MLB Player News

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.

Rockies closer John Axford had been lights-out since returning to that role. But he was charged with his sixth blown save of the season after giving up a run on two hits and a walk in the bottom of the 11th inning Tuesday in an eventual victory over the Dodgers.

Axford was the ninth pitcher to enter the game for the Rockies on a night in which manager Walt Weiss burned through a MLB-record 13 pitchers. It was the first run Axford had allowed since Aug. 13.

Rockies starter Chris Rusin allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks over six innings in a no-decision Tuesday against the Dodgers. He struck out three.

Rusin has allowed at least three runs in each of his last five starts and has seen his ERA jump from 3.99 to 5.11 in that span.

The rest of the Rockies' remaining games are either at home or at Arizona, both tough parks for pitchers. Rusin's road ERA (5.46) is actually worse than his Coors Field ERA (4.74), but neither is desirable.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman stole a win Tuesday against San Francisco after blowing his third save of the season. He finished with two runs (one earned) allowed on three hits and a walk in 1 2/3 innings.

Chapman's six consecutive save streak is snapped and his record is now up to 4-4. Chapman has still been brilliant all year, as he boasts a 1.80 ERA. After two strikeouts and a walk Tuesday night, his K:BB sits at 107:30.

Mets left-handed reliever Dario Alvarez left Tuesday's game with a groin injury, Newsday's Marc Carig reports.

Alvarez joins a long list of lefty specialists who may be unavailable to the Mets over the rest of the season, as manager Terry Collins did not sound optimistic about Alvarez's injury after Tuesday's game. Alvarez gave up two runs on three hits while recording just one out before exiting Tuesday.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon struck out a pair in a perfect ninth inning to preserve the 5-4 win in Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Cubs. Melancon needed 14 pitches to retire the side in order and collect his league-leading 46th save.

Melancon has been a little off lately, allowing five runs in his last six appearances. But he still owns a highly respectable 2.00 ERA and is 46-for-48 in save chances this season.