MLB Player News

Pirates closer Mark Melancon was called on for a one-out save during a 5-2 win Sunday against the Mets.

Melancon entered the game after Jared Hughes allowed New York to plate two runs in the ninth inning. Melancon inherited one runner, who reached third after Daniel Murphy's two-out single off Melancon. Murphy moved up to second base on a fielder's indifference before Curtis Granderson flied out to right field to end the game.

Melancon recorded his 15th save and second in the series. It was his fifth June save.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel surrendered two hits Sunday but pitched a scoreless ninth inning to finish off his team's 3-2 win over the Phillies.

It was an odd outing for Kimbrel, who didn't record a strikeout in the appearance for just the second time in June while giving up multiple hits for the second time this month as well. However, he was able to get the job done and put his team a half-game up in the NL East. Kimbrel owns a 2.23 ERA and 55:15 K:BB ratio in 32 1/3 innings.

The Phillies announced Sunday they optioned pitcher Luis Garcia to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The team also recalled infielder Andres Blanco from Triple-A, and to clear a spot on the 40-man roster pitcher Sean O'Sullivan was designated for assignment.

Pitching for the fourth straight day, Reds closer Aroldis Chapman took a blown save after giving up one earned run on two hits and one walk in the ninth inning and striking out one in his team's 7-3, 11-inning win against the Giants Saturday.

It was the second time in his career Chapman has pitched on four straight days, and while he didn't have trouble with his velocity, he did show a little bit of a struggle with his control. He needed 31 pitches to get through the ninth inning and will assuredly be given Sunday (and maybe Monday) off to rest. Chapman owns a 2.66 ERA and 46:8 K:BB ratio in 23 2/3 innings.

Nationals pitcher Blake Treinen pitched well Saturday, as he took down the Cubs 7-2 for his first career win.

Treinen tossed five innings, but was pitching well enough to go deeper if not for a 55-minute rain delay. He was charged with two runs on four hits and a walk over his five innings, while striking out three batters and throwing 54 of 78 pitches for strikes.

Treinen had been 0-3 in his first eight appearances prior to Saturday's game, despite having a 2.29 ERA overall. He was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse after the start. 

The Phillies optioned reliever Luis Garcia to Triple-A Lehigh Valley Saturday, after serving as the 26th man on the roster for the team's doubleheader.

Garcia has allowed eight runs in 5 2/3 innings in the majors, on eight hits and eight walks. 

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller will make his start Sunday against the Dodgers, after leaving his last outing with a back injury, MLB.com reports.

Miller will take the mound as scheduled, however the team is expected to recall a pitcher up to possibly piggyback Miller, if he can't pitch too deep into the game. 

Nationals pitcher Blake Treinen has been called up for Saturday's start against the Cubs.

The move was expected as Treinen was named the team's starter a few days ago. Treinen has a 2.08 ERA over 30 1/3 innings in the majors. 

Phillies reliever Luis Garcia has been called up Saturday.

Garcia has been dominant in the minors, posting a 0.38 ERA over 23 2/3 innings. He's already been up with the major-league club, and pitched in three games. 

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel saved his 23rd game of the season Friday, in a 4-2 win over the Phillies.

Kimbrel allowed one walk, but retired the side without trouble anyways. He struck out two batters and closed out the game on 16 pitches.

Kimbrel has already matched his career high with four blown saves, though he still ranks fourth in the National League with 23 saves. He has a 2.30 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings of work.