MLB Player News

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.

Rockies starting pitcher Chris Rusin tossed six innings and picked up his third win of the year in Sunday's outing against the Brewers.

Rusin allowed seven hits and three earned runs but received plenty of run support in the 10-4 win. He threw just 84 pitches and struck out two batters before being pulled from the game.

Rusin (3-2) has a 5.03 ERA with 22 strikeouts and 11 walks in 34 innings of work this season.

Diamondbacks relief pitcher Andrew Chafin was immaculate after replacing starter Jeremy Hellickson during Sunday's game against the Padres.

Chafin allowed just two hits over the final three innings of the game and earned his first save of the season.

Chafin (4-0) has a 2.95 ERA with 25 strikeouts and nine walks in 36 2/3 innings this season.

Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his 15th save of the season during Sunday's 5-2 win over the Marlins.

Chapman did walk a batter and allowed one hit before recording the final three outs. He is now 15 for 16 on save chances this season.

Diamondbacks right-hander Rubby De La Rosa was excellent on Friday against the Padres. The youngster allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits over seven sharp innings. He walked three and struck out six, improving his record to 6-3.

De La Rosa worked his way out of a couple of jams, as he only had three perfect innings on Friday. He was able to limit the damage, however, as his ERA dropped to 4.96.

He'll make his next start on Thursday in Colorado. 

Reds pitcher Raisel Iglesias (oblique) has resumed throwing, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Manager Bryan Price said the team hopes Iglesias will be activated off the disabled list before the All-Star break.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon will not be available to pitch Friday against the Nationals after pitching three straight days, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Melancon recorded saves Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday against the White Sox. He's allowed just one unearned run on 11 hits and two walks in his last 18 games. He has 15 saves and 10 strikeouts in that span.

The Phillies optioned pitcher Hector Neris to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to clear a roster spot for Phillippe Aumont, who was promoted from Triple-A to start Friday. Neris tossed 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief.

It was not a night to remember for Brewers starter Jimmy Nelson. Despite allowing just three runs, he gave up a career-high 11 hits in a loss to the Royals on Thursday. 

It's the second straight start Nelson has allowed double-digit hits, after getting racked for 10 hits by the Nationals last Saturday. In his five innings of work Thursday, Nelson lasted just five innings and did not record a strikeout. 

Nelson has now lost four of his last five decisions to fall to 3-8 on the campaign and his ERA rose to 4.64. 

Pirates closer Mark Melancon recorded his 23rd save of the season in his team's win over the White Sox on Thursday.

Melancon needed just 13 pitches to close out the ninth inning and pick up the save. He struck out two batters and didn't allow a hit.

Melancon improved his ERA to 1.87 on the season.