MLB Player News

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman struck out two batters during a perfect ninth inning during Sunday's 3-1 loss against the Mariners. It was Chapman's second July appearance, but his last save came June 29 at Texas.

Chapman has fired three scoreless appearances since allowing three runs over two outings June 22-23 at Arizona.

Rockies pitcher Drew Pomeranz (0-2) was hit hard again as he suffered his second loss of the season Saturday night against the Diamondbacks. The left-hander surrendered five runs on five hits and five walks while striking out two over four innings pitched in an 11-1 defeat.

Pomeranz has allowed nine earned runs over his first 8 1/3 innings pitched for the Rockies this season. He is scheduled to make his next start Thursday against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly was not sharp in his return to the rotation Saturday against the Marlins, but the bullpen and offense bailed him out in 5-4 win.

Kelly gave up four runs in six innings of work, with three of the four runs coming on a pair of homers. He gave up five hits and two walks in the game, while striking out four batters.

Kelly left the game own 4-2, but the Cardinals scored twice in the seventh and one more time in the ninth to get him off the hook for the loss. He remains 0-3 with a 4.15 ERA in 43 1/3 innings. Kelly is in line to make his next start Friday against the Cubs. 

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller will start just one more time before the All-Star break, in an attempt to give the rookie some extra rest. The team announced Saturday Miller would be moved back from Tuesday to Wednesday against the Astros, dropping a scheduled start for Sunday against the Cubs.

Miller has been excellent for the Cardinals this season, but they hope the limit the rookie's innings. He has a 2.80 ERA in 9 2/3 innings.

The Pirates will move pitcher Jeanmar Gomez to the bullpen, with A.J. Burnett's looming return to the rotation. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirmed that move Friday, along with the news that Gerrit Cole will stay in the rotation moving forward.

Gomez has a 2.70 ERA 14 appearances this season, including eight starts. 

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel suffered his second loss Thursday night against the Marlins.

Kimbrel (2-2) issued two walks and allowed a run-scoring single to Donovan Solano to break a tie. The right-hander permitted a run on a hit and two walks while striking out the side. It was the first run Kimbrel has allowed since May 7. He has a 1.72 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP through in 32 appearances.

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller snapped a two-game losing streak Wednesday, as he received a plethora of run support in a 12-2 win over the Angels.

Miller didn't need much of that support, however, as he was on top of his game. He made just one mistake, allowing a two-run home run to Hank Conger in the second inning, but he already had a 7-0 lead at that point. Those were the only runs Miller would allow in six innings, as he ended his mini slide.

Miller struck out six batters and walked two, while allowing five hits. He threw 70 of 102 pitches for strikes, as he pushed his record to 9-6. 

Miller carries a 2.80 ERA into his next start, scheduled for Tuesday against the Astros. 

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen ran into some trouble in the ninth inning Wednesday against the Rockies, but he was able to limit the damage in a 10-8 win.

Jansen walked the first batter of the inning and then allowed an RBI single to bring him around to score after a stolen base. Faced with the tying run at the plate and one out, Jansen induced two fly ball outs to end the threat and earn his eighth save of the season.

Jansen blew his previous save opportunity. He has eight saves in 11 chances this season, with a 2.55 ERA. Jansen has 59 strikeouts and only seven walks in 42 1/3 innings. 

Cubs relievers Pedro Strop and Matt Guerrier were added to the active roster Wednesday, after Chris Rusin was optioned to Triple-A and Shawn Camp was designated for assignment.

Strop and Guerrier are expected to be available for Wednesday's game against the Athletics, one day after each was acquired in a pair of trades. 

Mets reliever Carlos Torres is considered the likely candidate to start Saturday against the Brewers if Shaun Marcum is unable, according to the New York Post. The Mets are considering putting Marcum on the disabled list.

Marcum would not reveal what injury would force him to the disabled list, but a source told the Post the veteran right-hander underwent an MRI on his upper back Tuesday.

Manager Terry Collins said Sunday Torres would likely be the next guy up if the Mets needed a starter. Torres started in the minors before joining the Mets' bullpen. He was 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts for Triple-A Las Vegas.