MLB Player News

Cardinals veteran reliever Matt Belisle, who has been sidelined for nearly two months with right elbow inflammation, is hoping to return in September, per MLB.com.

Belisle, who will accompanying the team this weekend to the West Coast so it can monitor his progress, has been throwing on flat ground.

Padres closer Craig Kimbrel hasn't given up a run in successive outings since early May. That stretch continued Wednesday against visiting Atlanta.

Kimbrel, who allowed a run in earning a save Monday, retired the Braves in order to preserve a 3-2 victory. He fanned Ryan Lavarnway in the process of nailing down his 35th save. He has 16 saves since July 2.

Pirates reliever Mark Melancon gave up two unearned runs in the ninth inning to send Tuesday's game against Arizona into extra innings.

Melancon suffered his second blown save of the year and first since April 21. He had converted 35 straight save opportunities since then.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman allowed a game-tying solo home run in the ninth inning to send Tuesday's game against Kansas City into extra innings. 

Chapman suffered his second blown save of the year and first since June 3. He had converted 15 straight save opportunities since. 

Reds starter Raisel Iglesias pitched seven shutout innings and left with the lead. The Reds' bullpen couldn't close the game, however, and Iglesias took a no-decision against Kansas City on Tuesday. 

Iglesias had his longest outing since going eight innings on May 13. It was his first outing of the year without allowing a run. 

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said Tuesday that John Axford has pitched well lately and will return to his closer's role, reports MLB.com.

Axford was removed from the closer's role in late July after failing to convert five saves. He has not allowed a run in four of his last five appearances.

Despite allowing two hits and one walk in the ninth inning, Padres pitcher Craig Kimbrel was able to shut the door on the Braves on Monday.

Kimbrel entered in the ninth inning with a three-run lead and gave up one run before recording the final three outs in the 5-3 win. It was his 34th save of the season.

A setback in his rehab from a shoulder injury could have Mets reliever Rafael Montero out for the year, the New York Post has reported.

The latest development ocurred in his last rehab start.

If Montero is indeed done, he will have pitched in just five games this season. He compiled a 4.50 ERA before going down.

Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen recorded his 24th save of the season on Sunday against the Reds.

Jansen closed out the ninth inning of the 2-1 victory with ease, striking out two batters in the process. He now has an impressive 2.48 ERA in 32 1/3 innings of relief this season.

Rockies starter Chris Rusin had his first career complete game, throwing a shutout against San Diego on Sunday. 

Rusin won for the first time since June 21, snapping a three-decision and nine-start winless streak. 

Rusin improved to 4-5 on the season.