MLB Player News

Kiekhefer was recalled from Triple-A on Wednesday to serve as the 26th man for Wednesday's doubleheader against the Padres.

He will likely be sent back to Triple-A after serving as an extra bullpen arm for Wednesday's games. Kiekhefer was pretty filthy in the Arizona Fall League last year, but that success has not translated to Triple-A or the big leagues this year. He has 14 strikeouts in 25.2 innings at Triple-A and a 5.73 ERA in 11 big league innings in 2016.

Hernandez (1-3) gave up the go-ahead run and took the loss Tuesday against the Marlins after entering the game tied in the 10th inning following a scoreless ninth by closer Jeanmar Gomez.

With trade rumors surrounding current closer Jeanmar Gomez, Hernandez's didn't do himself any favors Tuesday in vying for a potential Phillies closer role should Gomez in fact get traded before the deadline. His 4.43 ERA and 1.46 WHIP are less than stellar, although teammate Hector Neris is just 1-for-3 in save opportunities this season despite a superior 2.70 ERA.

Robles tossed a scoreless seventh and eighth inning to pick up the victory in the Mets' 2-1 win over the Cubs on Tuesday.

Robles has been lights-out since June 2, posting a 1.99 ERA, lowering his mark to 2.76 on the season. Manager Terry Collins uses his bullpen extensively and Robles has earned a substantial amount of trust since his call up last season with his fine performance.

Lopez (0-1) lasted just 4.2 innings in his first major league start Tuesday, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits while striking out nine and walking just one in an 8-4 loss to the Dodgers

Lopez's debut was hotly anticipated after tearing up the minors this season, but ended up disappointing. The nine strikeouts are encouraging to see from the young right-hander, but he seems unlikely to see many if any more major league starts this season given Tuesday's performance and the presence of top prospect Lucas Giolito and stalwart starter Joe Ross, who has been on the DL with a shoulder injury. Lopez had struck out an impressive 109 batters between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse this season, so the strikeouts seem legit. Despite the poor first outing, the future remains bright for Lopez regardless of where he pitches the remainder of this season.

Gearrin (shoulder) threw a bullpen session at the team's spring training complex Tuesday, CSN Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic reports.

It is unclear when he will be able to come off the DL, but for now it sounds like he is progressing in his rehab. Gearrin will offer relief in the middle innings for the Giants once he is healthy.

Melancon (1-1) blew his third save of the season Tuesday, but earned a win as he was bailed out in the bottom of the ninth by a Josh Harrison triple and a subsequent throwing error by Scooter Gannett to score Harrison and win the game 3-2.

After entering the game with a 2-1 lead in the top of the ninth, Melancon quickly allowed two baserunners with a walk and a single, and nearly got out of the jam before Hernan Perez knocked a single up the middle to tie the game. Hardly a major implosion, fantasy owners will be happy for Melancon's first win of the season. There has been little to complain about with Melancon this season, who has been one of the game's most consistent closers with a paltry 1.63 ERA.

Lopez was officially recalled to start Tuesday's game against the Dodgers.

The move was announced Sunday, but the Nats opted to wait until Tuesday afternoon to officially add Lopez to the Major League roster. The 22-year-old has fared well at both Double and Triple-A this season and Tuesday will mark his MLB debut. It's unclear how long he'll remain with the Nationals, though, as Joe Ross (shoulder) is expected back within the next two or three weeks.

Barraclough picked up the win Monday against the Phillies, striking out one and walking one over a scoreless 10th inning.

The reliever moved his record to 6-2 on the year to go along with 18 holds and a tidy 3.03 ERA. Barraclough holds dominating strikeout ability (14.9 K/9) but also struggles with command (6.1 BB/9). He has, however, shown improved control of late, walking just two batters in his past nine innings pitched. As he continues to refine his control, Barraclogh will be exposed to higher leverage situations for the contending Marlins.

Estevez picked up his sixth save as he worked around a walk for a scoreless ninth inning Monday against the Rays.

Estevez is now six-for-seven since moving into the closer's role June 11 with a solid 15:5 K:BB in 14 innings. He'll have to be tighter with his control or he's bound to get burned by Coors Field sooner rather than later, but closing in Colorado is a difficult task and he has taken to it well in the early going.

Gomez blew the save Monday, allowing two runs via three hits and a walk in the ninth inning against the Marlins.

Gomez hadn't allowed a run since June 23 before Monday's dud. The surprise closer has been sensational for the Phillies, converting 25 of his 28 save chances. Gomez has a 2.89 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, but has struck out just 18 in 43.2 innings this season, which has to raise questions about the sustainability of this success.