MLB Player News

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen earned his 31st save Tuesday by recording the final four outs of his team's 8-4 win over the Braves.

Jansen came on with two on and two outs in the top of eighth inning and retired the first batter he faced on just two pitches. His offense extended the lead in the bottom of the eighth, and Jansen took it from there, striking out two batters in the ninth while allowing one hit and one walk. He owns a 3.14 ERA and 68:13 K:BB ratio in 43 innings.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon secured his 20th save Tuesday, giving up one hit and striking out two in his team's 3-1 win over the Giants.

Melancon has given up just one run in eight innings in July. He continues to show excellent control, with his last free pass coming on June 13. Melancon owns a 2.12 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 44:6 K:BB ratio in 46 2/3 innings.

Brewers pitcher Will Smith was stuck with a loss Tuesday after giving up four earned runs on two hits and three walks in one-third of an inning in his team's 5-1 defeat against the Rays.

The only out Smith (1-3) was able to record was on a sacrifice after the leadoff man reached base via a walk. Two doubles brought home two runs, and Smith walked the bases loaded before being removed. He owns a 3.72 ERA and 65:24 K:BB ratio in 48 1/3 innings.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman picked up his 23rd save Tuesday, striking out one during a 1-2-3 inning to close out his team's 3-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Chapman has managed to record at least one strikeout in each of his 33 outings this season, helping him post a blistering 67:11 K:BB ratio in 33 1/3 innings. He owns a 2.16 ERA and 0.78 WHIP and has converted 92 percent of his save opportunities.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel left no doubt about his dominance Monday against San Diego. He not only retired the Padres in order to close out a victory, but he struck out the side in the process.

Kimbrel is now tied with St. Louis closer Trevor Rosenthal for the major league lead in saves with 32. He has allowed just one earned run in 13 appearances since June 20.

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen locked down his 30th save Sunday against the Giants. 

Jansen entered the ninth with a one-run lead. He responded to the pressure, tossing a perfect inning of work and striking out all three batters he faced. Jansen lowered his ERA to 3.24 with the appearance. 

Pirates closer Mark Melancon picked up his 19th save Sunday.

Melancon entered with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. He made quick work of the Rockies, notching two strikeouts over his inning of work. Melancon lowered his ERA to 2.17 following the outing. 

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson made one mistake Sunday and paid for it.

Nelson allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings of work. He struck out six and walked two. It was actually a pretty fantastic start for Nelson. He tossed five scoreless innings before making one big mistake in the sixth. With one man on, Nelson gave up a two-run shot on an 88 mph slider to Lucas Duda. He composed himself after that at-bat, and was able to throw a scoreless seventh.

With the loss, Nelson fell to 1-2 on the year. His next start will come against the Cardinals. 

The Giants optioned pitcher George Kontos to Triple-A Fresno after Saturday's game to clear a roster spot for Sunday starter Jake Peavy. Kontos has made 14 appearances with the Giants, going 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA and 21:8 K:BB ratio in 21 innings.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel picked up his 31st save Saturday, striking out the side to finish off his team's 5-3 win over the Padres.

Kimbrel took a loss in his last outing while giving up his first earned run since June 20, but he has still managed to rack up nine strikeouts in four innings over his last four appearances. Kimbrel has managed to strike out the side in a perfect inning seven times this season. He owns a 1.94 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 71:17 K:BB ratio in 41 2/3 innings.