MLB Player News

I have no idea why the Dodgers acquired Carlos Marmol. I don't know why they think they need him, with all the bullpen depth they already have. Just wanted another right-hander, I guess.

But I know he's no threat to Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning. When Jansen blew his first save after inheriting the closer role June 15, manager Don Mattlingly didn't even consider going back to Brandon League, saying he didn't "want to start that up again." If League's all-to-frequent ninth-inning meltdowns wore Mattingly down, why on earth would he turn to Marmol?

League is practically Dennis Eckersley, by comparison.

Pedro Strop was the Orioles' primary setup man last year, and in terms of pure stuff, he seems perfectly capable of closing. Unfortunately, he's one of those walks-a-million types, which means the Cubs just landed themselves a cheaper version of Carlos Marmol.

Maybe they think Strop is a little more redeemable than Marmol -- and to be fair, he issued only one walk in June. Of course, he also allowed six earned runs, giving him an 11.57 ERA for the month and a 7.25 mark for the season. True, his back has bothered him at times this year, but he was also shaky over the final two months last year, posting a 5.12 ERA with 15 walks in 19 1/3 innings.

So even though the Cubs' acquisition of Strop seems to give them a clear fallback option at closer for when they inevitably trade Kevin Gregg, I don't think it's an open-and-shut case. I still think Blake Parker has as much of a shot as anybody.

Orioles reliever Pedro Strop has been traded to the Cubs, according to ESPN.

Strop has a 7.25 ERA in 29 games. He'll join a Cubs bullpen that has struggled to close out games. Strop has dealt with a back injury, which has limited his production. He's saved three games in his career. 

Rockies pitcher Drew Pomeranz said his first start was "disappointing," according to the Denver Post. 

Pomeranz lasted just 4 1/3 innings, giving up four runs. Pomeranz said his command wasn't where he needed it to be, and admitted he was a bit nervous to be making his first big-league start in a while. He added that he was upset he didn't go deeper in the game. 

Pomeranz had a 4.20 ERA in the minors. 

Rockies starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz struggled in his season debut Sunday as the Giants hit him hard in a 5-2 loss.

Pomeranz opened the outing with two scoreless onnings, although there were signs of trouble, as he allowed two hits and two walks. Buster Posey then hit a solo home run in the third, and his day ended in the fifth, as he allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while getting just one out in the inning.

Pomeranz allowed four runs in 4 1/3 innings on seven hits and four walks. He also struck out five and had seven groundball outs while throwing 57 of 92 pitches for strikes.

Pomeranz will next start Saturday against the Diamondbacks. 

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller put in extra work in an extended bullpen session Sunday in an attempt to address mechanical issues that appeared in his most recent start.

Miller allowed five runs in 1 2/3 innings Friday, and he told MLB.com he threw 35 pitches Sunday, rather than his usual 20. Miller is expected to remain on regular rest heading into his next start, scheduled for Thursday against the Angels. 

Mets manager Terry Collins hinted Sunday at a bigger role for reliever Carlos Torres, who has impressed since his promotion from the minors. Torres has posted a 1.00 ERA and 0.67 WHIP in six relief appearances, while striking out nine batters in nine innings.

"We certainly have to take a look at it. Nobody's been more shocked when he walks a guy than I am, because he's a strike-throwing machine," Collins said, per MLB.com. "I think we've got to take a look at it."

While Collins said he might start using Torres later in games, he added he also could turn to Torres as a spot starter.

"I don't want his innings to be one at a time," Collins said. "He needs to be lengthened out, because if we need a guy, he's it."

Pitcher Drew Pomeranz will take the mound as the starter for the Rockies' game against the Giants Sunday. He gets the call after going 8-1 with a 4.20 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings at Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Pomeranz has made one career start against the Giants, allowing four earned runs in four innings while striking out three in a loss on Aug. 11, 2012.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen blew his third save but was fortunate to pick up his second win of the season Saturday night against the Phillies.

Jansen allowed a run to score on a throwing error by Matt Kemp in the ninth inning. The offense saved him in the bottom of the frame as A.J. Ellis hit a walkoff single to win the game for the Dodgers. The right-hander permitted one run on two hits while striking out one in one inning of work in a 4-3 win.  

Jansen has permitted two runs over his last seven innings. He has a 2.41 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over 41 appearances.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman collected his 20th save of the season Saturday night against the Rangers.

Chapman worked his way around a walk as he struck out one and pitched a scoreless 11th inning to preserve a 4-3 win. It was his first scoreless outing since June 19. The right-hander has converted 20 of 23 save chances and owns a 2.65 ERA through 37 appearances.