MLB Player News

Mets reliever Collin McHugh will get a chance to start this weekend, as Jonathon Niese has been scratched from his start Saturday against the Marlins.

McHugh has appeared in two games this season as a reliever, allowing four runs in three innings. He was starting at Triple-A New Orleans prior to his call up, posting a 2.74 ERA in 49 1/3 innings. 

The Padres will use Anthony Bass as a starter at Triple-A Tucson, according to MLB.com. Bass, who was optioned to Tucson Thursday, was being used as a reliever for the Padres this season after making 15 starts for them in 2012.

Despite the move to the rotation, the team does not necessarily view Bass as a long-term starter. This move might just be to get him extra work. 

The Padres optioned reliever Anthony Bass to Triple-A Tucson Thursday after he allowed four runs on four hits and two walks in just two-thirds of an inning in his last outing.

Bass has a 4.55 ERA for the season, but he has allowed eight runs in his last four innings of work. Nick Vincent was recalled from Tucson to replace Bass on the roster. 

The Cubs purchased the contract of pitcher Zach Putnam from Triple-A Iowa Thursday and brought him to the bullpen. Putnam fills the roster spot cleared by the option of Alex Burnett to Iowa.

Putnam last appeared in the majors with the Rockies, tossing two scoreless innings in 2012. He had a 3.26 ERA in 19 1/3 innings at Triple-A. 

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson threw 74 pitches in his extended spring training outing Wednesday, and may only need a few starts in the minors before he is ready to return to the majors. General manager Kevin Towers would not confirm as much, but he did not deny it.

"We'll see how it goes," Towers told the Arizona Republic.

Towers did say he expects Hudson to begin his minor-league rehabilitation assignment Tuesday, June 4, at Double-A Mobile.

Hudson has been sidelined since last June, after undergoing Tommy John surgery. 

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson threw 74 pitches in extended spring training Wednesday, and was reportedly reaching 95 MPH with his fastball.

Hudson threw six innings in the game, surrendering four earned runs on seven hits and one walk, while striking out three.

Hudson might be able to begin his minor-league rehab assignment soon, however plans have yet to be announced. His timetable continues to suggest a return near the All-Star break. 

Pirates starting pitcher Jeanmar Gomez enjoyed another solid outing but was not backed by the proper run support as he did not factor in the decision Tuesday night against the Tigers.

Gomez pitched seven scoreless innings and allowed just three hits and one walk while striking out two before handing the game to the bullpen.

Gomez has allowed five earned runs over his last 28 1/3 innings. He is scheduled to make his next start Sunday at home against Cincinnati. He is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in five appearances (three starts) at home.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel allowed a runner to reach scoring position in the 10th inning Tuesday against the Blue Jays but was able to strand him to earn his 16th save.

Kimbrel walked Adam Lind to open the inning and then allowed a stolen base by pinch runner Munenori Kawasaki, before getting two flyballs to left field to end the threat 7-6.

Kimbrel has saved six chances in a row, giving him 16 in 19 opportunities this season. He has a 2.21 ERA and 0.93 WHIP, with 30 strikeouts and five walks in 20 1/3 innings. 

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman got the final three outs Monday at home against the Indians. Chapman closed out a 4-2 win for his 13th save.

The closer went 1-2-3 in the ninth with two strikeouts. He's recorded five straight saves without allowing a run since blowing back-to-back opportunities for the Reds. Chapman has 41 strikeouts over 24 innings this season. 

The Padres optioned reliever Tommy Layne to Triple-A Tuscon Monday, in order to make room on the active roster for Clayton Richard. 

Layne allowed one run in 2 1/3 innings while taking the loss in his only appearance Sunday against the Diamondbacks.