MLB Player News

Padres right-hander Brandon Maurer was solid in relief on Tuesday, tossing two shutout innings and allowing just one walk as he picked up his fifth win of the season.

Maurer (5-0) worked the ninth and tenth innings of the Padres' extra-innings victory over the Giants. He struck out two, and he has not allowed a run in 11 appearances this month. Overall, he owns a 2.40 ERA with a 28:9 K:BB ratio.

Phillies reliever Ken Giles earned a win with a scoreless inning, Tuesday against the Yankees. 

Giles gave up one hit and struck out three in the eighth inning. He earned his first win since June 7, improving to 3-1.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon earned the save in Tuesday's win over Cincinnati. 

Melancon pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out the side, to protect a one-run lead. 

Melancon earned his 24th save of the year and converted his 21st save opportunity in a row. 

Reds starter Raisel Iglesias and reliever Tony Cingrani, both on the disabled list, have begun their throwing programs, according to MLB.com. 

Iglesias is recovering from a strained left oblique and Cingrani is coming back from a left shoulder injury. Manager Bryan Price believes they'll be back before the All-Star break, barring any setbacks. 

Both pitchers will go on rehab assignments before returning to the team. 

Braves right-handed reliever Arodys Vizcaino has started his minor-league rehab assignment. Vizcaino, who was suspended 80 games PED use, appeared in two games over the weekend for Double-A Mississippi. 

Vizcaino has been out all season with the suspension. He is expected to be ready to join the Braves when his suspension is up. The Braves' 80th game is scheduled for the beginning of July.

Although Mets pitcher Rafael Montero has been able to do some long tossing, Montero is not able to pitch off a mound, reports the New York Daily News.

Montero has not pitched since April 28 because of a shoulder injury.

Reds starting pitcher Josh Smith, who is making his MLB debut Tuesday against the Pirates, is expected to remain in the rotation until Raisel Iglesias (oblique) is ready to come off the disabled list, manager Bryan Price said.

The Reds have been contacted by multiple teams regarding starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, starting pitcher Mike Leake and closer Aroldis Chapman, according to Fox Sports. However, the Reds have been reluctant to engage in serious trade talks.

The Royals are one team that have contacted the Reds about Cueto and Leake, according to Fox Sports.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to return from the paternity list on Thursday against the Pirates, manager Bryan Price told reporters Tuesday. Chapman went on a paternity leave Monday.

The Reds have placed closer Aroldis Chapman on paternity leave, per MLB.com. It remains to be seen how long he is sidelined.

Chapman has been fine after a brief slump in late May and early June. He has allowed just one run over his last eight opportunities with six saves during that stretch. He struck out the side in each of his last three appearances.