MLB Player News

The Cubs threatened in the ninth inning on Tuesday but Reds closer Aroldis Chapman was able to hold the lead and earn his third save of the year.

With a one-run edge in the ninth, Chapman allowed a single and a walk before striking out the next two hitter to shut the door.

Mets pitchers Bobby Parnell and Vic Black began their rehab assignments Tuesday for Class-A Port St. Lucie to work back from the disabled list, reports ESPN.com.

Parnell worked one scoreless inning, allowing two hits against Brevard County. He touched 93 and 95 mph on his fastball in the inning. Black gave up a solo home run and walked two batters in his inning of work. Both pitchers need to throw on consecutive days before the team will activate them from the disabled list.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle noticed Monday relief pitcher Mark Melancon's velocity was down a bit in his appearance, reports MLB.com. Melancon surrendered three runs on four hits in the ninth inning before finishing off the 5-4 win over the Tigers, but his pitch velocity dropped from an average of 91.8 mph last season to 88.7 mph this season.

"We're going to watch, and we're going to communicate. Concern's not a word that I'm going to use. Disappointed is not a word that I'm going to use," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "I don't think we need to delve deep into emotions. I think you just need to evaluate and have conversations. I think that's one of the best ways to get things done within the clubhouse is when you have a question, you just ask it."

Diamondbacks pitcher Rubby De La Rosa allowed three runs over six innings of work during Monday’s win over the Padres.

De La Rosa picked up the win for his effort. He also struck out five batters and walked one.  He is now 2-0 on the season.

His next start will likely be Saturday at San Francisco.

Braves pitcher Shelby Miller gave up one earned run in five innings of work during Monday night's 3-2 win over the Marlins. 

Miller surrendered three hits during his time in the game. He walked two batters and struck out one. Miller gave up his run in the third inning. He finished the game with a pitch count of 88. 

Miller is off to a good start this season with one earned run in two starts. Through two games, Miller holds an ERA of 0.90. 

His next projected start is Sunday against the Blue Jays. 

The Dodgers have had second thoughts entirely about pitcher Ryan Webb . 

Just a week after acquiring him from the Orioles, the Dodgers have released Webb, according to MLB.com. On Sunday, Webb was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, only to be cut a day later. 

Even though he's no longer with the team, the Dodgers will still have to pay Webb $2.75 million in salary. In six MLB seasons, Webb holds a career 3.83 ERA. He's yet to appear in a game in 2015. 

Pirates pitcher Mark Melancon barely survived the ninth inning Monday in Pittsburgh's 5-4 win over the Tigers. 

Melancon surrendered three consecutive extra-base hits to start the inning, including a two-run home run to J.D. Martinez to make it a 5-4 game. Melancon then forced a double play ball after surrendering another single and finished off the game. 

His ERA ballooned to 9.00 in three innings of work this season.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss said Monday that pitcher LaTroy Hawkins will get "a break" from closing duties, the Denver Post reports.

"We have decided to give 'Hawk a break in that role," manager Walt Weiss said before Monday's game. "We're just trying to give him a little bit of a breather for the time being."

Rafael Betancourt will be in line to get a save opportunity Monday if needed, but the team could also use Adam Ottavino, John Axford or Boone Logan in the role. Ottavino, who the manager cited specifically as one player who would be used in the role, is likely unavailable Monday after pitching Saturday and Sunday but has racked up seven strikeouts in 4 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and one walk.

Axford was signed this offseason as potential insurance in the ninth inning, but he's away from the team due to a family medical emergency. Logan has tossed three perfect innings in three appearaces.

Mark Melancon is the Pirates' closer this season, but he's still waiting for something to close. 

The Pirates are 2-4 to start the season, and the two wins have been by four and eight runs, respectively. That's limited Melancon's opportunities. 

He's appeared twice, entering a tie game on the road to pitch a scoreless tenth inning, and pitching a scoreless ninth to finish off one of the lopside Pirate wins. 

Melancon has allowed one hit and no walks in two innings, while striking out two. 

Padres reliever Joaquin Benoit spent most of spring training preparing to be the team's closer. The plan changed when, right before Opening Day, the Padres traded for Craig Kimbrel. 

Benoit's role has changed to set-up man. He's pitched in four games so far this season, all in the eighth inning. 

After blowing a lead in his first appearance, Benoit has settled down. He's 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and three strikeouts in four innings.