MLB Player News

Rockies starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz isn't currently listed among Triple-A Colorado Springs' rotation plans, which is a strong indication he will be called up to start Sunday against the Giants, according to The Denver Post. He would replace Juan Nicasio, who was in jeopardy of losing his rotation spot after getting tagged for six runs and 12 hits Tuesday against the Red Sox.

Pomeranz is 8-1 with a 4.20 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 15 starts for Colorado Springs. He has struck out 96 batters in 85 2/3 innings.

Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen notched his sixth save of the season Wednesday night against the Giants. 

Jansen entered the game for Clayton Kershaw, who gave up a leadoff single to start the inning. The right-hander worked his way around another single as he struck out two and tossed a scoreless ninth to secure a 4-2 win. He has a 2.31 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP in 39 appearances.

Pirates reliever Mark Melancon earned in his second save of the season Wednesday afternoon against the Mariners.

Melancon, who entered the game in the ninth with a two-run lead, worked his way around two singles, as he struck out one and pitched a scoreless inning to secure a 4-2 victory. Melancon has not allowed a run in his last eight innings. He has a 0.94 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP through his first 39 appearances.

Pirates pitcher Jeanmar Gomez struck out five in five innings Wednesday against the Mariners, but he didn't receive enough offensive support to pull out a win in his first start back from the disabled list. Gomez settled for a no-decision after allowing one unearned run on three hits and two walks.

Gomez has a 2.76 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP in 13 appearances (eight starts). He is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday at home against the Phillies. He is 1-0 with a 3.79 ERA in six appearances (four starts) at PNC Park.

The Pirates have activated pitcher Jeanmar Gomez from the disabled list, the club announced Wednesday. Gomez will start Wednesday's game against Seattle.

Gomez has a 3.07 ERA despite a 1.44 K/BB over 44 innings this season. Wednesday will mark his eighth start.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was a bit wild Tuesday against the Royals, but he managed to pitch out of a bases-loaded jam to close out a 4-3 win.

Kimbrel walked the first batter he faced and allowed a single right after, putting the tying run at third base with no out. He struck out the next two batters and intentionally walked Alex Gordon, before getting Alcides Escobar to fly out to end the game. Kimbrel threw 12 of 23 pitches for strikes en route to his 22nd save of the season.

Kimbrel is 22 for 25 in save chances, with a 1.53 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. 

The Cardinals are expected to use pitcher Joe Kelly in the bullpen as a long reliever until his July 6 start, according to MLB.com. Kelly is 0-3 with a 4.22 ERA in 21 appearances (one start). He has not pitched since June 21.

"Being the long guy out of the 'pen, my arm's ready to go for all situations," Kelly said, per MLB.com. "When the off-days are over, I'll be ready then, too. It's ultimately the skipper and GM's decision, but it's exciting to have at least the opportunity."

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out the side to record his fifth save Monday against San Francisco.

Jansen was nasty as ever, throwing 12 strikes in 16 pitches as he carved up the Giants in the ninth to finish the game. He owns a 2.37 ERA and should be able to secure the closer's role away from Brandon League for good with just a few more appearances like this one.

The Padres have recalled relief pitcher Tommy Layne from Triple-A Tucson, MLB.com reports.

Layne, 28, has experienced short major league stints over the last two seasons. Overall he owns a 2.82 ERA in 32 games with 29 strikeouts against three walks. He has spent most of the season with Tucson, where he owns a 4.03 ERA and 1.14 K/BB.

Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen earned his fourth save Sunday against the Padres.

Jansen worked his way around a two-out single as he struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning to preserve a 3-1 win. He has allowed one run over his last 14 2/3 innings. He has a 2.43 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP on the year.