MLB Player News

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman earned his 11th saveFriday night against the Cubs. He worked around a leadoff single and a walk as he struck out three to secure a 7-4 victory.

Chapman has not allowed a run in his last three appearances and has converted 11 of 13 save opportunities.

The Padres recalled reliever Tom Layne from Triple-A Tucson Friday to take the open spot on the roster created when Burch Smith was optioned.

Layne pitched in 26 games for the Padres last season, with a 3.24 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. He had a 4.00 ERA at Triple-A before being called up.  

Pirates starting pitcher Jeanmar Gomez continued to throw the ball well Thursday, but rain kept him from a chance to win against the Cubs.

Gomez held the Cubs to just one run on three hits, but his outing ended after just 56 pitches, thanks to a one hour, 47-minute rain delay. The Pirates won, 4-2.

Gomez struck out two batters and walked none, while racking up nine groundball outs and just one fly ball in 3 2/3 innings. Gomez has a 2.75 ERA in 36 innings, and is expected to make his next start Tuesday against the Tigers. 

As he showed Wednesday against the Cubs, Pirates reliever Mark Melancon is fully capable of stepping into a high-pressure situation in the ninth inning. And, as he told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Thursday, Melancon relishes the opportunity.

"It's so much fun to be out there, closing out the game," Melancon said. "It's my favorite thing."

Melancon has been lights-out as a set up man this season, allowing just one run in his last 17 appearances, and the team clearly feels comfortable with him as a possible backup in case Jason Grilli falters.

"I love the fact that Mark's been battle tested," Hurdle said. "He's had some good opportunities, including some that have not worked out well. He's dealt with adversity. Those have become strengths for him. He is in a good place, personally and professionally. He's taking care of today and what opportunities he has today. Who knows what the rest of this season will provide?"

Melancon had 20 saves in 2011 for the Astros, but just one in each of the last two seasons. 

After throwing 34 pitches Tuesday, the Pirates did not have closer Jason Grilli available Wednesday against the Cubs. With a 2-1 lead heading into the ninth, they turned to a reliever who has been almost as dominant as Grilli this season, Mark Melancon.

Melancon, who entered the game with 16 holds, earned his first save despite allowing the winning run to reach base with one out. But two pop flies to second base to end the threat and the game.

Melancon allowed a hit and struck out one batter, who reached based on a wild pitch. He needed 22 pitches to finish the save.

Melancon has an 0.72 ERA in 25 appearances, with 26 strikeouts and a walk in 25 innings.

Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton is expected back from the disabled list early in June, which could cost Jeanmar Gomez his spot in the rotation, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Manager Clint Hurdle said the team does expect Morton to be in the rotation once his rehab assignment is over.

"We won't have to worry about that for another 10 days," Hurdle said. "We all believe that starting is Charlie's niche right now."

Gomez has a 2.78 ERA and has allowed six runs in 18 2/3 innings in four starts. 

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman recorded his 10th save Wednesday against the Mets.

Chapman allowed a hit but struck out two. He now has an absurd 34 strikeouts in 21 innings. The outing lowered his ERA to an even 3.00.

Colleague Al Melchior's interpretation of Dodgers manager Don Mattingly's comments Tuesday about not wanting to anoint a closer? "It's Jansen."

That's what he said in between segments on Wednesday's Fantasy Baseball Today -- referring, of course, to Kenley Jansen -- and I can't disagree.

If Mattingly is declaring an open competition for the role, which is how I read it, then Jansen shouldn't have much trouble delivering the decisive blow to Brandon League. His meltdowns over the weekend have created some suspense, but in the end, he'll prove to be the more effective reliever.

And if his performance as a closer last year counts for anything, he might end up being a top-five reliever the rest of the way.

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said during a television interview Tuesday starting pitcher prospect Rafael Montero is on the radar as a player who could get promoted to the majors this season, according to the New York Post.

Montero, who was recently promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas from Double-A Binghamton, is 4-4 with a 3.38 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in nine starts. He also has struck out 59 batters and walked just seven in 53 1/3 innings.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel pitched in a rare non-save appearance Tuesday, as he took the mound in a 4-4 tie in the 10th inning against the Twins.

Kimbrel set the Twins down without much drama, though he did hit Tyler Plouffe with a pitch with one out. He retired the next two batters easily, needing just 14 pitches to finish the inning. He struck out one batter and picked up a pair of groundball outs.

The Braves would go on to score in the bottom of the 10th, giving Kimbrel his first win of the season, 5-4. He now has a 2.45 ERA in 19 appearance, just two of which have not come in a save situation.