MLB Player News

Phillies reliever Jacob Diekman (3-3) took the loss and was ejected for arguing balls and strikes by home plate umpire Andy Fletcher after his outing Saturday night against the Nationals in extras.

Diekman, who entered the game in the 10th inning, allowed a run-scoring single to Ryan Zimmerman and allowed a run to score on a wild pitch, which proved to be the difference. He permitted two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out two over one inning of work. He owns a 4.53 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP over 43 2/3 innings of relief.

Pirates relief pitcher Justin Wilson (3-1) picked up a relief win in extras Saturday night against the Reds in Cincinnati.

Wilson allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two over a scoreless inning of work. Andrew McCutchen went deep in the following frame to guarantee the win. Wilson owns a 4.89 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP over 35 innings of relief.

Reds reliever J.J. Hoover was hit with his seventh loss of the season Saturday night against the Pirates in extras.

Hoover surrendered a solo home run to Andrew McCutchen in the 11th inning, which proved to be the difference. Hoover permitted one run on one hit and no walks while striking out three over and inning of work. He owns a 4.95 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP over 40 innings of relief.

Pirates relief pitcher Jeanmar Gomez needed only 13 pitches to retire the side in order to secure a 6-5 win and his first save of the season Saturday night against the Reds in Cincinnati. Gomez owns a 3.45 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP over 44 1/3 innings of relief. 

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson took a loss Saturday after surrendering eight runs (six earned) on eight hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings and striking out five in his team's 10-2 defeat against the Cardinals.

Nelson (1-1) tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings to get a win in his season debut in late May, and after an excellent stretch in the minors, the team decided to replace Marco Estrada in the rotation. It didn't work out Saturday, as Nelson surrendered three runs in the first inning, two on a home run in the second, one in the third and two more in the fifth. The team may decide to send him back to the minors to start on regular rest before bringing him back after the break.

Mets pitcher Vic Black picked up a win Saturday, giving up one hit and one walk in a scoreless eighth inning in his team's 5-4 victory over the Marlins.

Black (2-2) only threw six of his 14 pitches for strikes, but he was able to turn in his fourth straight scoreless outing before his team took the lead in the top of the ninth. He owns a 1.69 ERA and 22:12 K:BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings.

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly was smashed in his first outing off the disabled list Friday.

Kelly lasted just three innings, giving up six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out three during the outing. Kelly immediately found himself in trouble. He hit Carlos Gomez to open the game, and then proceeded to put the next two hitters on base. Aramis Ramirez managed to drive in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly, and Khris Davis opened things up with a two-run double. After another walk, Kelly managed to get out of the inning. 

The second inning offered no relief. Kelly allowed the first two runners to reach base, and then gave up a triple to Scooter Gennett, clearing the bases. With two outs, Ryan Braun also tripled, driving in the third run of the inning. Kelly actually pitched a scoreless third inning, but was pulled after he reached his pitch count. He threw 78 pitches during the outing. 

The Cardinals managed to battle back, giving Kelly the no-decision. His next start will likely be scheduled shortly after the All-Star break.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman dominated in the late innings again Friday.

Chapman entered the game with a one run lead and nailed down the save. He pitched a perfect inning of work, striking out all three hitters he faced. Chapman wound up throwing 14 pitches, 11 of which were strikes. He recorded his 20th save of the year. 

The Cardinals officially activated pitcher Joe Kelly from the disabled list Friday, after his recovery from a hamstring injury was completed.

Kelly has not pitched in the majors since suffering the injury in mid-April, but is set to start Friday against the Brewers. He finished his minor-league rehab assignment having allowed three runs in 10 1/3 innings for Triple-A Memphis.

Mets reliever Carlos Torres returned to action Thursday against the Braves.

Torres pitched a scoreless ninth for the club. He did not give up any hits, though he did walk a batter. Torres did not record a strikeout during the outing. He had been sidelined for a few days while dealing with a hand injury.