MLB Player News

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson made his final appearance of the season Saturday, in a spot start against the Mets. 

Nelson tossed five solid innings in his first major league start, holding the Mets to one run. He allowed just one hit, while walking three, striking out four and throwing 39 of 73 pitches for strikes.

Nelson left the game with a no-decision, as the Brewers' offense struggled to get going. He finishes the season with 10 innings at the major-league level, after posting a 3.67 ERA in 83 1/3 innings for Triple-A Nashville. The 24-year-old allowed just one run in his four appearances, and could figure into the team's rotation plans in spring training. 

Rockies starter Collin McHugh was roughed up as he took the loss Friday night against the Dodgers. The right-hander, who made his final start of the season, was touched up for eight runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings of an 11-0 defeat.

McHugh allowed six-plus runs in three of his first four starts with Colorado this season. He posted a whopping 10.04 ERA and a 1.92 WHIP over 26 innings.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel slammed the door shut on the Phillies, converting his 50th save of the season Friday night. The right-hander needed only 10 pitches as he struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning to preserve a 1-0 victory.

He became the first closer to reach he 50-save mark since Eric Gagne in 2003. Kimbrel is 50 of 54 in save situations with a 1.23 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP in 66 innings pitched.

Mets pitcher Carlos Torres tossed a solid outing but was on the wrong end of the decision Friday night against the Brewers. He allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings of a 4-2 defeat. 

Torres allowed seven runs over his final 20 innings pitched. He finished the year 4-6 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 86 1/3 innings pitched.

Mets manager Terry Collins told ESPN.com that Vic Black will be used in a save situation, should one arise, in Thursday's game against the Brewers.

The team's regular closer, LaTroy Hawkins, will be unavailable, as he threw 19 pitches in Wednesday's win over the Reds.

Making a spot start Wednesday, Marlins pitcher Brad Hand allowed just two earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out three in 6 1/3 innings against the Phillies, but he did not factor into the decision in his team's 3-2 win.

Hand has made two starts and five relief appearances for the Marlins, going 1-1 with a 3.05 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB ratio in 20 2/3 innings.

Cardinals starter Shelby Miller improved to 15-9 with a victory over Washington on Wednesday.

Miller finished with one run allowed on four hits and three walks over six innings. He only struck out three hitters and he induced just four swinging strikes, so it wasn't his sharpest outing ever, but it's a sign of his talent that he can get such good results when he isn't at his best. Miller would likely be a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year in most other seasons -- i.e. seasons with Jose Fernandez or Yasiel Puig.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen collected his 28th save of the season Tuesday night against the Giants in San Francisco. The right-hander worked around a Buster Posey single as he struck out two in a scoreless frame to secure a 2-1 victory.

Jansen is 28 of 32 in save situations, with a 1.90 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP in 75 2/3 innings pitched.

Mets reliever Vic Black nailed down his first career save Tuesday night against the Reds. Black needed only 14 pitches as he struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to preserve a 4-2 victory. He owns a 3.60 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP in 15 innings pitched this season.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel entered Tuesday's game against Milwaukee in the top of the ninth inning in a 2-2 tie.

Kimbrel struck out the side to keep the game tied and the Braves won it in the bottom of the frame. Kimbrel earned the win to improve to 4-3 on the year. He struck out the side on 15 pitches and his ERA is at 1.25.

Kimbrel has 49 saves for the Braves this season and leads the National League. He has struck out the side in his last two appearances and has 96 Ks over 65 innings on the year.