MLB Player News

Mets starting pitcher Carlos Torres had his worst starting since joining the rotation Sunday at Washington, allowing eight runs on nine hits and one walk in three innings during a 14-1 loss. He struck out two.

Torres tossed a scoreless first inning before the Nationals scored three times in the second inning on RBI hits from Wilson Ramos and Bryce Harper. Ramos then delievered the big hit in a five-run third inning -- his first career grand slam.

Torres (1-2) would not come out for the fourth inning after putting New York in an 8-0 deficit. He had allowed all of two runs in his first two starts.

The Mets are going with a six-man rotation for the time being, so Torres won't be back on the hill until Saturday against the Royals.

The Rockies optioned starting pitcher Collin McHugh to Triple-A Colorado Springs Sunday, according to The Denver Post. McHugh made his first start for Colorado Saturday against the Brewers, taking the loss after allowing six runs on nine hits in five innings.

The Cardinals are continuing their pursuit of White Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy and shortstop Alexei Ramirez, according to ESPN. Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez, pitcher Joe Kelly and second base prospect Kolten Wong have reportedly been mentioned as the names also being talked about in the deal.

Relievers J.J. Hoover and Manny Parra has been outstanding out of the Reds' bullpen lately. Hoover hasn't allowed a run in his last 17 innings (14 appearances), while Parra has a 14 2/3 scoreless innings streak (18 appearances) through Saturday's game against the Dodgers.

Hoover, who has lowered his ERA from 5.40 to 3.30, has struck out 21 batters during his scoreless streak, while allowing seven hits and six walks. He also has two wins and one hold in that span.

Parra has struck out 17 during his scoreless innings streak, while walking three and allowing five hits. He's lowered his ERA from 8.44 to 3.55, while picking up one win and four holds in that span.

Cubs reliever Pedro Strop worked a scoreless inning Saturday against San Francisco, his 11th scoreless outing in as many appearances as a Cub.

Strop has been working the eighth inning in the majority of his appearances, adding credence to the idea that he is the closer-in-waiting if the club decides to trade current closer Kevin Gregg. In 9 2/3 innings with Chicago, Strop has allowed just four hits and has 12 strikeouts against three walks. Despite the excellence, his full-season numbers are still brutal: a 5.06 ERA with 18 walks in 32 innings.

Making his first start with his new team, Rockies pitcher Collin McHugh fell to 0-2 after giving up six earned runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out two in five innings in his team's 7-5 loss to the Brewers.

The poor start gives McHugh a 10.50 ERA, 2.08 WHIP and 5:4 K:BB ratio in 12 innings. He'll face the Braves Thursday if he sticks in the rotation.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen picked up his 14th save in his team's 4-1 win over the Reds, pitching a scoreless ninth inning without allowing any hits or walks and without striking out a batter.

Jansen is a perfect 7 for 7 in save opportunities in July, and he hasn't allowed multiple runs in an appearance since taking over the closer job. He owns a 2.24 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 72:9 K:BB ratio in 52 1/3 innings.

Pirates interim closer Mark Melancon earned his fourth save in his team's 7-4 win over the Marlins Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning despite allowing one hit and one walk thanks to a double-play grounder after putting the lead-off man on.

Melancon has surrendered just five earned runs in 49 1/3 innings while striking out 48 batters and walking seven. He'll continue to close while Jason Grilli is on the disabled list.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel set down the Cardinals with ease Saturday, locking up a 2-0 win and his 30th save of the season.

Kimbrel needed just seven pitches to end the outing, as he put the Cardinals down in order. He struck out one batter and threw just one ball. Kimbrel has now saved 20 straight chances since blowing three in two weeks at the beginning of May. He has a 1.37 ERA. 

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly pitched more than well enough to win Saturday against the Braves, but had to settle for a no-decision in a 2-0 loss.

Kelly, making his first start since July 12, scattered seven hits and three walks over six-plus innings of work. He exited with the game stuck in a scoreless tie, after intentionally walking Jason Heyward to load the bases. Fortunately, reliever Seth Maness was able to preserve Kelly's line with a quick double-play. 

Kelly threw a season-high 86 pitches in the outing, after topping out at 79 in his previous four outings. He threw 57 of those pitches for strikes, while setting down three batters via strikeout. 

Kelly is slated to make his next start Thursday against the Pirates. He is 1-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 55 innings this season.