MLB Player News

You may have stopped paying attention to Brewers reliever John Axford after his early season blow-up -- on May 1, Axford was 0-3 with a 10.32 ERA; he had recorded zero saves through his first 13 games. 

But something fun and magical happened after that. From May 3 on, Axford has given up three total runs, producing a 0.99 ERA in 33 games. He's struck out a batter per inning and hasn't given up a home run since May 1. With rumors swirling about the Brewers selling off relievers, Axford has a nice chance to step in and get some second-half saves. 

While Francisco Rodriguez is probably the most likely to get traded, Jim Henderson may not be the next in line. Over the last 15 games (dating back to June 9), Henderson has a 4.50 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, with just 12 strikeouts in 14 innings (Axford has a 0.79 ERA in that same span). and it's not guaranteed that Axford isn't moved -- the Tigers, in particular, will be looking to add a closer; Axford's recent performance could make him attractive.

In short, I'm looking at Axford as a gamble and bit of a risk, but as good a bet as any to get some saves from August forward. 

Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has thus far made a seamless transition from the AL to the NL since his acquisition from Baltimore in early July. Strop hasn't allowed a run in seven relief appearances (six innings).

He has allowed two hits and two walks, while striking out seven since donning a Cubs' uniform. He's managed to lower his ERA from 7.25 to 5.72. He also has one hold with Chicago.

Mets pitcher Carlos Torres turned in a solid outing but did not factor in the decision during his first start of the season Saturday night against the Pirates.

Torres surrendered a run-scoring single to Jordy Mercer in the fifth inning for his only damage of the night. The right-hander permitted one run on five hits and no walks while striking out five over five innings in a 4-2 defeat.

Torres will likely fill the rotation spot vacated by Shaun Marcum, who will miss the remainder of the year due to injury. Torres has a 0.79 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP over 11 appearances (one start).

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel struck out the side on 15 pitches for his 26th save in a 5-2 win over the Reds Saturday.

Kimbrel, who has three blown saves, ranks second in the National League in saves. He has a 1.53 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 54 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings.  

Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez notched his second save of the season Friday night against the Brewers.

Hernandez pitched a perfect ninth inning as he struck out two and preserved a 2-1 victory. He has a 4.57 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP through 40 appearances (41 1/3 innings).

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman entered Friday's game against the Braves in the ninth inning with a three-run advantage.

The left-hander endured a shaky outing as he permitted a run-scoring single to Freddie Freeman for his only damage of the night. He allowed one run on one hit and one walk in one inning as he picked up his 21st save of the season in a 4-2 win.

Chapman picked up his first save of July. He has allowed four runs over his last 5 2/3 innings. He has a 2.63 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and has converted 21 of 24 save opportunities this season.

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly picked up his first win of the season Friday in his final start of the first half of the season.

Kelly held the Cubs to just one run on three hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four, while throwing 41 of 73 pitches for strikes. He improved his record to 1-3, as the Cardinals won, 3-2.

Kelly has a 3.88 ERA in 48 2/3 innings and he is not expected to return to the rotation immediately after the break. The Cardinals will not need Kelly for a few weeks, so he is expected to pitch out of the bullpen. 

Rockies starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs Friday to make room on the active roster for Juan Nicasio.

Pomeranz went 0-3 with an 8.76 ERA in three starts, and it is unclear if the team intends to recall him after the All-Star break. 

As the trade deadline approaches, Jim Henderson and Rex Brothers have emerged as my two favorite would-be closers, assuming Francisco Rodriguez and Rafael Betancourt are dealt. But John Axford is pretty high on the list.

I can't see him closing for the Brewers again, particularly since they're reportedly motivated to hold on to Henderson. But since losing the role in early April, Axford has a 1.80 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

He's still erratic, but with his hard fastball and closing experience, he may turn out to be every contender's second choice (behind Rodriguez) if the Rockies decide they're close enough to contention to hold on to Betancourt.

In a 24-team dynasty league, I'm sticking with Axford just for that reason. It's kind of a longshot, but in a league that deep, it's my best chance to get a closer for cheap.

Rockies starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz struggled with his control yet again Thursday, as he dropped his third decision in a row, 6-1, to the Dodgers.

Pomeranz walked five batters for the second straight outing, while lasting just four innings. He gave up three runs on seven hits and was able to throw just 53 of 91 pitches for strikes. He struck out four in the loss.

Pomeranz is now 0-3 in three starts, with an 8.76 ERA. He has not completed five innings in any of his outings, with 14 walks and 11 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings. His next start has yet to be scheduled.