MLB Player News

The Cubs outrighted six players off their 40-man roster, MLB.com reports Wednesday.

Outfielder Darnell McDonald, catcher J.C. Boscan and pitcher Trey McNutt all cleared waivers and were outrighted. Additionally, pitchers Rafael Dolis and Zach Putnam and outfielder Thomas Neal were activated from the 60-day disabled list, cleared waivers and were outrighted.

The Cardinals have not ruled out the possibility of giving pitcher Shelby Miller a start during the National League Championship Series -- if St. Louis wins Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Pirates, MLB.com reports Tuesday.

"I'm just pretty much taking it day by day," Miller said. "[I'm] keeping it simple, because you never know what days you're going to pitch. As a starter, you kind of have an idea of when you're going to pitch. And [as a reliever], I have no idea when I'm pitching, so my routine is about as simple as it can get, and I'll adjust it from there."

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out the side in the top of the ninth inning Monday night as Los Angeles defeated the Braves in the National League Division Series three games to one. 

Jansen earned his first save of the series as he needed 14 pitches to close out the Braves. He pitched in three games during the series and gave up just one hit with seven strikeouts over 2 1/3 innings. 

The 26-year-old saved 28 games in 32 chances this season for the Dodgers with a 1.88 ERA and 111 strikeouts over 76 2/3 innings. 

Pirates reliever Mark Melancon picked up his first postseason win Sunday despite a blown save in Game 3 of the NLDS against St. Louis.

Melancon served up a leadoff home run to Carlos Beltran in the top of the eighth to tie the game 3-3. It was his first home run allowed since April 14, the only one he allowed all regular season. He allowed one more hit but managed to escape further damage. The Pirates scored twice in the bottom of the frame to pick up the 5-3 victory.

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly took a no-decision in his first postseason start Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Kelly suffered bouts of wildness as he allowed three runs (two earned) over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out five but walked four and served up five hits. Barring emergency duty in Game 5, Kelly's NLDS is likely over.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel had a shaky outing as he picked up the save in Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Dodgers Friday night.

Kimbrel recorded the final four outs of the game for Atlanta, but not before issuing two walks in the ninth inning. He struck out two over 1 2/3 scoreless innings to preserve a 4-3 victory.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen was called upon to protect a 6-1 lead in the ninth inning of Thursday's Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Braves, and he struck out three batters while allowing one hit and one walk in a scoreless inning of work.

Twelve of Jansen's last 15 outs have come via strikeout, dating back to the regular season. He threw 25 pitches to end Thursday's win, but Saturday's travel day should keep him fresh enough to pitch whenever needed.

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly will draw the start for Sunday's Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Cardinals, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Kelly went 10-5 with a 2.69 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 79:44 K:BB ratio in 124 innings over 37 appearances (15 starts) in the regular season. He was even better in the second half, posting a 9-2 record with a 1.91 ERA in 13 appearances (12 starts).

Pirates batters hit .250/.337/.310 off Kelly as he went 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 16:10 K:BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings against his Game 3 opponent during the regular season.

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly moved to 10-5 Sunday, throwing 5 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing three hits, walking none and striking out five in his team's 4-0 win over the Cubs.

Kelly didn't start this game, as the team gave Jake Westbrook what will likely be his final start in a Cardinals uniform. However, Kelly certainly earned his victory in the finale. He goes into the postseason with a 2.69 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 79:44 K:BB ratio in 124 innings.

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson made his final appearance of the season Saturday, in a spot start against the Mets. 

Nelson tossed five solid innings in his first major league start, holding the Mets to one run. He allowed just one hit, while walking three, striking out four and throwing 39 of 73 pitches for strikes.

Nelson left the game with a no-decision, as the Brewers' offense struggled to get going. He finishes the season with 10 innings at the major-league level, after posting a 3.67 ERA in 83 1/3 innings for Triple-A Nashville. The 24-year-old allowed just one run in his four appearances, and could figure into the team's rotation plans in spring training.