MLB Player News

General manager David Sterns said Wednesday that the Brewers are "running out of time" to get Nelson (shoulder) back in the fold this season, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Nelson is continuing to gradually work his way back from September shoulder surgery, but it's becoming apparent that a return this season is unlikely. Although Nelson has officially spent time on the mound in recent weeks, he's yet to truly advance to pitching off a raised surface, since the extent of his sessions are basically just him playing catch off the mound. Sterns refrained from ruling Nelson out for the rest of the year, but he will need to make a lot of progress over the next few weeks to have a chance at returning in 2018. Sterns added that Nelson may pitch this offseason in either the instructional league or the Arizona Fall League if he is unable to come off the DL this season.

Smith picked up his third save in as many days, firing a scoreless ninth inning while giving up a hit and striking out two in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Smith blew a save chance Aug. 6, but he has responded with three consecutive scoreless saves to tighten his grip on the ninth-inning gig in San Francisco. The 29-year-old is experiencing his best season in the majors with a 2.01 ERA and 12.5 K/9 over 40.1 innings coming off of Tommy John surgery.

Suarez did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers, firing six scoreless innings with four strikeouts against two hits and three walks.

Suarez was locked in a pitchers' duel with Dodgers starter Alex Wood, but a late blown save cost the 25-year-old a shot at his fifth win. Though Tuesday's outing was an effective one, the lefty induced just five swinging strikes and has struck out five or fewer in seven straight with a pedestrian 28:14 K:BB over 38.2 innings in that span. The rookie carries a 4.40 ERA (4.11 FIP) and 1.30 WHIP into Sunday's scheduled start in Cincinnati.

Boxberger gave up a run on a hit and a walk in an inning of work but still came away with his 27th save of the season Tuesday against the Rangers. He struck out two.

Boxberger allowed a leadoff triple to Jurickson Profar before a sacrifice fly brought him in. He also issued a two-out walk but was able to strike out the final batter to end the threat. The run brought Boxberger's ERA up to 3.46 to go along with a 1.25 WHIP, but he's converted 11 of his last 12 save opportunities and appears to have a grasp on the job for the time being.

Richards allowed five runs on 10 hits and two walks across 4.1 innings in Tuesday's no-decision against the Braves. He struck out three.

Richards struggled from the jump, allowing a pair of solo home runs in the first inning. He gave up two more runs on two hits, a walk and a wild pitch in the third before the hosts plated one more as three straight batters reached in the fifth. Richards set season highs for hits and baserunners allowed in this one while his ERA jumped up to 4.28. He hadn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his previous six starts and will look to get back on track next week against the Yankees.

Pivetta allowed one run on three hits and one walk across six innings during Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision.

Sandy Leon touched Pivetta for a solo home run during the third inning, but otherwise he kept the Red Sox's explosive offense quiet. The 25-year-old has three straight quality starts and has allowed three runs and 12 hits over 18 innings during August. Pivetta next lines up to start against the Mets on Sunday.

Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The Giants needed a roster spot with Brandon Belt (knee) returning from the disabled list, and Johnson was the one banished back to the River Cats. The right-hander has a 5.72 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 39.1 innings for the Giants this season.

Jansen (irregular heartbeat) will throw to hitters Wednesday and Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

After completing the live batting practice sessions, Jansen plans to meet with his cardiologist Monday and is "optimistic" he'll be cleared to pitch in games again after the follow-up visit. Previous timelines for the right-hander's return had been estimated at four weeks at least, but it looks like the closer is trending toward beating that recovery timetable . A clearer picture regarding a potential return date should come into focus after his checkup early next week.

Howard fired four scoreless innings for Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, walking two while striking out five.

Howard didn't miss a beat in his return to action after exiting his previous starts with an apparent injury. The 25-year-old owns a 5.21 ERA through 17 starts (74.1 innings) with the Isotopes this season.

Axford was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday with a fractured right fibula.

Axford has already been ruled out for at least three weeks. Alex Wood, who is slated to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday, was activated from the 10-day disabled list in a corresponding move.