MLB Player News

Melancon allowed one hit and struck out one across one inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Brewers.

Melancon was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the 10th inning. With a runner starting on second, he surrendered a leadoff single. However, he went on to retire the next three batters he faced to record his league-leading 17th save of the campaign. Though he doesn't possess the typical velocity and strikeout upside of an elite closer, Melancon has maintained an exceptional 0.81 ERA and has yet to blow a save opportunity this season.

Kimbrel worked around a hit during a scoreless ninth inning to record a save in Wednesday's win over the Pirates. He struck out two.

Kimbrel picked up his second save in as many nights, and he now has 11 this season in 13 chances. The veteran reliever has been dominant with a 0.86 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in 21 innings this season. He may have come into the year as a question mark given his struggles the last two seasons, but Kimbrel has entrenched himself as the Chicago closer and should have pretty good job security from here on out.

Hoffman exited Wednesday's start against the Nationals with right shoulder soreness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 28-year-old struggled with his command Wednesday and issued five walks before being lifted with the injury after 1.1 innings. Hoffman's availability for his next turn through the rotation is in question due to the injury.

Hoffman was removed from Wednesday's start against the Nationals with an apparent injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 28-year-old threw only 20 of 46 pitches for strikes while walking five batters over 1.1 innings before exiting with the athletic trainer. It's unclear if the unspecified injury will affect Hoffman's next turn through the rotation.

The Cubs activated Miller from the 10-day injured list Wednesday and designated him for assignment, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Despite having pitched only two innings this season, Miller and his astronomical 31.50 ERA no longer have a place on the Cubs' pitching staff, which has improved significantly since the veteran landed on the injured list April 23. The righty has not pitched well the past three seasons, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see a pitching-needy team add him to provide innings out of the bullpen.

Martin wasn't available to pitch Tuesday due to side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Manager Brian Snitker didn't sound too concerned about Martin's status following Tuesday's game but said that the right-hander wasn't available. It's not yet clear whether Martin will be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale against Boston.

Hildenberger was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento after clearing waivers Wednesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Hildenberger was claimed off waivers by the Giants on May 18 but was designated for assignment Friday. He'll now head to the minors to serve as organizational depth going forward.

Mears was recalled by the Pirates on Wednesday.

Mears began the 2021 campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis after he was sent down in mid-March. He made four relief appearances in the minors and allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out seven in 3.2 innings. Mears should serve mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors.

Rainey (COVID-19 protocols) threw an extended bullpen session Wednesday, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Rainey had been on the COVID-19 injured list since May 19, but he was cleared to return to the team's clubhouse Tuesday. Manager Dave Martinez said that Rainey will be reinstated from the injured list Thursday if the right-hander continues to feel good following his throwing session.

Loup has been charged with a run in four of his last seven appearances and sports a 5.40 ERA and 1.95 WHIP through 6.2 innings in May.

The veteran reliever didn't allow an earned run in April, but he hasn't been as successful since the calendar flipped. Loup remains the top lefty in the Mets' bullpen though, and he has one win, four holds, a 3.00 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and a 13:2 K:BB through 12 innings across 16 appearances.