MLB Player News

Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman (2-1) bounced back from his worst outing of the season and fired a scoreless ninth inning during Cincinnati's 6-4 win over the Cubs on Saturday. Chapman, who earned his seventh save, worked around a one-out walk by Alfonso Soriano one day after he gave up three runs in a non-save opportunity.

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller picked up his fourth win Friday against the Brewers. Miller, who made his sixth start, allowed one run on seven hits over six innings in the 6-1 win.

The lone run he surrendered came on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jonathan Lucroy in the sixth.

The right-hander was pulled after throwing 106 pitches -- 69 strikes -- and finished with five strikeouts and one walk. He is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA over his two starts against Milwaukee.

Miller, who has recorded a quality start in three of his last four outings, is slated to face the Rockies at home May 10. He is 1-1 with a 1.31 ERA in four career appearances -- three starts -- at Busch Stadium.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel suffered his second blown save of the year Friday night after surrendering a game-tying home run to David Wright in the ninth inning. He struck out the other three batters he faced, giving Kimbrel 18 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings this season.

Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman (2-1) gave up three runs and four hits before being pulled with two outs in the ninth inning during Cincinnati's 6-5 escape over the Cubs Friday. Chapman, who has recorded a save in each of his past three appearances, was replaced by J.J. Hoover for the final out as his ERA spilled over 2.00 for the first time this season (2.57).

The hard-throwing lefty allowed three straight singles to open the inning before collecting two quick outs, including one via strikeout. He walked two batters, including one to score a run, and left with the bases loaded.

It was just the fourth time in his career Chapman permitted more than three runs in an outing. Last season, he did not allow his fourth run of the season until June 13, but he's surrendered that total in 15 games this year.

After Reds closer Aroldis Chapman struggled to preserve a four-run lead in the ninth inning, J.J. Hoover was called on to record the final out during Cincinnati's 6-5 victory over the Cubs Friday. Hoover struck out the only batter he faced -- Darwin Barney -- to register just his second career save in 42 total appearances.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke will be playing matchups in the eighth inning rather than using one set option moving forward after John Axford picked up his third loss of the season Wednesday.

"Whether it's the seventh, eighth [for Axford], I don't know for sure," Roenicke told MLB.com. "It's probably easier on us, when we're looking at lineups, to do it that way. I know the players want to be in a role, but sometimes those hitters don't match up with what you're putting out there."

Axford has allowed 13 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings this year.

The Marlins have optioned pitcher Brad Hand to Triple-A. 

Hand was called up by the team April 30, and only made one appearance. He held the Mets scoreless for 1 2/3 innings, giving up two walks and striking out three. Hand was demonted to make room for Adeiny Hechavarria, who was activated from the disabled list.

The Padres have recalled Brad Boxberger from Triple-A Tuscon.

Boxberger tossed 27 2/3 solid innings with the club last season. He had a 2.60 ERA and averaged over a strikeout per inning in the majors in 2012. Robbie Erlin was sent to Tuscon to make room for the right-handed Boxberger. 

Brewers reliever John Axford took his third loss as he allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits in 2/3 of an inning Wednesday against Pittsburgh.

Axford was on a hot streak entering the appearance, with eight strikeouts against no walks and just one earned run allowed in his last 7 1/3 innings. However, Starling Marte touched him up for a two-run homer and a couple of softly-hit balls snuck through for hits. The Brewers have talked about him leapfrogging Jim Henderson and regaining the closer's role, but this appearance will likely stall those thoughts.

Pirates pitcher Jeanmar Gomez allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) in a no-decision in a spot start against Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Gomez struck out three but walked two and served up two home runs. With the returns of Francisco Liriano and Charlie Morton, expect Gomez to move back to the bullpen sooner rather than later.