MLB Player News

Cubs reliever Pedro Strop worked a scoreless inning Saturday against San Francisco, his 11th scoreless outing in as many appearances as a Cub.

Strop has been working the eighth inning in the majority of his appearances, adding credence to the idea that he is the closer-in-waiting if the club decides to trade current closer Kevin Gregg. In 9 2/3 innings with Chicago, Strop has allowed just four hits and has 12 strikeouts against three walks. Despite the excellence, his full-season numbers are still brutal: a 5.06 ERA with 18 walks in 32 innings.

Making his first start with his new team, Rockies pitcher Collin McHugh fell to 0-2 after giving up six earned runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out two in five innings in his team's 7-5 loss to the Brewers.

The poor start gives McHugh a 10.50 ERA, 2.08 WHIP and 5:4 K:BB ratio in 12 innings. He'll face the Braves Thursday if he sticks in the rotation.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen picked up his 14th save in his team's 4-1 win over the Reds, pitching a scoreless ninth inning without allowing any hits or walks and without striking out a batter.

Jansen is a perfect 7 for 7 in save opportunities in July, and he hasn't allowed multiple runs in an appearance since taking over the closer job. He owns a 2.24 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 72:9 K:BB ratio in 52 1/3 innings.

Pirates interim closer Mark Melancon earned his fourth save in his team's 7-4 win over the Marlins Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning despite allowing one hit and one walk thanks to a double-play grounder after putting the lead-off man on.

Melancon has surrendered just five earned runs in 49 1/3 innings while striking out 48 batters and walking seven. He'll continue to close while Jason Grilli is on the disabled list.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel set down the Cardinals with ease Saturday, locking up a 2-0 win and his 30th save of the season.

Kimbrel needed just seven pitches to end the outing, as he put the Cardinals down in order. He struck out one batter and threw just one ball. Kimbrel has now saved 20 straight chances since blowing three in two weeks at the beginning of May. He has a 1.37 ERA. 

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly pitched more than well enough to win Saturday against the Braves, but had to settle for a no-decision in a 2-0 loss.

Kelly, making his first start since July 12, scattered seven hits and three walks over six-plus innings of work. He exited with the game stuck in a scoreless tie, after intentionally walking Jason Heyward to load the bases. Fortunately, reliever Seth Maness was able to preserve Kelly's line with a quick double-play. 

Kelly threw a season-high 86 pitches in the outing, after topping out at 79 in his previous four outings. He threw 57 of those pitches for strikes, while setting down three batters via strikeout. 

Kelly is slated to make his next start Thursday against the Pirates. He is 1-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 55 innings this season. 

Rockies starting pitcher Collin McHugh was recalled from Triple-A Colorado prior to his team debut Saturday against the Brewers. Mitchell Boggs was optioned to Triple-A to make room on the roster. 

McHugh posted a 10.29 ERA in three appearances with the Mets before the Rockies acquired him. 

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen collected his 13th save of the season during Friday's series opener against the Reds.

The right-hander struck out two as he pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure a 2-1 victory. He has a 2.28 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP through 51 1/3 innings of relief.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel notched his 29th save of the season during Friday's series opener against the Cardinals at Turner Field.

Kimbrel worked his way around a walk as he struck out two and pitched a scoreless ninth inning to preserve a 4-1 win, improving his ERA to 1.41 on the year. He has converted 19 consecutive save chances and 29 of 32 on the year.

The Rockies placed pitcher Drew Pomeranz on the 15-day disabled list as expect Friday, due to tendinitis in his left bicep. It is still not clear when Pomeranz suffered the injury, but he was unable to throw a bullpen session Thursday, which spurred the move to the DL.