MLB Player News

Smith picked up the save with a spotless ninth inning against Colorado on Tuesday, striking out two.

Smith was called upon to protect a two-run lead and once again delivered, needing only 11 pitches to set down the middle of Colorado's lineup in order. That makes 21 straight save conversions to begin the year for Smith, who now owns a 1.95 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 13.6 K/9. He remains a prime candidate to be traded, however, which could potentially move him to a setup role.

Jansen posted his 23rd save of the season, striking out one and allowing one hit during the ninth inning of a 3-2 victory against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

The veteran closer had to work to earn this save, as he threw 27 pitches, but Jansen has now saved 11 of his last 12 opportunities. During that stretch, he owns a 1.65 ERA. Jansen has registered 23 saves with a 3.21 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 45 strikeouts in 33.2 innings this season.

Neris delivered 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save Tuesday against the Mets. He had two strikeouts and allowed one hit and one walk.

Neris recorded the final out of the eighth inning with the tying run on second base, and he also escaped in the ninth with the tying run on first after giving up a double and a walk. The 30-year-old is 16-for-17 in save opportunities this season and has a 2.48 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 45:11 K:BB through 32.2 innings.

Alzolay allowed one earned run on one hit and four walks while striking out four across 4.2 innings Tuesday against the Cubs. He did not factor into the decision.

Alzolay allowed a home run to Ronald Acuna on his first pitch of the contest, the only hit he surrendered throughout his start. He was dominant through four innings thereafter, allowing only one baserunner who reached via a free pass. However, things fell apart in the fifth frame as he walked three of the five batters he faced, including opposing pitcher Max Fried, prior to being pulled. Alzolay didn't show significant issues with his control during his time in the minor leagues, though he now has issued six walks in 8.2 innings of work through two major-league appearances. He'll look to improve that in his next outing, currently scheduled to be a start at Pittsburgh on Monday.

Jackson didn't allow a baserunner while striking out two to earn the save Tuesday against the Cubs.

Jackson sat the Cubs down in order, highlighted by consecutive swinging strikeouts to end the game. It was his 12th save of the season and his second consecutive successful conversion. However, he has still allowed seven runs (four earned) to cross the plate in the month of June. He remains the Braves' primary closer, but will have to continue to improve his performance to fend off the likes of Anthony Swarzak and A.J. Minter.

Kimbrel could join the Cubs during their current homestand, which lasts through Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kimbrel completed his fourth appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, recording a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts. The veteran reliever has allowed just one run through 3.2 innings in the minors with four strikeouts, and Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Kimbrel could potentially join the team before the conclusion of its current homestand, or early on its upcoming road trip. It's unclear if Kimbrel will immediately step into Chicago's closer role, but he should get there soon enough.

Burdi (biceps) underwent surgery to relieve symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome Tuesday and will miss the rest of the 2019 season.

Burdi was already on the 60-day injured list due to a right biceps strain and resumed throwing earlier in June, but he'll now miss the remainder of the season after the surgery. The 26-year-old is expected to be fully cleared for baseball activities by spring training.

Alexander (forearm) will face hitters at the Dodgers' spring training facility this week in preparation for a rehab assignment, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said last week that Alexander could begin a rehab stint next week, and that now appears to be coming to fruition a bit behind schedule. The 29-year-old has been on the injured list since June 11 with forearm inflammation and has a 3.63 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 9:7 K:BB over 17.1 innings this season.

Richards (3-8) took the loss Tuesday, coughing up six runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings while striking out three as the Marlins were downed 6-1 by the Nationals.

The right-hander was tagged for three runs in the third inning and then three more in the fourth, putting Miami in a hole it wasn't going to climb out of against a locked-in Max Scherzer. Richards will take a 3.94 ERA and 80:38 K:BB through 89 innings into his next start Sunday, at home against the Phillies.

Lamet (elbow) will make another rehab start Friday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet is nearly finished with the long process of recovering from last April's Tommy John surgery. His 30-day rehab window is nearly up, so he'll have a good shot to make an appearance in San Diego before the All-Star break.