MLB Player News

Rockies relief pitcher John Axford allowed a walk in a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his 24th save in a 7-4 win over the Padres on Friday.

Axford blew a save in his last outing, but that can be chalked up to bad luck, as an infield and bloop hit did him in. Aside from that, Axford has been sparkling since regaining the closer's role. Since August 13, Axford has allowed just two runs, while striking out 20 batters in 14.2 innings. The velocity is what's most impressive, as he's been hitting upper-90's regularly since his insertion back into the closer's role.

Mets reliever Dario Alvarez (groin) will begin a rehab stint with High-A Port St. Lucie and could be out for the remainder of the regular season, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

Alvarez left Tuesday's game with a groin injury, and it appears the ailment will keep him out for at least the next two weeks. He could be available in the postseason depending on how far the Mets advance, but it's possible the lefty may not pitch again in the majors until 2016.

Mets reliever Carlos Torres (calf) could throw off a mound Friday, Adam Rubin of ESPN New York reports.

The Mets have yet to allow Torres to throw off a mound since he suffered a strained left calf over a week ago, but he's been able to do some mound work at about 50 percent. Assuming he's able to progress with his rehab in the coming days, Torres should be able to return before the end of the season.

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson (head) will spend another night in the hospital Friday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Nelson went to the hospital Thursday after taking a line drive to the head, but the official diagnosis with just a head bruise. There's no clear timetable just yet, but it appears the 25-year-old will be out a least a few days as he recovers.

Brewers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson's CT scan revealed just a bruise on his head, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Nelson will remain in the hospital overnight, but considering the alternatives, a head bruise is about the best the Brewers could hope for. It's unclear how much time the young hurler will miss because of the issue, but a timetable should be revealed in the coming days.

Brewers starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson exited Thursday's game in the third inning after after being struck in the head by a line drive.

It's an unfortunate break for Nelson, who had a good season going for the Brewers. Fortunately, he was able to walk off the field on his own, so it's possible there was no major damage. The team will likely provide an update at some point as to the severity of the issue.

Braves starting pitcher Shelby Miller (5-15) lasted only 3 2/3 innings Wednesday in a loss to the Blue Jays, giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits and a pair of walks.

With 21 consecutive starts without a win under his belt and a matchup against the high-powered Toronto offense, few could have bet on Miller ending his ignominious streak. Indeed, he took the loss for the sixth consecutive start, and it seems all these defeats are starting to get to the young hurler, who now owns an 8.36 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in three September starts.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out two batters and allowed one hit en route to his 32nd save in a 2-0 win over the Rockies on Wednesday.

Jansen had allowed three runs in his previous outing in a non-save situation and a bounce-back seemed inevitable for the elite closer. What's really impressive about Jansen is that he has 77 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings this season, while walking just eight batters. His 0.77 WHIP and absurd strikeout total make him one of the most valuable closers in Fantasy.

Reds pitcher Raisel Iglesias is no longer scheduled to start for the Reds on Friday night in Milwaukee. 

Brandon Finnegan will take the ball in his place, while the Reds have been planning on moving Iglesias to a relief role to monitor his innings over the final few weeks of the season.

Considering that it was his turn to pitch Friday anyway, Iglesias may be used for an inning or two behind Finnegan if needed, but the Reds haven't confirmed their cap number for Iglesias thus far.

Mets pitcher Carlos Torres (calf) is likely a few days from returning to the mound, ESPN New York's Adam Rubin reports. 

He is back to throwing off a mound, but only at about 50 percent. Torres should have a chance to get some appearances under his belt to knock off any rust before the postseason.