MLB Player News

Stanek allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk Sunday, striking out two and blowing the save opportunity in the loss to Colorado.

Stanek had a 3.40 ERA with the Rays before being traded to Miami; since then, he's coughed up six runs (five earned) in 4.2 innings. Sunday was the first save chance he's gotten this season, and he didn't exactly warrant more looks in the near future.

Melancon struck out one through a hitless and scoreless inning to record his fourth save in a 5-3 win over the Dodgers on Sunday.

Melancon made quick work of the Dodgers to nail down his fourth save, his second of the series, and he now has a save in three of his last five appearances. The Atlanta closer situation is still a committee, but Shane Greene pitched in the eighth inning of this contest, so it will be interesting to watch how they are used going forward.

The Cubs optioned Underwood to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday.

He was sent out to the farm to clear a spot on the active roster for closer Craig Kimbrel (knee), who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in a corresponding move. Underwood gave up one run and struck out seven over 3.1 innings across three appearances during his stint with Chicago, his first during the 2019 campaign.

The Cubs reinstated Kimbrel (knee) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Sidelined since Aug. 3 with right knee inflammation, Kimbrel ended up missing just two weeks and was cleared to return from the IL without requiring a minor-league rehab assignment beforehand. The Cubs are expected to immediately reinstall him as the team's closer after taking a committee approach to save situations while he was sidelined.

Beede will stick in the rotation for Tuesday's start against the Cubs, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manager Bruce Bochy said, "it's our job to get him over the hump." Beede has surrendered 22 earned runs in 23.1 innings over his last five starts. Shaun Anderson (blister) could bump Beede from the rotation if the righty's struggles continue.

Rodney will be part of a closer-by-committee situation while Sean Doolittle (knee) is on the 10-day injured list, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Doolittle is not expected to be sidelined for long. Manager Dave Martinez said he will play matchups in the ninth inning while he is without his closer. Rodney, Daniel Hudson and Hunter Strickland are options to close while Doolittle is out.

Hudson will be part of a closer-by-committee situation while Sean Doolittle (knee) is on the 10-day injured list, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

Doolittle was placed on the IL with knee tendinitis and is not expected to be sidelined long. While he is out, Hudson, Hunter Strickland and Fernando Rodney will be the top options for saves. Manager Dave Martinez says he will play the matchups in the ninth inning.

Jackson was recalled from Triple-A San Antonio prior to Sunday's game against the Nationals.

The Brewers used 10 pitchers in Saturday's 14-inning win against the Nationals, so they needed reinforcements. Jackson should work in low-to-mid-leverage situations.

Sborz was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Sborz did not pitch during his most recent stint in the majors and has given up six runs in three innings with the Dodgers this season. He should return when rosters expand in September.

Clarke (4-4) allowed five runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over 1.2 innings, striking out one and taking the loss Saturday against the Giants.

Clarke retired the Giants in order in the first inning but quickly loaded the bases in the second and allowed a grand slam to Brandon Belt. He was done for the game after an Evan Longoria sacrifice fly made it 5-2, lasting just 53 pitches in the appearance. Clarke now has a 5.74 ERA and 1.48 WHIP with 49 strikeouts over 64.1 innings this season. After a lackluster performance, Clarke may not receive another turn in the rotation in place of Robbie Ray (back).