MLB Player News

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman earned his 22nd save in his team's 5-3 win over the Pirates Friday, striking out two batters while allowing one hit and no walks in a scoreless ninth inning. Chapman had given up one run in each of his final two appearances heading into the All-Star break, but he dropped his ERA to 2.72 and his WHIP to 1.11 Friday.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen earned his 10th save of the season Friday, striking out two while allowing no walks or hits in his team's 3-2 win over the Nationals. Jansen's K:BB ratio improved to 67:8. He's posted a 2.28 ERA in 47 1/3 innings.

Mets starting pitcher prospect Rafael Montero, who threw a scoreless inning during Sunday's All-Star Futures Game, has seen his numbers take a turn for the worse since being promoted from Double-A Binghamton to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Montero is 1-2 with a 4.36 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in seven starts for Las Vegas.

Montero has been hit hard since his promotion. After allowing 51 hits in 66 2/3 innings and posting a .204 opponents' batting average with Binghamton, the right-hander has allowed 40 hits in 33 innings and has a .303 opponents' batting average with Las Vegas.

His strikeout-to-walk ratio also has gotten worse since leaving Binghamton. Montero had 72 strikeouts to 10 walks in 11 starts at Double-A and now has 29 strikeouts to 10 walks in seven starts at Triple-A.

Rockies pitcher Drew Pomeranz gave up seven runs in a Double-A start Tuesday.

Pomeranz is expected to start in the majors Monday, and was getting in some extra work at Double-A Tulsa. Pomeranz gave up seven runs over 5 1/3 innings. He was clobbered for 10 hits. Pomeranz has a 8.76 ERA in three starts in the majors. 

You may have stopped paying attention to Brewers reliever John Axford after his early season blow-up -- on May 1, Axford was 0-3 with a 10.32 ERA; he had recorded zero saves through his first 13 games. 

But something fun and magical happened after that. From May 3 on, Axford has given up three total runs, producing a 0.99 ERA in 33 games. He's struck out a batter per inning and hasn't given up a home run since May 1. With rumors swirling about the Brewers selling off relievers, Axford has a nice chance to step in and get some second-half saves. 

While Francisco Rodriguez is probably the most likely to get traded, Jim Henderson may not be the next in line. Over the last 15 games (dating back to June 9), Henderson has a 4.50 ERA and 1.64 WHIP, with just 12 strikeouts in 14 innings (Axford has a 0.79 ERA in that same span). and it's not guaranteed that Axford isn't moved -- the Tigers, in particular, will be looking to add a closer; Axford's recent performance could make him attractive.

In short, I'm looking at Axford as a gamble and bit of a risk, but as good a bet as any to get some saves from August forward. 

Cubs reliever Pedro Strop has thus far made a seamless transition from the AL to the NL since his acquisition from Baltimore in early July. Strop hasn't allowed a run in seven relief appearances (six innings).

He has allowed two hits and two walks, while striking out seven since donning a Cubs' uniform. He's managed to lower his ERA from 7.25 to 5.72. He also has one hold with Chicago.

Mets pitcher Carlos Torres turned in a solid outing but did not factor in the decision during his first start of the season Saturday night against the Pirates.

Torres surrendered a run-scoring single to Jordy Mercer in the fifth inning for his only damage of the night. The right-hander permitted one run on five hits and no walks while striking out five over five innings in a 4-2 defeat.

Torres will likely fill the rotation spot vacated by Shaun Marcum, who will miss the remainder of the year due to injury. Torres has a 0.79 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP over 11 appearances (one start).

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel struck out the side on 15 pitches for his 26th save in a 5-2 win over the Reds Saturday.

Kimbrel, who has three blown saves, ranks second in the National League in saves. He has a 1.53 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 54 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings.  

Diamondbacks reliever David Hernandez notched his second save of the season Friday night against the Brewers.

Hernandez pitched a perfect ninth inning as he struck out two and preserved a 2-1 victory. He has a 4.57 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP through 40 appearances (41 1/3 innings).

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman entered Friday's game against the Braves in the ninth inning with a three-run advantage.

The left-hander endured a shaky outing as he permitted a run-scoring single to Freddie Freeman for his only damage of the night. He allowed one run on one hit and one walk in one inning as he picked up his 21st save of the season in a 4-2 win.

Chapman picked up his first save of July. He has allowed four runs over his last 5 2/3 innings. He has a 2.63 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and has converted 21 of 24 save opportunities this season.