MLB Player News

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.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman endured another shaky outing but escaped with his 19th save Sunday against the Diamondbacks. 

Chapman, who entered the game in the ninth with a three-run lead, surrendered a run-scoring single to pinch-hitter Wil Nieves in the ninth and was charged with the run on two hits in an inning of a 4-2 win.  

Chapman has converted 19 of 22 save opportunities. He has allowed three runs over his last two appearances (one inning). The right-hander has a 2.73 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in 36 appearances.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel pitched another perfect ninth inning as he struck out two to earn the save in Sunday's 7-4 win over the Brewers.

Kimbrel is second in the National League with 21 saves -- in 24 chances -- and has a 1.59 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in 29 appearances.

The Padres optioned pitcher Brad Boxberger to Triple-A Tuscon Sunday. He allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two in 1 1/3 innings Saturday night against the Dodgers after being recalled earlier in the day.

Boxberger is 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB ratio in nine innings with the Padres.

The Padres optioned pitcher Anthony Bass to Triple-A Tuscon Sunday. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Dodgers Saturday night after being recalled earlier in the day.

Bass has a 4.28 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 24:13 K:BB ratio in 33 2/3 innings with the Padres.

Pirates pitcher Jeanmar Gomez remains on track to return Wednesday against the Mariners after throwing a bullpen session and feeling good Sunday. He is on the 15-day disabled list with a forearm strain.

Cardinals starter Shelby Miller suffered his fifth loss Saturday night against the Rangers.

Miller (8-5) allowed two-run homers to A.J. Pierzynski and Nelson Cruz. The right-hander permitted the four runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out five in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-2 loss, his first at home this season. 

Miller has allowed four homers over his last three starts. He has allowed eight runs over 16 2/3 innings during that span. He is scheduled to make his next start Saturday at Oakland. He is 3-3 with a 3.29 ERA in seven road starts.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman blew his third save and suffered his third loss Saturday night against the Diamondbacks. 

Chapman, who entered the game in the ninth with a one-run lead, was unable to record an out as he gave up two walks and a single before surrendering a walkoff, two-run single to Jason Kubel to end the game.

He had converted 10 consecutive saves before blowing his first since May 19. Chapman has a 2.53 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP through his 35 appearances.

With Tyler Lyons in the minors, the Cardinals will use pitcher Joe Kelly as the No. 5 starter in the rotation, when needed, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Kelly, who worked five innings of scoreless relief Friday, may not be needed much in the next few weeks. The Cardinals have four off days between Monday and July 8. Kelly is 0-3 with a 4.22 ERA in 21 appearances (one start).

"We've drawn up at least a dozen models already," said Matheny, "and we're trying to think of the pros and cons of each. If there is a start to be had, it will be Joe Kelly."

The Padres called up a pair of relievers from Triple-A Tucson Saturday, after the bullpen was needed to throw all nine innings Friday.The Padres recalled Brad Boxberger and Anthony Bass from Tucson to provide some relief in the pen. 

Boxberger posted a 3.52 ERA in 7 2/3 innings for the Padres earlier in the season, while Bass posted a 4.55 ERA in 31 2/3 innings.