MLB Player News

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen blew his first save of the season Tuesday against the Tigers, in a game the team would go on to win 3-2 in extra innings.

Jansen came into the game without much of a cushion, clinging to a 2-1 lead. Unfortunately, he allowed a leadoff double to Ian Kinsler, with that runner eventually coming around to score with two outs to send the game to extras.

Jansen has now allowed two runs in five innings through six appearances, with seven hits and three walks allowed. He also has struck out nine batters and saved two games.  

Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop was charged with the loss Tuesday after giving up one earned run on two walks and striking out one for his only out in his team's 7-6 loss to the Pirates.

Strop (0-1) looked like a potential ninth-inning candidate after Jose Veras dealt with control issues over the first week, but it was Strop who couldn't find the strike zone Tuesday, throwing only six of his 14 pitches for strikes. He owns a 2.45 ERA and 4:2 K:BB ratio in 3 2/3 innings.

Marlins pitcher Jacob Turner will have his turn in the rotation skipped at least once, after he suffered a shoulder strain during batting practice Tuesday. Turner has been scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday against the Nationals, with Brad Hand set to replace him, according to the Miami Herald.

The extent of the injury is not yet known, nor is it known exactly how he suffered it. Turner's next turn in the rotation is set for the following Monday against the Nationals, but it is known whether he will be expected to make it. 

Mets reliever Vic Black has landed on the disabled list at Triple-A Las Vegas with a pinched nerve in his neck, per ESPN. However, the injury is considered minor.

Black resumed throwing Sunday and should be activated from the DL later this week. However, the injury is not being linked to Black's control issues this spring.

Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman was able to play catch Saturday, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. 

The club wants to be cautious with Chapman as he attempts to come back after being hit with a come-backer during spring. Trainer Paul Lessard said Chapman has started doing cardio work as well. As of Sunday, Chapman hasn't experienced an concussion symptoms after working out Saturday.

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly picked up a win in his season debut Saturday, giving up one earned run on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings while striking out four in his team's 6-1 victory over the Pirates.

The run came as the result of back-to-back walks in the third inning that followed two singles, all with two outs, but Kelly was able to get the third out after giving up the run to limit the damage. He was pulled after hitting a batter in the sixth inning and left with two men on base, neither of which came around to score. Kelly is expected to make his next start Friday against the Cubs.

Reds closer J.J. Hoover had a big meltdown in his first save opportunity of the season Saturday.

Hoover had control issues, walking the first batter he faced. There was some controversy in the next at-bat. Anthony Recker attempted to bunt Juan Lagares over to second, but Lagares was ruled out on the play. After a review, it was determined Lagares was safe. Hoover gave up another walk to load the bases, which brought up a pinch-hitting Ike Davis.

The at-bat lasted just two pitches. Davis hit a walkoff grand slam on a 73 mph curveball. Hoover finished the game without recording an out. He gave up one hit, two walks and four earned runs. 

Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman has started doing light workouts, according to MLB.com.

Chapman has been out since March 19 after being hit in the face with a line drive. Manager Bryan Price said Chapman hasn't started doing any baseball activity yet, but it's encouraging to see him moving around. Chapman was expected to be out 4 to 6 weeks following his surgery.

Marlins reliever Brad Hand pitched well out of the bullpen in his second appearance of the season Friday, as he earned a three-inning save in an 8-2 win over the Padres.

Hand entered the game in relief of starter Tom Koehler, who beat him out for the final rotation spot in the spring. Hand pitched three hitless innings, walking three batters and striking out two while throwing 20 of 39 pitches for strikes.

Hand is probably next in line for a starting opportunity if the need arises for the Marlins. For now, he will continue pitching out of the bullpen, where he has tossed five scoreless innings to open the season. 

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller endured a rough outing on Friday, as he was pegged with the loss against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

Miller (0-1) had a hard time keeping the ball inside the park, serving up two homers to Pedro Alvarez and one home run to Travis Ishikawa. He was charged with five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two over 5 1/3 innings pitched in a 12-2 defeat.

Miller will look to bounce back in his home debut Wednesday against Cincinnati.