MLB Player News

Rodney threw a perfrect ninth inning Tuesday against the Giants, striking out one to preserve a 2-0 lead.

The save was Rodney's 19th of the season but just his second as a Marlin, as A.J. Ramos remained the Miami closer after Rodney was sent over from San Diego. But Ramos landed on the 15-Day DL on Tuesday (retroactive to August 6th) with a broken finger, paving the way for Rodney to see some more save opportunities. Rodney hasn't been as effective since joining Miami, raising his ERA from 0.31 to 2.30 since joining the club. Still, Rodney's fantasy value greatly increases with Ramos out, as he should be the full-time closer until Ramos returns.

Boscan was claimed off waivers by the Braves on Tuesday and was then placed on the DL at Triple-A Gwinnett, the Atlanta Journal Constitution's David O'Brien reports.

It is unclear what the nature of his injury is, but Boscan was unlikely to be used at the big league level this year, so it's not entirely important. He was released by the Pirates after struggling in 15.1 innings out of the big league bullpen -- his first taste of the big leagues in a nine-year career in professional baseball.

Moore threw six solid innings Tuesday, allowing a pair of earned runs on just three hits but five walks while striking out seven Marlins hitters.

Despite throwing his second straight quality start since being traded to the Giants, Moore was outdueled by Miami starter Tom Koehler, who threw seven shutout innings. Moore has at times seemed unhittable over the two starts, allowing just six hits over 12 innings, yet he has struggled with his command, walking 11 over that timeframe. Moore has become accustomed to finding success despite walking hitters over the course of his career, as evidenced by his lifetime 3.86 ERA, which is practically equaled by his career rate of 3.9 BB/9. He'll look to throw more strikes Monday against the Pirates.

Reyes has been called up by the Cardinals after the team placed Michael Wacha (shoulder inflammation) on the 15-day DL on Tuesday.

Don't be misled by Reyes' 4.96 ERA and 1.46 WHIP this season in 14 starts with Triple-A Memphis, he offers a big arm with the potential of being impactful with his ability to pile up strikeouts upon arrival (he had 93 in 65.1 innings at Memphis). The Cardinals have not officially clarified his role, but it's reasonable to think that Reyes will simply replace Wacha in the rotation unless they suggest otherwise.

Ottavino will take over as the Rockies' closer, per manager Walt Weiss, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Weiss announced Tuesday that the team will move away from Carlos Estevez, who blew his second consecutive save Monday night in a loss to the Rangers. Ottavino will take over for the time being, as he's yet to allow a run while scattering four hits across 11.2 innings for the Rockies this season. Over that span, Ottavino has struck out 12 and walked only three.

Estevez has lost his job as the Rockies' closer, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

After blowing a second consecutive save Monday night, Estevez will be removed from his closing role, with Adam Ottavino taking over for the time being, per manager Walt Weiss. Estevez allowed three earned runs while recording just one out Monday night, and that came on the heels of a performance Friday in which he allowed four earned runs on three hits, while walking two, in a 5-3 loss to the Marlins. The right-hander will now move into a more traditional role, but there's a chance he could reclaim the closer job if Ottavino falters.

Almonte, 22, was promoted to Double-A Hartford over the weekend after posting a 3.71 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 134:39 K:BB in 138.1 innings in the hitter-friendly California League.

The Rockies acquired Almonte on the cheap, sending reliever Tommy Kahnle to the White Sox this past offseason, and that trade is starting to look like a heist for Colorado. Almonte sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and has touched as high as 98 mph, while also demonstrating impressive command in a difficult pitching environment. Rockies pitching prospects are always tricky to evaluate, but on pure stuff, Almonte needs to be on the radar in dynasty leagues.

Estevez (2-7) blew his fifth save as he allowed three runs on two hits and a walk and recorded just one out in Monday's loss to the Rangers.

Estevez has now allowed seven runs and recorded two combined outs in each of his past two outings, both blown saves. He has seen his ERA skyrocket from 3.66 to 5.18 as a result. It's worth noting two of his five blown saves came before he ascended to the closer position, but his position could be in jeopardy given his recent ineffectiveness. He has walked three batters in these two recent blown saves, and he'll need to rein in his control if he has any chance of figuring it out.

Coleman (shoulder) is expected to return from the disabled list as soon as he is eligible, J.P. Hoornstra of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Coleman was placed on the disabled list Wednesday and will be eligible to return August 18. He owns a mediocre 3.70 ERA and will continue to be used in the earlier innings upon his return, as his 89.2 mph fastball makes him more vulnerable than is ideal for a back-end reliever.

Vizcaino (oblique) is progressing and should return within a couple weeks, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Until then, Jim Johnson will remain the closer in Atlanta, and it's reasonable to think that the veteran may be a target for clubs looking to bolster their bullpen at the upcoming waiver trade deadline. A more precise timetable for Vizcaino's return should become available if he's sent on a minor league rehab assignment prior to his activation from the disabled list.