MLB Player News

Melancon gave up a hit over a scoreless inning in Friday's 6-3 loss to Arizona.

This outing was noteworthy because it was the first time Melancon has pitched in back-to-back games since returning from an elbow injury June 3. The former All-Star closer has been used as a setup man this season, and that is unlikely to change following the success Will Smith has had as the club's primary closing option. Friday's outing lowered Melancon's ERA to 3.32 over 21.2 innings, but his 6.2 K/9 and 1.48 WHIP are both the worst of his career.

Minter pitched a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Mets.

The southpaw is settling in as the Braves' closer in the absence of Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder), converting four straight save chances while allowing only one hit and zero runs with an 8:1 K:BB in five innings since the All-Star break. Vizcaino doesn't yet have a clear timetable for his return, so Minter should be a strong closing option perhaps straight through into September.

Boxberger struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Friday against the Giants.

Boxberger allowed a couple singles but was able to finish off the Giants to record his 26th save of the year. The righty carries a 55:19 K:BB in 39.2 innings while holding opponents to a .199 batting average. Boxberger's 26 saves are tied for seventh in the majors.

Dominguez tossed 1.1 scoreless innings Friday, allowing one hit while striking out one as he collected the save against the Marlins.

Following Friday's outing, Dominguez has pieced together four straight scoreless appearances, punching out five over that span. He'll continue to be deployed in high-leverage situations moving forward, as he owns a sparkling 1.85 ERA and 0.79 WHIP with 49 strikeouts over 39 innings this season.

Richards (3-6) allowed one run on four hits and two walks while fanning seven across five innings as he was saddled with the loss Friday against Philadelphia.

Richards didn't receive any run support, as he exited the ballgame with a 1-0 deficit. He's pitched well in his past five outings, surrendering just four runs over 27.1 innings while recording 30 strikeouts, although he has just one win to show for it. Richards will head into his next outing with a 3.92 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 78:36 K:BB through 80.1 frames this season.

Strop allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk but managed to record the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

Strop came on with a 5-2 lead and quickly made things interesting, allowing a single, a walk and a double to start the ninth inning. The 33-year-old settled down from there to nab his sixth save of the year and, despite the hiccup, he still has a solid 2.86 ERA. Strop should continue to see save chances while regular closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) is on the disabled list.

Gage inked a minor-league deal with the Mets on Friday, Mike Ashmore of The Trentonian reports.

Gage was cut loose by the Giants in July, so he'll hope for a better outcome with his new team. He'll report to Double-A Binghamton and he figures to add organizational depth moving forward.

Chafin was reinstated from the paternity list Friday.

Chafin missed three days while on paternity leave. To make room for him on the roster, Chris Owings was optioned to Triple-A Reno.

Castillo fired a clean inning with three strikeouts while picking up a hold in Thursday's victory over the Cubs.

The 22-year-old has fired 3.2 scoreless innings with two walks and four strikeouts since being activated from the disabled list July 28. The Padres didn't move veteran relievers Kirby Yates or Craig Stammen at the deadline, so Castillo will resume his role as a middle reliever. The rookie has looked impressive in the majors so far, posting a 2.20 ERA and 12.1 K/9 over 16.1 innings this season.

Fields' (shoulder) timetable to return from the disabled list is still unclear.

Fields landed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation June 28, and the Dodgers have yet to announce a projected rehab stint or an expected return date. The 32-year-old posted a 2.36 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 34.1 innings prior to landing on the DL. Pedro Baez continues to serve as the club's primary right-handed setup man in his stead.