MLB Player News

Strop (1-2) blew the save and took the loss Monday against the Marlins. He allowed three runs on a hit and three walks without recording an out.

Simply put, it was a disastrous outing for Strop as he blew his second save in six opportunities this season. Staked to a 4-3 lead, the righty started the top of the ninth with back-to-back walks. A single loaded the bases, then another walk forced home the tying run before Strop got the hook. He threw just six of 18 pitches for strikes and saw his ERA climb to 5.06. Regular closer Brandon Morrow (elbow) is without a timetable to return to the team, but the Cubs may be forced to turn to someone like Brandon Kintzler or Steve Cishek for saves if Strop continues to struggle.

Hicks struck out the only two batters he faced in a non-save situation during Monday's 6-0 win over the Phillies.

Hicks came into the game with a runner on first and one out in the ninth inning and got the job done. Even more impressive, his two strikeouts came against sluggers Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins. Hicks now owns a 2.03 ERA and 18:5 K:BB.

Jansen won't pitch Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

The closer has worked three straight days, so the Dodgers will give him a day off for this Monday matchup with the Braves, per Gurnick. Pedro Baez or Scott Alexander are possible candidates who could get the nod to close it out if a save situation arises.

Wilson (elbow) was activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Monday's game against the Padres, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Wilson has been on the shelf since April 22 due to elbow soreness, but after making it through a few side sessions without issue, he's been activated from the injured list. He owns a 3.24 ERA with eight punchouts over 8.1 frames this season for the Mets.

Iglesias complained before Monday's game about how he's being used more often in non-save situations, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "You can see the other closers, they don't pitch in tie games," Iglesias said. "I'm the only one who comes in tie games and I've given up homers and I'm losing some games. I feel really bad. I already have five losses, something that hasn't happened (to anyone else) in the big leagues. Five losses in the first month of ball. That shouldn't be like that."

This comment came on the heels of his fifth loss of the season on Sunday. He entered the game in the ninth inning with a 4-4 tie, allowed a double and then a two-run homer to Brandon Crawford. The complaint rings hollow, though -- he blew the save Friday night, and of course there was no save possibility Sunday with the game already tied in the ninth.

Melancon has yet to be used in a save situation this season.

Manager Bruce Bochy said in mid-April that Melancon would get some saves, but he's yet to be given the chance. The veteran's ERA was unblemished through his first 10 outings, but he's allowed three runs in his last two appearances. It may take an injury to current closer Will Smith (or a midseason trade) for Melancon to stake a claim for the role, though Sam Dyson (who has one save) could still be ahead of him.

Manager Craig Counsell said Nelson (shoulder) is scheduled to start for Triple-A San Antonio on Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Nelson allowed three runs on two hits and four walks across 3.1 innings in his first appearance for San Antonio, but most importantly the right-hander emerged from the outing healthy. He'll continue to get up to speed with the Missions before eventually being cleared to rejoin the big-league club.

Edwards was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Edwards was expected to continue his role as one of the Cubs' top setup men this season but allowed six runs while recording just five outs over his first four appearances as he struggled with his new delivery being deemed illegal. He should reclaim a high-leverage role now that he's back after he recorded a 2.16 ERA in 8.1 innings for Iowa. Dillon Maples was optioned in a corresponding move.

Iglesias (1-5) recorded just two outs while allowing two runs on two hits, taking the loss against the Giants on Sunday. He struck out one batter.

Iglesias came into a 4-4 contest with one out in the ninth and promptly yielded a Buster Posey double and Brandon Crawford go-ahead homer. In his last three appearances, the 29-year-old has allowed four runs, going 0-2 with a blown save in the process. Iglesias is still the Reds' primary closer, but Amir Garrett and/or David Hernandez could see save chances if he continues to struggle.

Smith yielded a solo home run but still secured his ninth save in Sunday's 6-5 win over Cincinnati. He struck out one batter.

Smith came into the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead and was able to get the job done despite allowing a Kyle Farmer homer with two outs. His ERA is up to 3.29, but he's now 9-for-9 in save chances on the year.