MLB Player News

Kelly is expected to get occassional save opportunities down the stretch as the Dodgers look to preserve Kenley Jansen with an eye toward the postseason, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said he will give Jansen scheduled days off over the final seven weeks of the season. Kelly and Pedro Baez are the two pitchers expected to get opportunities in the ninth inning when Jansen is unavailable. While Kelly didn't get off to a great start to the year, he has a 1.66 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 32 strikeouts, four wins and one save in 21.2 innings since the start of June.

Jansen will be given more scheduled days off in an effort to prepare him for the playoffs, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Manager Dave Roberts indicated that he has spoken with Jansen about reducing his workload as he tries to right the ship and put an end to his recent struggles. Jansen will retain the closer position but will yield save opportunities on scheduled off days to other relievers, with Joe Kelly and Pedro Baez first in line for such chances. With the Dodgers firmly in control of the National League West, they have plenty of room to tinker with their bullpen as they gear up for another World Series run. This includes taking steps to get Jansen back on track, as he has blown two of his last five save opportunities and has posted a career-worst 3.74 ERA in 45 games this season.

Diaz struck out two but gave up a two-run home run in an inning of relief during Sunday's loss to the Nationals.

The Mets were already down by a run when Diaz took the mound in the ninth inning, but he dug the hole deeper. Manager Mickey Callaway has repeatedly refused to name anyone else as his closer, but he said Sunday that Seth Lugo would be getting regular save chances moving forward, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "I think you always have to be open for adjustments," Callaway said. "The season is going to change. Guys are going to be effective at times, not effective at times. At this point, the sample sizes aren't that small anymore. I believe that guys have earned a right to do something until they haven't." Diaz has definitely un-earned a spot in the ninth inning -- he's managed only one scoreless outing in his last six appearances, and since the beginning of July he has a 7.62 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over 13 innings despite maintaining a 14.5 K/9.

Edwards pitched one inning against Colorado on Sunday, surrendering two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one.

Edwards' debut in San Diego looked a lot like his body of work with the Cubs this season as he opened the ninth inning by issuing a pair of walks before giving up consecutive run-scoring singles. He was able to retire the next three hitters without allowing another run, but his shaky performance is unlikely to inspire much confidence in his new club. Edwards now sports a 6.61 ERA and 1.29 WHIP this season along with an 18:11 K:BB through 16.1 innings.

Ponce de Leon has fired 11 scoreless innings during which he's generated a 19:3 K:BB over his first two outings since returning to Triple-A Memphis on July 31.

As his numbers corroborate, the right-hander has been dominant since his return. but manager Mike Shildt is still looking to see more, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. The Cardinals' skipper emphasized that he needs to see Ponce de Leon string together a longer stretch of similar starts before he's considered for a return to the big-league club, but the 27-year-old is certainly off to a good start in that regard.

Lamet allowed two runs on three hits with three walks and seven strikeouts across five innings during a no-decision against the Rockies on Sunday.

The 27-year-old tossed five shutout frames to start the game, but to begin the sixth, he allowed a single and then a homer to somewhat spoil his great work. Lamet departed immediately after giving up the home run. Still, he owns a 1.50 ERA with 19 strikeouts in his last 12 innings. Lamet, who will pitch next at the Phillies on Saturday, is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 35 innings this season.

Smith (4-0) blew the save but was credited with the win against Philadelphia on Sunday, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings and allowing no hits and two walks while striking out one batter.

Smith entered the game in a sticky situation in the eighth inning, inheriting runners on second and third base with only one out in a one-run game. Despite the blown save, he did well to limit Philadelphia to a single run on a sacrifice fly before intentionally walking Cesar Hernandez and getting Brad Miller to ground out to end the threat. Smith was then allowed to stay in the game for his first major-league at-bat in the bottom of the inning and delivered a two-run single, helping his own cause as he came away with the victory. The 30-year-old now boasts a 2.42 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 73:14 K:BB in 52 innings this season.

Menez did not factor into the decision against Philadelphia on Sunday, pitching 1.2 innings and giving up three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out four.

Menez retired the side in order in the first inning before getting only two outs in a disastrous second frame. He wasn't hit particularly hard -- both base knocks against him were singles, including one that didn't leave the infield -- but he struggled mightily with his control, issuing two walks to the begin the inning and another with the bases loaded to gift Philadelphia a run. Through three major-league starts, Menez now sports a 7.11 ERA and 1.50 WHIP along with a 14:8 K:BB in 12.2 innings. If he is given another start, it is lined up to be in Arizona on Friday.

Strop struck out one and walked one through a scoreless ninth inning to record his 10th save in a 6-3 win over the Reds on Sunday.

Strop allowed a walk, but it was the lone baserunner that would reach as he nailed down his 10th save. With the Cubs dealing with numerous injuries in the bullpen, Strop may get a few save opportunities in the short term. Strop has a 4.85 ERA and a 31:10 K:BB through 34 appearances this season.

Jackson allowed three hits but pitched a scoreless ninth inning to record his 18th save in a 5-4 win over the Marlins.

With a one-run lead, Jackson allowed three hits but worked his way out of it with an outfield assist from Ronald Acuna on the first single of the inning. Despite the arrival of Shane Greene and Mark Melancon via trades and their recent tryouts as closer, Jackson has allowed no runs in his last five appearances and Greene and Jackson's failures, could continue in the role. The righty has a 3.67 ERA through 54 innings this season.