mid-July, Iglesias has righted the ship and been absolutely dominant, posting a 0.00 ERA and 9:0 K:BB through his last 7.1 innings while converting all six of his save chances. The 29-year-old now sports a 3.93 ERA and 65:19 K:BB through 50.1 innings on the year.

Melancon will serve as Atlanta's closer moving forward, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Shane Greene has struggled since joining the Braves, surrendering five runs over 3.1 innings of work, so skipper Brian Snitker will roll with Melancon out of the closer's role moving forward. The right-hander tossed a scoreless frame Friday night in an 8-4 win over Miami, and he'll be the top option in save situations until further notice. Greene figures to shift to a setup role for the time being.