MLB Player News

The Giants have optioned infielder Adam Duvall to the minors and promoted pitcher George Kontos . 

Duvall hit .180 over 61 at-bats with the major-league club. Kontos has a 3.00 ERA over 21 innings in the majors this season.

Marlins pitcher Brad Hand was stuck with a loss Sunday, giving up four earned runs on seven hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings and striking out three in his team's 7-4 defeat against the Rockies.

Hand (2-6) hasn't earned a win since pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings on July 25. He surrendered three runs on two first-inning home runs before walking the final batter he faced in the fifth with the bases loaded. Hand owns a 4.71 ERA and 51:35 K:BB ratio in 84 innings. He's scheduled to face the Braves Saturday.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman saved his 27th game Saturday against the Braves.

It was a typical outing from Chapman. He entered with a one-run lead, and shut the door with no issues. Chapman struck out all three batters he faced, notching a perfect inning. He threw 15 pitches, 10 of which were strikes. Chapman now has 83 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings. 

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen picked up his 37th save Saturday against the Mets.

Jansen entered with a three-run lead, and managed to shut the door. He gave up a leadoff double to start the inning, but managed to work out of trouble. A flyout moved the runner to third for the first out. With a run 90 feet away, Jansen struck out the next two hitters to end the game. 

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller picked up a quality start Saturday against the Phillies.

Miller allowed three runs on five hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked two during the outing. Miller got through the first three innings without any issues. He ran into some trouble in the fourth. With one out, Miller gave up two singles and a two-run double to three consecutive batters. Miller gave up another run on a solo home run to open the sixth inning. 

The Phillies managed to mount a comeback, giving Miller a no-decision. He’ll take on the Cubs in his next start. 

The Mets have disaptched rookie right hander Rafael Montero to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room on the roster for Jacob deGrom.

Montero struggled to find consistency in the rotation. He managed three quality starts, but was pounded for 13 runs in 13 innings in his other three starts combined.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel picked up a save Friday against the Reds.

Kimbrel entered with a two-run lead in the 12th inning. He struck out Jay Bruce to open the frame, and quickly got his second out on a lineout. With two outs, Kimbrel put one man on with a walk. He managed to shut the door against the fourth batter of the inning, striking out Skip Schumaker to end the game. It was Kimbrel's 38th save.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out two and worked past a walk in a scoreless ninth inning for the save Thursday night at home against the Padres. Jansen has converted 36 of 40 save chances, with a 2.92 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP over 52 1/3 innings of relief.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman made an appearance during a blowout Thursday.

With his team trailing 8-0, Chapman entered the game in the eighth inning. He was his usual self, striking out two hitters and getting Chris Johnson to flyout. Chapman had not pitching in a few days due to shoulder soreness. He was replaced by Skip Schumaker in the ninth inning. 

The Reds have optioned J.J. Hoover and Carlos Contreras to Triple-A prior to Thursday's game, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. 

Pedro Villarreal and David Holmberg have been called up to take their roster spots. Holmberg will get the start for Cincinnati Thursday.