MLB Player News

Pirates sizzling closer Mark Melancon was merely mortal Saturday against Colorado, but still nailed down his league-leading 43rd save.

Melancon arrived with a 4-1 lead and promptly allowed a single and two-run homer to Nick Hundley. He then surrendered a single and needed a double-play lineout to finally end the drama.

It marked the first time he has given up more than one run in an appearance since April 21.

Mediocre was not good enough for Rockies starter Chris Rusin on Saturday night. It rarely is against Pittsburgh these days.

Rusin surrendered three runs on five hits and three walks in six innings in lowering his record to 4-7. He struck out three.

A three-run homer by Aramis Ramirez in the first got Rusin off to a terrible start, but he settled in thereafter. He retired eight of the next nine batters and allowed just two hits the rest of the way.

Rusin rebounded nicely from his last start, when he gave up 11 runs in only two innings against the Mets.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen remained on a save and strikeout tear Saturday. He not only earned his 27th save by shutting down the Cubs in the ninth, but managed another strikeout, giving him at least one in each of his last nine appearances.

Jansen has fanned 22 over his last 14 innings.

There was a shortage of quality pitching in a shootout Saturday in Milwaukee. But Reds closer Aroldis Chapman gave more than a quality performance. He was lights-out.

Chapman's fastball was clocked as high as 102 mph in a dominant ninth inning that resulted in his 25th save. He fanned Elian Herrera and Jean Segura to end it.

The fine effort came at a good time for Chapman, who had been struggling a bit. He had given up nine hits and five walks over his previous eight innings.

Phillies reliever Ken Giles recorded his 11th save of the season on Saturday against the Padres.

Giles closed out the ninth inning of his team's victory with ease, not allowing a hit or walk in the process. He now has an impressive 1.53 ERA this season.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen recorded his 26th save of the season on Friday against the Cubs.

Jansen closed out the ninth inning of his team's win, not allowing a run or a hit while recording a strike out. He now has a 2.45 ERA this year.

Reds starter Raisel Iglesias showed how dominant he can be during his start against the Brewers on Friday.

Iglesias allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings of work. His most impressive feat was the 10 strikeouts he recorded.

With the loss, Iglesias dropped to 3-6 on the season with a 3.92 ERA.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon continued to dominate late in the game on Friday against the Rockies.

Melancon closed out the ninth inning of his team's win without allowing a hit, earning his league-leading 42nd save of the season. He has a remarcable 1.45 ERA this year.

The Rockies called up pitcher Jason Gurka on Friday and sent down pitcher Tommy Kahnle, reports MLB.com. Meanwhile, the team also designated pitcher Kenny Roberts for assignment.

Cardinals reliever Matt Belisle gave himself a positive report after a recent throwing session as he rehabs from right elbow inflammation.

"I had a great long-toss session and a great mound session," he told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "I did real well today throwing all my pitches on flat ground and I'll be back on the mound tomorrow, so we're rolling."

The veteran right-hander had performed well before going down in late June. If maintained, his 3.00 ERA would be his lowest since 2010.