MLB Player News

A franchise known for unveiling stud pitchers might be in the process of developing another one in right-hander Yimi Garcia.

Garcia has emerged as a late-game option for the Dodgers with closer Kenley Jansen sidelined. He has responded to the responsibility with a dominant stretch in which he has faced 21 batters in six innings with one walk and 10 strikeouts. Garcia boasts a 2-0 record and 1.50 ERA.

He has been particularly strong recently with eight strikeouts in his last four innings pitched.

Rockies reliever Adam Ottavino took the mound Tuesday against the Giants in the ninth inning to close out a 4-1 win for his first save this season and second career save.

Ottavino will get plenty more chances to add to his save total, as manager Walt Weiss as named him the team's new closer after removing LaTroy Hawkins from the role Monday.

"I'm not against closer by committee or anything, but I think Otto deserves a shot at closing games," Weiss said Tuesday, per MLB.com. "We've got some guys that can do it, but Otto will do well in that role."

Although this is Ottavino's first run as an MLB closer, he is ready for the pressure that comes with closing out games.

“Of course I feel ready,” Ottavino said, per The Denver Post. “Before last year, I hadn't really pitched that much with the game on the line, but I'm more used to it now. I also think I've made some adjustments vs. lefties, and I did pretty good against them in the spring. I feel more confident right now than I ever have on the mound.”

David Huff made his first career start for the Dodgers on Tuesday, giving up four runs on seven hits in four innings for a no decision to the Mariners.

Huff was called up from Triple-A on Tuesday. 

Yimi Garcia (2-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for the Dodgers and took the win. 

Huff's next start for the Dodgers has not been announced as of Tuesday night.

Rockies reliever Adam Ottavino struck out the side in the ninth inning against the Giants on Tuesday to grab his first save of the season.

The Cubs threatened in the ninth inning on Tuesday but Reds closer Aroldis Chapman was able to hold the lead and earn his third save of the year.

With a one-run edge in the ninth, Chapman allowed a single and a walk before striking out the next two hitter to shut the door.

Mets pitchers Bobby Parnell and Vic Black began their rehab assignments Tuesday for Class-A Port St. Lucie to work back from the disabled list, reports ESPN.com.

Parnell worked one scoreless inning, allowing two hits against Brevard County. He touched 93 and 95 mph on his fastball in the inning. Black gave up a solo home run and walked two batters in his inning of work. Both pitchers need to throw on consecutive days before the team will activate them from the disabled list.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle noticed Monday relief pitcher Mark Melancon's velocity was down a bit in his appearance, reports MLB.com. Melancon surrendered three runs on four hits in the ninth inning before finishing off the 5-4 win over the Tigers, but his pitch velocity dropped from an average of 91.8 mph last season to 88.7 mph this season.

"We're going to watch, and we're going to communicate. Concern's not a word that I'm going to use. Disappointed is not a word that I'm going to use," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "I don't think we need to delve deep into emotions. I think you just need to evaluate and have conversations. I think that's one of the best ways to get things done within the clubhouse is when you have a question, you just ask it."

Diamondbacks pitcher Rubby De La Rosa allowed three runs over six innings of work during Monday’s win over the Padres.

De La Rosa picked up the win for his effort. He also struck out five batters and walked one.  He is now 2-0 on the season.

His next start will likely be Saturday at San Francisco.

Braves pitcher Shelby Miller gave up one earned run in five innings of work during Monday night's 3-2 win over the Marlins. 

Miller surrendered three hits during his time in the game. He walked two batters and struck out one. Miller gave up his run in the third inning. He finished the game with a pitch count of 88. 

Miller is off to a good start this season with one earned run in two starts. Through two games, Miller holds an ERA of 0.90. 

His next projected start is Sunday against the Blue Jays. 

The Dodgers have had second thoughts entirely about pitcher Ryan Webb . 

Just a week after acquiring him from the Orioles, the Dodgers have released Webb, according to MLB.com. On Sunday, Webb was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, only to be cut a day later. 

Even though he's no longer with the team, the Dodgers will still have to pay Webb $2.75 million in salary. In six MLB seasons, Webb holds a career 3.83 ERA. He's yet to appear in a game in 2015.