MLB Player News

Padres closer Craig Kimbrel earned his 13th save of the season in his team's 9-7 win over the Reds on Saturday.

Kimbrel struckout two batters, but he did allow a hit and a walk in the solo inning he pitched.

Kimbrel's ERA is down to 4.29 this season.

Joe Maddon has quelled any closer controversy brewing with the Cubs.

Maddon called on Pedro Strop in the ninth inning Saturday to shut down the Nationals after usual closer Hector Rondon walked Anthony Rendon upon entering. But he announced after the game that it was a one-time deal.

"For me, it was about winning the game today," he told the Chicago Tribune. "I am not ordaining anyone new."

Rondon has converted 10 of 13 save opportunities this season. But he has allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in his last 7 1/3 innings. The free passes were issued in his last two appearances.

Strop, who fanned Clint Robinson and Ian Desmond to snag his second save, had been shaky as well before recording four consective scoreless outings.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon made things interesting on Friday, but got the job done to perserve the 10-8 victory over the Braves.

Melancon entered the game with the Pirates up 10-7 in the ninth. After getting the first batter out, he allowed a hit to A.J. Pierzynski. Todd Cunningham reached on an error, which allowed Pedro Ciriaco to drive in Pierzynski with a single. But Melancon then enduced a game-ending double-play to nail down his 17th save of the season.

Overall, Melancon allowed two hits and an unearned run in his inning of work.

Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez is back with the team, though he has not yet been activated from the disabled list. Hernandez hasn't pitched in the Major Leagues since 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

But Hernandez could be activated during the team's current series with the Mets, or the following series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

"We've had him do everything so he can pitch important innings for us," manager Chip Hale said, per MLB.com. "I'm sure when he gets out there on the mound the adrenaline will take over and you'll see a little more excitement out of him hopefully."

The mystery as to why Reds rookie right-hander Raisel Iglesias lost his Friday start has been solved. He has been placed on the disabled list with an oblique strain, MLB.com has reported.

There had been no previous indication that Iglesias was hurt.

Iglesias has been struggling. He has allowed 10 runs in his last 11 2/3 innings to send his ERA up to 5.11.

The Brewers have announced that the suspension of left-handed reliever Will Smith has been reduced from eight games to six upon appeal.

The penalty was for his use of a foreign substance on the mound.

His suspension begins Friday night.

The Rockies have installed left-hander Chris Rusin as their Saturday starter against Miami and pushed Kyle Kendrick back to Sunday, the Denver Post has reported.

Rusin has earned the opportunity based on two strong outings, including one start on May 26. He has allowed just one run on eight hits in 11 2/3 innings.

The team has also named David Hale as its Monday starter against St. Louis, which shoves Jorge De La Rosa back to Tuesday.

The Reds announced that right-hander Jon Moscot will start Friday night against the Padres instead of right-hander Raisel Iglesias, per the team's official website. The club did not reveal a reason for Iglesias' absence on the mound on Friday. Iglesias is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA over 24 2/3 innings this season.

Moscot will be making his major-league debut after going 7-1 with a 3.15 ERA in nine starts (54 1/3 innings) with Triple-A Louisville.

The Phillies optioned pitcher Jake Diekman to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Thursday's loss to the Reds.

Diekman pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings in the loss, striking out two batters and walking one while surrendering no hits. He owns a 6.75 ERA and 29:17 K:BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings across 25 appearances. The Phillies will announce a corresponsing roster move on Friday.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the ninth inning on Thursday, notching his 10th save in his team's 6-4 win over the Phillies.

Chapman suffered his first blown save of the season on Wednesday but bounced back with a strong effort one day later. It was the first time he struck out the side in a perfect inning of work since April 21. Chapman owns a 2.22 ERA and 41:15 K:BB ratio in 24 1/3 innings.