MLB Player News

Pirates relief pitcher Jeanmar Gomez needed only 13 pitches to retire the side in order to secure a 6-5 win and his first save of the season Saturday night against the Reds in Cincinnati. Gomez owns a 3.45 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP over 44 1/3 innings of relief. 

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson took a loss Saturday after surrendering eight runs (six earned) on eight hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings and striking out five in his team's 10-2 defeat against the Cardinals.

Nelson (1-1) tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings to get a win in his season debut in late May, and after an excellent stretch in the minors, the team decided to replace Marco Estrada in the rotation. It didn't work out Saturday, as Nelson surrendered three runs in the first inning, two on a home run in the second, one in the third and two more in the fifth. The team may decide to send him back to the minors to start on regular rest before bringing him back after the break.

Mets pitcher Vic Black picked up a win Saturday, giving up one hit and one walk in a scoreless eighth inning in his team's 5-4 victory over the Marlins.

Black (2-2) only threw six of his 14 pitches for strikes, but he was able to turn in his fourth straight scoreless outing before his team took the lead in the top of the ninth. He owns a 1.69 ERA and 22:12 K:BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings.

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly was smashed in his first outing off the disabled list Friday.

Kelly lasted just three innings, giving up six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out three during the outing. Kelly immediately found himself in trouble. He hit Carlos Gomez to open the game, and then proceeded to put the next two hitters on base. Aramis Ramirez managed to drive in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly, and Khris Davis opened things up with a two-run double. After another walk, Kelly managed to get out of the inning. 

The second inning offered no relief. Kelly allowed the first two runners to reach base, and then gave up a triple to Scooter Gennett, clearing the bases. With two outs, Ryan Braun also tripled, driving in the third run of the inning. Kelly actually pitched a scoreless third inning, but was pulled after he reached his pitch count. He threw 78 pitches during the outing. 

The Cardinals managed to battle back, giving Kelly the no-decision. His next start will likely be scheduled shortly after the All-Star break.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman dominated in the late innings again Friday.

Chapman entered the game with a one run lead and nailed down the save. He pitched a perfect inning of work, striking out all three hitters he faced. Chapman wound up throwing 14 pitches, 11 of which were strikes. He recorded his 20th save of the year. 

The Cardinals officially activated pitcher Joe Kelly from the disabled list Friday, after his recovery from a hamstring injury was completed.

Kelly has not pitched in the majors since suffering the injury in mid-April, but is set to start Friday against the Brewers. He finished his minor-league rehab assignment having allowed three runs in 10 1/3 innings for Triple-A Memphis.

Mets reliever Carlos Torres returned to action Thursday against the Braves.

Torres pitched a scoreless ninth for the club. He did not give up any hits, though he did walk a batter. Torres did not record a strikeout during the outing. He had been sidelined for a few days while dealing with a hand injury. 

Braves reliever Craig Kimbrel notched his 28th save Thursday against the Mets.

Kimbrel was called upon for the four out save. With two men on in the eighth inning, Fredi Gonzalez went to Kimbrel to get out of the jam. He struck out Kirk Nieuwenhuis to end the inning. Kimbrel then came out for the ninth. He pitched a perfect frame, but did not pick up any additional strikeouts. Kimbrel's ERA sits at 1.96 on the year. 

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller had a rough start Thursday against the Pirates.

Miller allowed four runs on five hits over five innings. He had issues with his command, walking four hitters. He struck out just one during the outing. After Russell Martin notched a run against Miller in the first, he seemed to settle in for a few innings. In the fifth, however, he ran into trouble. Miller walked two hitters early, and wouldn’t get out of the inning unscathed. With two outs, Andrew McCutchen singled in a run and Neil Walker doubled home two runs. Miller issued another walk before finally getting out of the inning. He threw 92 pitches during the start. 

The loss dropped Miller to 7-8 on the year. His next start is undetermined at this point due to the upcoming All-Star Game. 

Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson will start Saturday against the Cardinals.

Nelson was called up Thursday after the team placed Wei-Chung Wang on the disabled list. Nelson will take Marco Estrada's spot in the team's rotation. Estrada will shift to the bullpen. Nelson has a 1.46 ERA over 111 innings in Triple-A.