MLB Player News

Five healthy National League pitchers didn't get into Tuesday's All Star Game:

A.J. Burnett, Pirates; Carlos Martinez, Cardinals; Shelby Miller, Braves; Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies; Michael Wacha, Cardinals

Every National League position player appeared in the game. 

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman became the 14th pitcher in All Star Game history to strike out the side in order on Tuesday. 

Chapman pitched an impressive ninth inning in his home ballpark. Chapman fanned the side on 14 pitches. Twelve of the 14 pitches were clocked at over 100 mph, topping out at 103. 

Chapman struck out more batters than any Reds All Star since Mario Soto in 1982. 

Pirates reliever Mark Melancon gave up a home run in the eighth inning of Tuesday's All Star Game. 

Melancon became the first Pirates' All Star to give up a run since John Smiley in 1991 and the first to surrender a homer since Rich Gossage in 1977. 

Melancon struck out two in his inning of work. 

Right-hander Rafael Montero, who has been sidelined since late April with rotator cuff inflammation, pitched a scoreless inning for the Gulf Coast League Mets on Tuesday, per ESPN. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Montero made one start in five appearances for the Mets early this season and posted a 4.50 ERA.

All-Star Shelby Miller has made 18 starts for the Braves this season, but he might be more eager for No. 20 than any of the others.

That will will be July 25 at Busch Stadium against the Cardinals, who traded him to Atlanta.

"I'm definitely excited to be back there," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Miller added that his improvement, which has resulted in a 5-5 record and 2.38 ERA (ranking sixth in the National League) had nothing to do with the deal. Rather, it was the result of his work on a sinker that has continued to improve.

His next start is slated for Sunday against the Cubs.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen continued his hot streak, picking up his ninth straight save in the team's 4-3 victory over the Brewers on Sunday.

Jansen now has 16 saves in 17 opportunities over the season's first half, striking out two hitters in his one inning of work to lower his ERA to 1.66. 

Padres pitcher Craig Kimbrel struggled during his relief appearance Sunday, but he was able to shut the door on the Rangers for a 2-1 win.

Kimbrel allowed one run on three hits over 1 1/3 innings of work. He recorded his 23rd save of the season and his ERA is now 3.24.

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Rubby De La Rosa was completely off his game on Sunday against the Mets.

De La Rosa lasted just 3 2/3 innings, because he gave up four runs on eight hits and three home runs. He picked up his fifth loss of the season with the underwhelming performance.

De La Rosa (6-5) has a 5.06 ERA this season.

When Braves closer Jason Grilli suffered a season-ending Achilles rupture on Saturday, teammate Jim Johnson inherited his closer role. Now, since Johnson has been subject to trade rumors the closer role could eventually be passed down again to Arodys Vizcaino, per MLB.com.

Johnson (2-3) has a 2.09 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 14 walks in 43 innings this season, while Vizcaino has thrown just three innings since being recalled from Triple-A earlier this week.

Old pro Craig Kimbrel showed young buck Shawn Tolleson how the closer business is done Saturday night. After the latter blew his first save for the Rangers, the former did what he's been doing for years for the Padres.

That is, shut down the opponent in the ninth.

Kimbrel struck out Robinson Chirinos, Leonys Martin and Shin-Soo Choo to secure his 22nd save. He has managed six consecutive scoreless appearances. He has his ERA down to 3.09, its lowest point since April 26.