MLB Player News

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly took the loss Wednesday against the Diamondbacks in his first start of the season.

Kelly held the Diamondbacks to two runs -- one earned -- on four hits and a walk in 5 2/3 innings of a 10-3 loss. He allowed an RBI single in the second inning. He struck out two, while throwing 50 of 80 pitches for strikes.

This is expected to Kelly's only start as he was needed to fill in because of a recent doubleheader. He is 0-3 with a 5.55 ERA in 17 appearances. 

For a while, it seemed like Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson was on the fast track to return from Tommy John surgery, as he had managed to avoid any setbacks. That is, until Tuesday, when his rehab debut at Double-A Mobile was cut short due to stiffness in his surgically repaired right elbow.

Despite the setback, manager Kirk Gibson does not seem concerned about his long-term prognosis. He admits that it could delay Hudson's return to the rotation, which looked to be fast approaching prior to Tuesday.

"He was sore," Gibson told MLB.com. "I'm taking an optimistic view on that. He hasn't had any setbacks at all since he's been doing his rehab. I'm confident it'll work out fine. Does this slow him down a little bit? It probably does, yes."

Hudson is scheduled to see Dr. Michael Lee Thursday to determine if there are any structural issues that led to the stiffness in his start. 

The Brewers announced Wednesday starting pitcher prospect Jimmy Nelson was promoted from Double-A Huntsville to Triple-A Nashville. Nelson was 5-4 with a 2.74 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 12 starts for Huntsville.

The 2010 second-round pick struck out 72 batters and walked just 15 in 69 innings. Nelson is considered the Brewers' eighth-best prospect by MLB.com.

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, had his rehab outing for Double-A Mobile cut short after two innings Tuesday because of stiffness in his surgically repaired elbow, the team announced. Hudson is headed back to Phoenix to have his arm examined by team physician Dr. Michael Lee.

Hudson, who had elbow surgery last July, was making his first rehab start after three extended spring outings. He threw 48 pitches Tuesday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk. He struck out one.

Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson began his minor-league rehab assignment for Double-A Mobile Tuesday night. Hudson lasted just two innings as he yielded one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one in his first rehab game.

Hudson, who has been out since June 2012 after having Tommy John Surgery, is scheduled to make at least one more start before the club considers calling him up.

Brewers reliever John Axford walked one and struck out one as he pitched a scoreless 10th inning and earned his second win of the season Tuesday night against the Athletics.

Axford (2-3) has not allowed a run in his last 11 innings pitched. He has lowered his ERA from 9.20 to 5.26 over that span.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman struck out three batters in a scoreless ninth inning against the Rockies Monday to pick up his 15th save of the year. He also walked one while lowering his ERA to 2.42.

Twenty-three of the last 30 outs Chapman has recorded have come via strikeout.

An examination of the right arm of Pirates pitcher Jeanmar Gomez revealed no ligament damage, MLB.com reports. Gomez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a forearm injury.

"We'll shut him down for a few days," manager Clint Hurdle told MLB.com. "He's actually going to fly back here and join us tomorrow, won't throw for we'll see how many days. It could be three, could be four, flat-ground, bullpen. This will give us an opportunity to get him out on a rehab where he can pitch in an environment, where if there's a problem, it could not be as challenging as trying to get him back engaged here."

Gomez lasted just one inning in his most recent start before being removed with the injury.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Monday pitcher Joe Kelly will start Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. It's expected to be a spot start since the team needed a starter Wednesday following a weekend doubleheader.

Kelly is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in 16 relief appearances for St. Louis this season. He competed for a spot in the rotation this spring before being put in the bullpen.

The Pirates placed starting pitcher Jeanmar Gomez on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a right forearm strain. Gomez left his start Sunday against the Reds with the injury.

The right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.07 ERA in 12 appearances (seven starts).