MLB Player News

Mets fill-in starter Carlos Torres turned in an impressive outing as he picked up his firts win of the season Tuesday night against the Braves.

Torres (1-1) gave up a home run to Andrelton Simmons to open the game but settled back down. The right-hander yielded one run on seven hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings pitched. He also helped his own cause as he smacked an RBI single in a 4-1 win.

Torres has allowed only two runs combined over his last two starts (11 innings). He owns a 0.94 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP through 12 appearances (two starts).

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen had a shaky outing but escaped with his 12th save of the season Tuesday night against the Blue Jays.

Jansen, who entered the game in the ninth with a two-run advantage, yielded a run-scoring single to J.P. Arencibia with two outs to cut the lead in half. He forced Brett Lawrie to pop out for the final out of the inning, preserving a 10-9 win. The right-hander has converted 12 of 15 save chances and owns a 2.37 ERA through 49 1/3 innings of relief.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Tuesday he is "leaning" toward starting Joe Kelly Saturday at Atlanta. Kelly is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts this season.

The Giants optioned reliever George Kontos to Triple-A Fresno Tuesday. Kontos was 2-2 with a 5.05 ERA in 42 relief appearances for San Francisco.

The Pirates recalled reliever Vic Black from Triple-A Indianapolis Tuesday. Black was 1-2 with a 2.31 ERA and .161 opponents' batting average in 29 relief outings for Indianapolis.

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller returns to the hill Tuesday against the Phillies for his first start since July 10. Due to the All-Star break, Miller got a little extra rest as he is facing an innings limit in 2013.

"If you look at it, it's pretty smart," Miller said. "I don't know innings-wise, but the most I've thrown hasn't been a ton in my career. I'm over 100 now and I'm trying to get to 180 or so this year not including whatever we do in the postseason, so I think it's just more precautionary and a smart play."

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny added Miller is eager to get back on the hill.

"I think we've all been very clear about having Shelby get as much time as he can and trying to be smart with a young player," Matheny said. "He's chomping at the bit to get back out there and that's the way it should be."

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson seems hesitant to promote starting pitcher prospect Rafael Montero for Friday's doubleheader against the Nationals. 

"[He] was in the conversation, [but] he doesn’t have to be put on the roster until 2015," Alderson said. "He hasn’t pitched exceptionally well at Las Vegas the last two or three times out."

Rockies starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz had another disappointing outing Monday, losing a fourth-straight start to the offensively-challenged Marlins. Pomeranz, who is 0-4 with an 8.10 ERA, could soon lose his spot in the team's rotation, according to The Denver Post.

"We'll see. We have to have quality starts. We know Drew is capable of doing it," said Rockies manager Walt Weiss, when asked if the Rockies could exercise any more patience with Pomeranz. "We have to get him right."

No one seems more frustrated than Pomeranz, who is former top 100 prospect.

"I think I know what I am doing wrong. It's about not walking guys and getting in better counts," said Pomeranz, who has more walks (18) than innings pitched (16 2/3 innings). "I am overthinking it."

Back from Double-A Tulsa and looking to lock down a rotation spot, Rockies starter Drew Pomeranz didn't put his best foot forward Monday against Miami.

With the Marlins being unable to score against anyone in the second half of the season, it was not impressive that Pomeranz allowed three earned runs on five hits and four walks over just 4 1/3 innings in a loss. He dropped to 0-4 on the year with an ugly 8.10 ERA. He struck out two and threw 78 pitches.

Pomeranz, who has been working on adding a slider to his pitching arsenal, continues to struggle. For now, he's scheduled to make his next start Saturday against Milwaukee.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel earned his 28th save Monday in a 2-1 win at the Mets. Kimbrel got a great diving play from Jason Heyward to finish the game. 

Kimbrel walked one and struck out two without allowing a hit over 28 pitches. He lowered his EAR to 1.45.

Kimbrel has earned saves in five straight appearances dating to July 9 at Miami. He has three blown saves.