MLB Player News

Upon news of his demotion to middle relief on Tuesday, John Axford was unceremoniously dropped by Fantasy owners, with his ownership percentage shrinking from 93 percent to 76 percent (and this is before Tuesday night FAAB and waivers run). I may be very alone in this, but I'm sniping Axford up in most leagues where he's been shed. 

Manager Ron Roenicke said the plan is to let Axford get back in a groove and then return him to the closer's role. This isn't to say Jim Henderson isn't worth a pickup -- saves are saves, and he will get a handful while Axford works his way back -- but with all the closer uncertainty out there, it makes sense for deeper league owners to hold on to Axford, as there's even historical precedence (it happened last year) to Axford being briefly replaced by Henderson before the reins were turned back over to Axford. 

Additionally, Henderson was just a gust of wind from giving up a grand slam to Starlin Castro in Monday's game. Castro battled with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the bases loaded before flying out to the warning track in deep right. If the wind wasn't blowing in so hard, it would have been a home run and views on Axford and Henderson would be very different today. 

If you can afford to hold on to Axford, I would do it. He could be closing games for the Brewers by the end of the month. 

Pirates pitcher Jeanmar Gomez (1-0) hurled 1 2/3 innings of relief to record the win in Pittsburgh's 5-3 victory over Arizona Monday night. Gomez, making his first appearance since being hit in the chest by a line drive last Friday, replaced starter Wandy Rodriguez after he departed in the third inning with hamstring tightness.

The right-hander permitted one run and four hits while walking one batter and striking out none. He is now sporting a 1.93 ERA after two games this season.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel entered Monday's series opener against the Marlins in the ninth inning with a one-run lead. He issued a leadoff walk and gave up a two-out single but was able to make it through unscathed to secure the 2-0 win.

Kimbrel also struck out one to earn his third save.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke announced after Monday's win over the Cubs that John Axford is no longer the closer.

Jim Henderson, who earned the save against Chicago, will take over the job.

Roenicke told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that Axford will pitch in the earlier innings until he gets back on track.

"I told (Axford) I want him to be our closer, and how we think is the best way to get him back in that role, which is pretty much what we did with him last year (in the middle of the season)," said Roenicke.

"We'll put him back in wherever it's going to be, sixth (inning), seventh, maybe eighth, and let him get his stuff back. Once he gets his stuff back, we'll put him back in that role again."

Axford has a 20.25 ERA through three appearances, surrendering four home runs in 2 2/3 innings. The right-hander also blew his lone save chance.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, who has pitched on back-to-back days, is expected to have his workload lessen in the next few days. Chapman has converted his first two save opportunities and has not allowed a run through his first six appearances.

Manager Dusty Baker is hoping to avoid Chapman and Jonathan Broxton in Monday's series opener against the Cardinals.

"Broxton hasn't thrown as many pitches as Chapman," Baker said. "It would be nice to have one today, one tomorrow and both the next day. Then we have an off-day. A complete game would cure everything."

Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen has pitched fine in three games to start the season, but so has the rest of the Dodgers' bullpen.

No reliever in the team's pen has surrendered a run yet, including closer Brandon League. Coming into the season, many expected Jansen to eventually take the closer role from League. Jansen is still a good source for holds and strikeouts, but he won't have a ton of value in most leagues unless he's racking up saves. 

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke may be ready to demote John Axford from the closer role. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Roenicke will have a meeting with Axford before discussing the closer situation to the public.

The right-hander gave up a two-run home run to pinch-hitter Eric Hinske that cost the Brewers the game in the 11th. He has a whopping 20.25 ERA, 3.00 WHIP and has served up four home runs through three appearances.

Cardinals reliever Joe Kelly took a hit off his pitching hand in the ninth inning of Sunday's 14-3 victory against the Giants. Kelly was checked on the mound and was able to complete the inning.

He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch after the game that he felt some "slight tenderness" but he will not need an X-ray. Kelly is expected to be available for Monday's home opener against the Reds.

Brewers closer John Axford continued his struggles as he could not keep the ball in the park again Sunday afternoon against the Diamondbacks.

Axford entered the game in the 10th inning and retired the side in order. Brewers manager Ron Roenicke elected to stick with Axford in the 11th and the move failed miserably. The right-hander served up a two-run home run to pinch-hitter Eric Hinske to break a 6-all tie.

Axford was charged with two runs on two hits in just one inning of work and was pegged with the loss. He has a whopping 20.25 ERA, 3.00 WHIP and four round-trippers allowed through three appearances. 

Aroldis Chapman earned his second save for the Reds with a scoreless inning Sunday against Washington.

Chapman allowed a hit but struck out two. It was his first hit allowed of the season and has not given up a run. His strikeout was his seventh in four innings as he continues to be one of the nastiest closers (and pitchers in general) in the game.