MLB Player News

The Giants optioned reliever George Kontos to Triple-A Fresno Tuesday. Kontos was 2-2 with a 5.05 ERA in 42 relief appearances for San Francisco.

The Pirates recalled reliever Vic Black from Triple-A Indianapolis Tuesday. Black was 1-2 with a 2.31 ERA and .161 opponents' batting average in 29 relief outings for Indianapolis.

Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller returns to the hill Tuesday against the Phillies for his first start since July 10. Due to the All-Star break, Miller got a little extra rest as he is facing an innings limit in 2013.

"If you look at it, it's pretty smart," Miller said. "I don't know innings-wise, but the most I've thrown hasn't been a ton in my career. I'm over 100 now and I'm trying to get to 180 or so this year not including whatever we do in the postseason, so I think it's just more precautionary and a smart play."

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny added Miller is eager to get back on the hill.

"I think we've all been very clear about having Shelby get as much time as he can and trying to be smart with a young player," Matheny said. "He's chomping at the bit to get back out there and that's the way it should be."

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson seems hesitant to promote starting pitcher prospect Rafael Montero for Friday's doubleheader against the Nationals. 

"[He] was in the conversation, [but] he doesn’t have to be put on the roster until 2015," Alderson said. "He hasn’t pitched exceptionally well at Las Vegas the last two or three times out."

Rockies starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz had another disappointing outing Monday, losing a fourth-straight start to the offensively-challenged Marlins. Pomeranz, who is 0-4 with an 8.10 ERA, could soon lose his spot in the team's rotation, according to The Denver Post.

"We'll see. We have to have quality starts. We know Drew is capable of doing it," said Rockies manager Walt Weiss, when asked if the Rockies could exercise any more patience with Pomeranz. "We have to get him right."

No one seems more frustrated than Pomeranz, who is former top 100 prospect.

"I think I know what I am doing wrong. It's about not walking guys and getting in better counts," said Pomeranz, who has more walks (18) than innings pitched (16 2/3 innings). "I am overthinking it."

Back from Double-A Tulsa and looking to lock down a rotation spot, Rockies starter Drew Pomeranz didn't put his best foot forward Monday against Miami.

With the Marlins being unable to score against anyone in the second half of the season, it was not impressive that Pomeranz allowed three earned runs on five hits and four walks over just 4 1/3 innings in a loss. He dropped to 0-4 on the year with an ugly 8.10 ERA. He struck out two and threw 78 pitches.

Pomeranz, who has been working on adding a slider to his pitching arsenal, continues to struggle. For now, he's scheduled to make his next start Saturday against Milwaukee.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel earned his 28th save Monday in a 2-1 win at the Mets. Kimbrel got a great diving play from Jason Heyward to finish the game. 

Kimbrel walked one and struck out two without allowing a hit over 28 pitches. He lowered his EAR to 1.45.

Kimbrel has earned saves in five straight appearances dating to July 9 at Miami. He has three blown saves.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Monday the team isn't "ignoring" starting pitcher prospect Rafael Montero, who isn't on the 40-man roster, as an option for the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Nationals, according to The Bergen Record. Montero has gone 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in eight starts since being promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Rockies starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz is back from Double-A Tulsa to start Monday's game against the Marlins. Pomeranz, who is 0-3 with a 8.76 ERA in three starts, is hoping to lock down the final spot in the team's rotation.

"I just have to be able get ahead of hitters and command my pitches," he said, per The Denver Post. "If I can do that, I know I can pitch up here."

Pomeranz is working on adding a slider to his repertoire to use against right-hander hitters, but it's hardly a finished product.

"He'll throw some sliders, but I don't know if it'll be a big factor -- it's a pitch that's just been introduced to him," manager Walt Weiss said. "I don't think he'll rely on it heavily. Hopefully, in time, that will become a nice weapon for him."

Pedro Strop would be "one of the higher candidates" to close should the Cubs choose to trade Kevin Gregg, manager Dale Sveum told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Strop posted a brutal 7.25 ERA with Baltimore but hasn't allowed a run in eight appearances for Chicago. He excelled in a set-up role for Baltimore last year, as he posted a 2.44 ERA in 66 1/3 innings.