MLB Player News

Lambert allowed eight runs on nine hits with three strikeouts across three innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Padres. He did not walk a batter.

Lambert was hit early and often in this one and surrendered four extra-base hits while allowing runs in each of his three innings. He needed 69 pitches to complete his outing and was lifted prior to the fourth, which is unfortunate considering the Rockies had scored nine runs at the time. Lambert was much better in his first two starts, but he'll face another difficult matchup as he tries to bounce back in his next scheduled appearance on the road Saturday against the Dodgers.

Hader struck out three and did not allow a baserunner across two scoreless innings to earn his 17th save of the season against the Giants.

Hader came on in the eighth inning to protect a two-run lead, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. He came back out for the ninth and made quick work of it, including an out on three consecutive pitches to end the game. Hader continues to rack up saves and strikeouts, making him a top-notch closer for fantasy purposes.

Hudson allowed three runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and three walks across six innings during a no-decision against the Mets on Sunday.

The Cardinals and Mets went back and forth early in this one, but the game was tied when Hudson departed. Hudson allowed three runs in the first three innings, but he settled down to face just one over the minimum during his final three frames. Hudson is now 5-3 with a 3.55 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 78.2 innings this season. He is scheduled to pitch next against the Angels at home Friday.

Kimbrel is scheduled to pitch Tuesday with Triple-A Iowa, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Kimbrel completed his second live batting practice session Saturday to clear the way for his return to game action. The 31-year-old is slated for a few tune-up appearances at Triple-A before officially joining the major-league roster.

Barraclough was placed on the 10-day injured list Sunday with radial nerve irritation in his right forearm.

Barraclough allowed three runs on three hits while recording only one out Saturday, and the forearm issue could help explain his struggles. The 29-year-old currently has no timeline for his return but will be eligible to be activated June 26.

Stephenson (neck) was activated off the 10-day injured list Sunday.

Stephenson landed on the IL with the neck strain at the end of May and made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Louisville to clear the way for his activation. The 26-year-old has a 3.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 35:10 K:BB through 25 innings this season.

Jansen (2-2) took the loss and blew his third save of the season in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Cubs, giving up two runs on one hit in the ninth inning while striking out two.

After hitting Kris Bryant with his first pitch, Jansen then threw a 2-0 cutter to Anthony Rizzo that wound up in the right-field bleachers. The Dodgers closer had converted eight straight save chances prior to Saturday and hadn't allowed a run in over a month, so chalk this one up to just one of those nights. Jansen still boasts a 3.45 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 42:5 K:BB through 28.2 innings on the year.

Strop walked one and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his eighth save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers.

The right-hander has now converted four straight save opportunities, and Strop will continue to hold down the fort as the Cubs' closer until Craig Kimbrel is ready to join the roster -- a move that seems a week or so away from happening.

Jackson (3-2) gave up two unearned runs on two hits in the ninth inning Saturday to blow his sixth save of the season and get saddled with the loss as Atlanta fell 6-5 to the Phillies.

The error that made the runs unearned was his own -- after allowing a leadoff single to Scott Kingery, Jackson threw wide of first base on Sean Rodriguez's sacrifice bunt -- so it's hard to call the blown save undeserved. The right-hander has now botched four of his last eight save opportunities, and with A.J. Minter back and Anthony Swarzak pitching well since his acquisition, Jackson's leash as closer could be very short.

Neris worked a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 15th save of the season in a 6-5 win over Atlanta.

He needed only seven pitches (five strikes) to dispatch the top of Atlanta's order. It was a nice bounceback performance by Neris after he blew his first save of the season Friday, and he now sports a 2.67 ERA and 41:10 K:BB through 30.1 innings.