MLB Player News

At one time or another this season, Kevin Gausman, Rubby De La Rosa and Drew Smyly have all been hyped to the hills -- if not by some other Fantasy analyst, then by yours truly. Their potential is just so enticing, especially when you consider they belong to a select group of starting pitchers who qualify at relief pitcher (or SPARPs, as they're more commonly known). It's a much bigger deal in Head-to-Head leagues than Rotisserie.

But following his third straight quality start Tuesday, I'm ready to say another SPARP, Jimmy Nelson, has left them all in the dust. With the exception of one ugly start against the Cardinals in his long awaited return from the minors July 12, when he allowed six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings, everything he accomplished at Triple-A Nashville prior to his promotion -- the improved control, the exceptionally high ground ball rate, the ability to pick up a strikeout when he needs it -- has translated. And with much better consistency than you'd expect for a rookie.

Naturally, it's a small sample, but a pitcher who put together a 1.46 ERA in the heavy-hitting Pacific Coast League deserves the benefit of the doubt. I'm not ready to move Nelson past Jacob deGrom yet, who has been as effective for longer, but ranking him 62nd at starting pitcher and 22nd at relief pitcher (in Head-to-Head leagues, that is) is my way of saying he should be owned in all leagues.

The Nationals optioned pitcher Blake Treinen to Triple-A Syracuse Wednesday to clear a roster spot for reliever Matt Thornton, who was claimed off waivers Tuesday.

Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson (elbow) began a rehab assignment in the Arizona League (rookie) Tuesday. He threw 17 pitches in one inning, allowing one run on two hits, while striking out two.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen picked up a win Tuesday after striking out the side in the ninth inning of his team's 5-4 victory over the Angels.

Jansen (2-3) came on to pitch the top of the ninth in a tie game and threw 10 of his 11 pitches for strikes, retiring all three of the batters he faced on swinging strikeouts. He owns a 3.13 ERA and 71:13 K:BB ratio in 46 innings.

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson picked up a win Tuesday, surrendering three earned runs on six hits and one walk in seven innings and striking out three in his team's 4-3 victory over the Giants.

Nelson (2-2) served up a three-run home run in the sixth inning but otherwise pitched very well in the win, his first since rejoining the rotation despite putting together three straight quality starts. Nelson owns a 4.20 ERA and 27:9 K:BB ratio in 30 innings. He's scheduled to face the Dodgers Sunday.

Marlins pitcher Brad Hand didn't factor into the decision Tuesday, giving up two earned runs on six hits and one walk in 6 1/3 innings and striking out four in his team's 6-3 win over the Pirates.

Hand delivered his fourth straight quality start and was on the hook for the loss before the offense bailed him out late in the game. He scattered hits throughout the start but gave up runs in the third and seventh innings. Hand owns a 4.03 ERA and 42:27 K:BB ratio in 67 innings, which is a nice turnaround after owning a 6.38 ERA upon his return in July. He's slated to take on the Reds Sunday.

Pirates pitcher Mark Melancon took a loss Sunday, giving up one earned run on one hit and one walk in two-thirds of an inning in his team's 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Diamondbacks.

Melancon (1-3) surrendered a one-out double in the 10th inning, and the runner advanced to third base on a wild pitch. After walking a batter to set up a double play, the team wasn't able to convert on a ground ball to the shortstop, getting just one out and watching the winning run score. Melancon owns a 2.28 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 44:7 K:BB ratio in 47 1/3 innings.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was pegged with the loss Saturday night against the Padres in San Diego. Kimbrel permitted a walkoff single to Wil Venable in the 12th inning to end the game. He was charged with one run on two hits and three walks while striking out one in 1 1/3 innings. He owns a 2.05 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over 44 innings of relief.

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson will rejoin the rotation on Tuesday at home against the Giants, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Nelson was scratched for Saturday's start because of a blister on his throwing hand. He owns a 4.30 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over four starts (23 innings).

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning for the save Friday night in Miami. Chapman has converted 25 of 27 save attempts, with a 2.04 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP over 35 1/3 innings of relief.