MLB Player News

Adams failed to record an out Monday, allowing two runs on two walks and a hit batsman in his second appearance since coming off the disabled list.

Adams was one of the top relievers for Triple-A Syracuse prior to landing on the disabled list in mid-May, although he's given up runs in both of his outings since being activated. His ERA still sits at a solid 2.75 mark, so he'll likely continue to get plenty of usage unless the current trend continues.

Maurer gave up four runs without recording an out in Thursday's blowout loss to the Diamondbacks.

Manager Andy Green decided to deploy his closer in the eighth inning of an 11-run game because Maurer hadn't pitched in four days. Fantasy owners probably wish he hadn't, as the reliever experienced his worst outing of the season, raising his ERA to 6.75 in the process. The 26-year-old has regained the closing role in San Diego after briefly giving way to Brad Hand, but his propensity to get blown up in non-save situations (7.44 ERA over 12.1 non-save innings) limits his fantasy value.

Estevez was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Estevez owns a horrid 8.16 ERA with the big-league club and will go back to serving as organizational depth. He was demoted to make space for returning setup weapon Adam Ottavino.

Ottavino (shoulder) was activated from the disabled list Friday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The right-hander returns from a brief absence due to shoulder inflammation and will regain the top setup role in front of Greg Holland. Carlos Estevez was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque to create roster space. Ottavino holds a sparkling 2.57 ERA on the year with 24 strikeouts (albeit with 15 walks) in 21 innings.

Melancon (1-1) recorded his first win of the season Thursday against Milwaukee. He blew a save opportunity in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Giants scored four runs in the top of the 10th frame and held on for the victory while he was still the pitcher of record.

This was Melancon's worst outing since Opening Day, and he had allowed just two earned runs over his previous 16 appearances (15.2 innings) since April 2. Fantasy owners got the bonus win to soften the blow of Melancon's poor outing, and considering his track record, Thursday's outing is less of a concern than the Giants' struggles to score runs and create save opportunities for their closer.

Ottavino (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday against the Cubs, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Ottavino said his shoulder felt great following his bullpen Wednesday, clearing the way for him to rejoin the big club before the weekend. He should reclaim his spot as a primary setup man for Colorado upon his return.

Iglesias needed just seven pitches during a scoreless ninth inning to collect his 12th save of the season during Thursday's win over St. Louis. He also recorded two strikeouts.

With two wins, 12 saves, a 0.57 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 10.9 K/9, Iglesias is cementing himself among the top closers in the real and fantasy game. He entered Thursday's outing with a 50.0 groundball percentage while limiting opposing hitters to a 19.7 hard-hit rate, and those traits combine perfectly with his strikeout ability. Iglesias is legit.

Bracho was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Thursday.

With Zack Greinke heading out on paternity leave, Bracho will rejoin the big club for the fourth time this season. While the 24-year-old compiled an impressive 1.53 ERA and 30:6 K:BB through 17.2 innings with Reno, he hasn't enjoyed the same success against major-league hitting this season; Bracho allowed six runs (five earned) across 2.1 innings of previous work. He did manage to strike out five batters, so his strikeout potential remains a strength. His stay in the majors will likely be brief with Greinke expected back before next week's series against the Tigers.

Jackson has a 0.93 ERA and 0.93 WHIP since being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett in mid May.

It's still a small sample size for the 25-year-old, but he has issued only two walks in 9.2 innings since his call-up. Jackson could earn a larger role if he maintains his numbers but is currently limited to low-leverage situations for the Braves.

Nelson (4-3) struck out six while allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings in Wednesday's win over San Francisco.

The third inning was the only one where he had much of any trouble, as he surrendered an RBI double to Brandon Belt followed by a Buster Posey two-run homer. Otherwise, Nelson cruised, as he often has this season. Once the minor leagues' best pitcher, he's been a subpar major leaguer in prior seasons, but Nelson has improved his control and increased his strikeout rate this year -- and in fact, the .332 BABIP against him suggests that he might yet lower his current 3.45 ERA.