MLB Player News

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman gave up two hits in the ninth Monday at home against Arizona. Chapman still earned his 31st save.

Chapman needed just nine pitches to retire three batters in the ninth in the victory. His ERA is 3.04. He did not strike out a batter.

Chapman rebounded from giving up two runs his last time out without retiring a batter in his fifth blown save. He's struck out 86 over 50 1/3 innings this season and is 31 for 36 in save chances.

The Padres recalled reliever Brad Boxberger from Triple-A Tucson Monday. Boxberger was 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA in six relief appearances for San Diego earlier this season.

Mets manager Terry Collins said after Monday's game against the Twins pitcher Carlos Torres is "right now" lined up to start Friday's game against the Tigers. Torres, who is being used in relief, is 1-1 with a 6.43 ERA in three starts.

As of Monday morning, the Mets still haven't chosen a starter for Friday's game against the Tigers. Manager Terry Collins said it likely won't be Matt Harvey, who will receive extra rest and pitch Saturday.

Collins did list Carlos Torres and the entire Triple-A rotation sans prospect Rafael Montero as candidates to start Friday. Besides Torres, the Mets are considering Jacob deGrom, Giancarlo Alvarado, Matt Fox and Chris Schwinden, according to The Star-Ledger.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel struck out the side in the ninth inning to secure his 39th save during Sunday's 2-1 win against the Nationals. Kimbrel worked around a one-out single to Denard Span to strike out Ryan Zimmerman, Anthony Rendon and Bryce Harper.

Kimbrel hasn't allowed a run in his last 19 outings (19 innings). He has 31 strikeouts and 16 saves in that span.

With Mets starting pitcher Jenrry Mejia (elbow) landing on the disabled list Sunday, the team has an opening in its rotation for Friday against the Tigers. Mets manager Terry Collins said he hasn't named a replacement in the rotation for Mejia, but Friday's options include starting Matt Harvey on regular rest or giving Carlos Torres a spot start.

Though, Collins said letting Harvey pitch on regular rest means potentially shutting him down earlier than expected.

"More we pitch him now, less we're going to see him in September," Collins said.

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly won his fourth decision in a row Saturday, in a 4-0 victory over the Cubs. Kelly held the Cubs scoreless in his six innings of work, while allowing just four hits and three walks.

Kelly struck out six batters, matching his season high, while racking up 105 pitches.  He is now 4-3 on the season, with a 3.01 ERA heading into his next start, Thursday against the Braves. 

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman suffered his fifth blown save as was charged with the loss Friday night against the Brewers. The right-hander failed to record an out as he served up a walkoff, two-run home run to Jonathan Lucroy. He allowed two runs on two hits in a 7-6 defeat.

Chapman has allowed five runs over his last 7 2/3 innings pitched. He is 30 of 35 in save chances with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman notched his 30th save of the season Thursday night against the Brewers. The right-hander worked his way around a walk as he struck out two and needed only 18 pitches to secure a 2-1 win.

Chapman has not allowed a run over his last five innings pitched. He is 30 of 34 in save chances with a 2.74 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. It is his second consecutive season with 30-plus saves.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was called upon to protect a three-run lead after David Carpenter allowed a solo home run and a walk in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game against the Phillies, and Kimbrel needed just seven pitches to record three outs, including one strikeout, and pick up his NL-leading 38th save.

Since Kimbrel last allowed an earned run on July 4, he has pitched 16 scoreless innings, surrendering just five hits and five walks while striking out 28 batters. He owns a 1.14 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 74:17 K:BB ratio in 47 1/3 innings.