MLB Player News

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller fell to 12-9 Friday, giving up five earned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out three in 4 1/3 innings in his team's 5-0 loss to the Pirates.

Miller gave up six earned runs in three starts combined after his two-pitch start earlier in August. The five runs matches a season high for Miller, who gave up five runs in 1 2/3 innings in a start in late June. He brings a 3.13 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 154:44 K:BB ratio into Wednesday's start against the Reds.

The Cardinals have acquired reliever John Axford from the Brewers Friday.

The Brewers will receive a player to be named later for Axford. Through 54 2/3 innings, Axford has a 4.45 ERA. 

Mets pitching prospect Vic Black, who was acquired from the Pirates this week in a four-player trade, is expected to join the major-league team when rosters expand Sunday, ESPN reports.

Black went 5-3 with a 2.51 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 63:21 K:BB ratio in 46 2/3 innings for Triple-A Indianapolis this season.

Mets pitcher Carlos Torres tossed 6 2/3 strong innings against the Phillies Thursday.

Torres allowed one run on four hits. He struck out six and did not allow a walk. Torres' ERA dropped to 2.77 with the win. 

Braves starting pitcher Craig Kimbrel picked up his third victory of the season Wednesday, in a  3-2 win over the Indians. 

Kimbrel worked a scoreless top of the ninth, striking out one batter while throwing just eight pitches. The Braves went on to score in the bottom half of the inning, earning Kimbrel the win. 

Kimbrel is now 3-2 with 42 saves and an 0.99 ERA on the season. 

Pirates pitcher Vic Black is the "player to be named later" in the four-player trade between the Pirates and Mets, FOX Sports reports. Black has made three appearances for the Pirates, allowing two earned runs in four innings.

Black, who was the 49th overall pick in the 2009 amateur draft, owns a 5-3 record, 2.51 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 63:21 K:BB ratio in 46 2/3 innings with Indianapolis. He is the Pirates' 16th best prospect, according to MLB.com.

The Padres optioned pitcher Brad Boxberger to Triple-A Tuscon Wednesday to clear a roster spot for Wednesday starter Robbie Erlin. Boxberger has spent four stints with the Padres this season, allowing five earned runs in 14 2/3 innings while striking out 16 and walking seven.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel made quick work of the Indians Tuesday, as he closed out a 2-0 win.

Kimbrel set the Indians down on 11 pitches, with one strikeout and two groundball outs. He has now matched his save total from last season with 42, and has now matched his ERA from 2012 at 1.01. 

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly (6-3) tossed a quality start as he earned his sixth win of the season Tuesday night against the Reds. The right-hander permitted one run on eight hits and three walks while striking out one over six innings of a 6-1 victory.

Kelly has allowed three earned runs over his last three starts (18 innings). He'll get another crack at the Reds Monday night at Cincinnati. He is 3-0 with a 2.09 ERA in 16 appearances (four starts).

The Padres have recalled reliever Anthony Bass from Triple-A Tucson and optioned reliever Brad Brach to the same club Monday, MLB.com reports. 

Brach appeared in just one game in his latest stint with the team. He gave up two hits and two walks over two scoreless innings. 

Bass hasn't been up with San Diego since June. He has a 4.28 ERA over 33 2/3 innings this year.