MLB Player News

Pirates closer Mark Melancon struck out one and needed 15 pitches to close out a perfect ninth inning and a 3-2 victory over the Reds. He has converted all but four of his 30 save chances. He owns a 2.04 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP over 57 1/3 innings of relief.

The Marlins will swap Brad Penny into the rotation in place of Brad Hand Tuesday against the Mets, the team announced Saturday.

Penny made two starts for the Marlins before he was moved to the bullpen. He has a 5.40 ERA in 13 1/3 innings overall, while Hand has dropped his last four decisions while his ERA has risen to 4.71 overall. 

Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson will make his return to the majors Tuesday or Wednesday in San Diego, manager Kirk Gibson told reporters Saturday.

Hudson, who has not pitched in the majors since 2012, will come out of the bullpen after he is recalled when rosters expand. He will be working on a 25-30 pitch limit for the time being, and it is not clear if he is expected to start at any point in the season's final month.

The Brewers sent pitcher Jimmy Nelson down to Class A Brevard County Saturday, to clear a spot on the active roster.

Nelson is expected back in time for his start against the Cubs Monday, with rosters expanding. He has a 4.10 ERA in 52 2/3 innings for the season. 

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller turned in a strong start Friday against the Cubs.

Miller allowed two runs on four hits over seven innings. He struck out three and walked two during the outing. Home runs proved to be the main issue for Miller. In the second, he allowed a solo shot against Luis Valbuena. He was able to settle in over the next four innings, not allowing a run. That streak was erased in the seventh, when Jorge Soler led off the inning with a solo blast. Miller wound up throwing 93 pitches during the outing. 

Miller left with the game tied, picking up the no-decision. He’ll take on the Pirates in his next start. 

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel saved his 40th game Friday.

Kimbrel entered the game with a three-run lead, and managed to shut the door. After giving up a single against the leadoff hitter, Kimbrel was able to erase that runner on a double-play. He induced a foulout to finish the game. 

Pirates closer Mark Melancon picked up his 25th save Friday against the Reds.

Melancon entered the game with a one-run lead, and managed to shut the door. He pitched a perfect inning, striking out one hitter. He threw 12 pitches, nine of which were strikes. Melancon lowered his ERA to 2.08 following the appearance. 

The Diamondbacks are set to bring back some of their injured players once rosters expand, according to FoxSports.

Outfielder A.J. Pollock, shortstop Chris Owings and starter Daniel Hudson should be back with the team September 1. Pollock has been out since late May with a hand issue. Owings has been dealing with a should injury. Hudson is coming back following Tommy John surgery.

Mets pitcher Vic Black was placed on the disabled list Thursday.

Black received an injection in his neck in order to treat bone spurs. He'll need some time to recover following the injection. Black posted a 2.20 ERA over 32 2/3 innings. 

Mets pitcher Josh Edgin could be available Thursday, according to MetsBlog.

Edgin is dealing with bone spurs and hasn't pitched since August 23. He's posted a 1.40 ERA over 25 2/3 innings.