MLB Player News

Rockies pitcher Drew Pomeranz threw a bullpen session Monday, according to MLB.com.

Pomeranz has been sidelined since July 22 with biceps tendinitis. Manager Walt Weiss said it's probably too late for Pomeranz to return as a starter, but he could be used in the bullpen if he progresses well.

Pomeranz has a 8.10 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. 

Pirates closer Mark Melancon recorded his 12th save Monday in Texas as Pittsburgh secured its first winning season since 1992. Melancon gave up a hit in the ninth, but recorded three outs for the save.

Melancon needed just eight pitches to get three outs, despite allowing the hit. His ERA is now at 0.85 on the year. Melancon has made five consecutive scoreless appearances for the Pirates.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel earned his 45th save of the season Monday night in Miami. Kimbrel went 1-2-3 with two strikeouts in the ninth inning to close out a 5-2 win.

Kimbrel needed just 15 pitches to go 1-2-3 in the ninth. His ERA is at 0.92 on the year for the Braves. Kimbrel has allowed just three hits over his last 11 appearances without giving up a run. He has seven saves over that stretch.

Mets hurler Carlos Torres took the hill at Citi Field Monday night to take on the Washington Nationals. It wasn't a pretty outing for the young starter.

Torres surrendered four home runs to the Nationals, including Denard Span's solo shot to lead off the game, and took the loss to fall to 3-4 on the year. He gave up six runs on five hits and two walks over just four innings in the defeat. Torres struck out four and threw 75 pitches before leaving. His ERA is at 3.53 on the year.

Torres had given up just four runs on 11 hits over his previous two outings spanning 13 2/3 innings. That said, he's given up six homers in his last two starts now and will need to keep the ball in the ballpark going forward. Torres is scheduled to make his next appearance during a doubleheader Saturday against Miami.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman earned his fourth win behind a scoreless ninth Sunday night against the Dodgers.

Chapman struck out two in the perfect inning. His ERA is down to 2.62 and his scoreless streak appearance is extended to eight.

Cardinals starter Joe Kelly (8-3) enjoyed an impressive performance as he earned his eighth win of the season Friday night against the Pirates. The right-hander yielded one run on eight hits and three walks while striking out four over six innings pitched in a 12-8 victory.

Kelly has allowed one earned run or fewer in four of his last five starts. He is scheduled to make his next start Thursday at home against Milwaukee. He's allowed four runs over three innings pitched against the Brewers this season.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman turned in another impressive outing as he struck out the side for his 35th save of the season Friday night against the Dodgers. The right-hander needed only 13 pitches to secure a 3-2 victory.

Chapman is 35 of 39 in save opportunities with 2.67 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.

The Rockies officially activated pitchers Roy Oswalt and Drew Pomeranz off the disabled list. Pomeranz will be available off the bullpen Friday night while Oswalt could make the start Sunday against the Padres.

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller came up just short of a quality start Wednesday, as he could not finish six innings in a 5-4, extra-innings win over the Reds.  

Miller struggled with his control a bit in the game, walking four and allowing one run to come around to score in the second inning on a wild pitch. He gave up one other run in the second, and then one more in the fifth, finishing with three charged to his line in 5 2/3 innings.

Miller gave up six hits and four walks, while striking out three batters and throwing 55 of 95 pitches for strikes. He exited the game in line for the loss, however the Cardinals' offense rallied to send the game to extra innings, where they would win in 16 innings.

Miller remains 12-9 with a 3.19 ERA, heading into his next start, scheduled for Tuesday against the Brewers. 

Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop could be in line for more save chances, according to MLB.com.

Manager Dale Sveum doesn't know who will close next year, and wants to see if Strop is capable of handling the job. Through 47 innings, Strop has a 4.60 ERA.