MLB Player News

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman (head) is scheduled to throw live batting practice for the second time this week on Saturday, MLB.com reports. Chapman's session on Saturday will be more like a simulated game, according to manager Bryan Price.

"We'll probably be able to do something in the neighborhood of 35-40 [pitches] divided into two one-inning situational increments," Bryan Price said. "That in of itself gets him closer to being with us. He still has to get out there and do a rehab and face real hitters in game situations, but because he threw so well and has been so good with his throwing, he's in great throwing shape."

Chapman will likely start a minor-league rehab assignment shortly after Saturday's session.

The Rockies announced a pair of roster moves prior to Friday's game against the Dodgers. The team optioned reliever Chad Bettis to the minors and recalled Chris Martin from Triple-A Colorado Springs, the Denver Post reports.

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly threw long toss on Friday without any complications, the FOX Sports Midwest reports on Friday. Kelly has been on the disabled list since April 16 because of a left hamstring strain. He is eligible to return from the disabled list May 1.

With Jason Grilli on the disabled list because of an oblique strain, Pirates reliever Mark Melancon could likely assume the closer role, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on Friday. Left-hander Tony Watson is also another candidate for the gig in the ninth inning.

Melancon has allowed just two runs over his first 11 innings pitched. He owns a 0.73 WHIP along with an 8:1 K:BB ratio over that span. Watson owns a 2.61 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP over 10 1/3 innings of work.

Cubs reliever Pedro Strop was not available for Thursday's game, according to ESPN.

Strop threw 31 innings during Wednesday's contest, and will not be used Thursday. Manager Rick Renteria reiterated Thursday that the team is still utilizing a closer by committee approach in the late innings. 

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen continued to turn his season around Wednesday, recording his fourth save in a row in a 5-2 win over the Phillies.

Jansen retired the Phillies in order for the save, striking out one batter and ending the inning on 14 pitches. He has tossed four scoreless outings in a row, lowering his ERA to 3.46 for the season, with 24 strikeouts in 13 innings of work. He is 8 for 10 on save chances. 

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman (head) said he felt good after throwing live batting practice Wednesday, per The Cincinnati Enquirer.

"Normal, nothing out of the ordinary," he said.

Chapman will throw another batting practice session this weekend in Atlanta and then begin a rehab assignment.

"He threw all his pitches," manager Bryan Price said. "He was very sharp, good velocity. Good slider, good changeup. Looked like midseason form."

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel retired the side in order in the ninth inning Wednesday to net his sixth save during a 3-1 win against the Marlins.

Kimbrel opened the inning by getting Derek Dietrich to fly out to right field. He finished off the inning with strikeouts of Adeiny Hechavarria and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Kimbrel is 6 of 7 in save opportunities. He has five strikeouts in his last two appearances.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was unable to secure a save in his team's 4-2, 10-inning win over the Marlins Monday, giving up one earned run on one hit and one walk but striking out three batters in the ninth inning.

Kimbrel walked the first batter he faced, watched the second reach on a catcher's interference ruling then gave up a game-tying double to the third. He buckled down after that, striking out the next three batters. Kimbrel's blown save was his first of the season, but it comes on the heels of him giving up two earned runs in his first appearance after missing a week due to injury. He owns a 4.91 ERA and 16:3 K:BB ratio in 7 1/3 innings.

Reds pitcher J.J. Hoover took the loss Monday after giving up one earned run on two hits and three walks in one inning of work as the Reds fell to the Pirates, 6-5.

Hoover (1-2) came into the game with two outs in the eighth and one man on, and he was able to escape the inning without giving up a run despite surrendering a walk and a hit. He wasn't as lucky in the ninth inning, as the Pirates managed a walkoff single with two outs after Hoover walked two batters in the inning. He owns a 13.50 ERA and 6:8 K:BB ratio in 5 1/3 innings.