MLB Player News

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said Tuesday that John Axford has pitched well lately and will return to his closer's role, reports MLB.com.

Axford was removed from the closer's role in late July after failing to convert five saves. He has not allowed a run in four of his last five appearances.

Despite allowing two hits and one walk in the ninth inning, Padres pitcher Craig Kimbrel was able to shut the door on the Braves on Monday.

Kimbrel entered in the ninth inning with a three-run lead and gave up one run before recording the final three outs in the 5-3 win. It was his 34th save of the season.

A setback in his rehab from a shoulder injury could have Mets reliever Rafael Montero out for the year, the New York Post has reported.

The latest development ocurred in his last rehab start.

If Montero is indeed done, he will have pitched in just five games this season. He compiled a 4.50 ERA before going down.

Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen recorded his 24th save of the season on Sunday against the Reds.

Jansen closed out the ninth inning of the 2-1 victory with ease, striking out two batters in the process. He now has an impressive 2.48 ERA in 32 1/3 innings of relief this season.

Rockies starter Chris Rusin had his first career complete game, throwing a shutout against San Diego on Sunday. 

Rusin won for the first time since June 21, snapping a three-decision and nine-start winless streak. 

Rusin improved to 4-5 on the season. 

Diamondbacks pitcher Rubby De La Rosa took a no decision against Atlanta on Sunday, extending his undefeated streak to six games. 

De La Rosa allowed one run on seven hits over seven innings. He left with the score tied. Since his last loss on July 12, De La Rosa is 4-0 with two no-decisions. 

Braves starter Shelby Miller allowed one run on two hits over seven innings and left with the lead against Arizona on Sunday. The Braves' bullpen couldn't protect the lead, however, and Miller settled for a no-decision. 

Miller hasn't won since May 17, 17 starts ago. 

Miller matched a season high with 10 strikeouts. 

Padres closer Craig Kimbrel likely figured it would be a personal night off when his team entered the ninth Saturday in Colorado trailing by a run.

Kimbrel then likely figured he had a 1-2-3 save in the bottom of the inning when a grounder was hit to short with two out.

Neither proved to be the case. His team scored three in the ninth to give him the save opportunity, which was placed in jeopardy when Clint Barmes booted what should have been the clincher. But Kimbrel got the last out on another grounder to nail down his 33rd save.

The veteran has allowed just one earned run since July 12.

Marlins starting pitcher Brad Hand was roughed up during his start against the Cardinals on Saturday.

Hand allowed six runs on 11 hits in six innings. He allowed two home runs, including a three-run blast in the sixth inning.

With the loss, Hand dropped to 2-3 on the season with a 4.74 ERA.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon recorded his league-leading 37th save of the season during Saturday's win over the Mets.

Melancon closed out the 14th inning of his team's victory with relative ease, as he allowed just one hit. He now has a 1.64 ERA in 55 innings of relief this season.