MLB Player News

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel was a bit wild Tuesday against the Royals, but he managed to pitch out of a bases-loaded jam to close out a 4-3 win.

Kimbrel walked the first batter he faced and allowed a single right after, putting the tying run at third base with no out. He struck out the next two batters and intentionally walked Alex Gordon, before getting Alcides Escobar to fly out to end the game. Kimbrel threw 12 of 23 pitches for strikes en route to his 22nd save of the season.

Kimbrel is 22 for 25 in save chances, with a 1.53 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. 

The Cardinals are expected to use pitcher Joe Kelly in the bullpen as a long reliever until his July 6 start, according to MLB.com. Kelly is 0-3 with a 4.22 ERA in 21 appearances (one start). He has not pitched since June 21.

"Being the long guy out of the 'pen, my arm's ready to go for all situations," Kelly said, per MLB.com. "When the off-days are over, I'll be ready then, too. It's ultimately the skipper and GM's decision, but it's exciting to have at least the opportunity."

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out the side to record his fifth save Monday against San Francisco.

Jansen was nasty as ever, throwing 12 strikes in 16 pitches as he carved up the Giants in the ninth to finish the game. He owns a 2.37 ERA and should be able to secure the closer's role away from Brandon League for good with just a few more appearances like this one.

The Padres have recalled relief pitcher Tommy Layne from Triple-A Tucson, MLB.com reports.

Layne, 28, has experienced short major league stints over the last two seasons. Overall he owns a 2.82 ERA in 32 games with 29 strikeouts against three walks. He has spent most of the season with Tucson, where he owns a 4.03 ERA and 1.14 K/BB.

Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen earned his fourth save Sunday against the Padres.

Jansen worked his way around a two-out single as he struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning to preserve a 3-1 win. He has allowed one run over his last 14 2/3 innings. He has a 2.43 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP on the year.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman endured another shaky outing but escaped with his 19th save Sunday against the Diamondbacks. 

Chapman, who entered the game in the ninth with a three-run lead, surrendered a run-scoring single to pinch-hitter Wil Nieves in the ninth and was charged with the run on two hits in an inning of a 4-2 win.  

Chapman has converted 19 of 22 save opportunities. He has allowed three runs over his last two appearances (one inning). The right-hander has a 2.73 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP in 36 appearances.

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel pitched another perfect ninth inning as he struck out two to earn the save in Sunday's 7-4 win over the Brewers.

Kimbrel is second in the National League with 21 saves -- in 24 chances -- and has a 1.59 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in 29 appearances.

The Padres optioned pitcher Brad Boxberger to Triple-A Tuscon Sunday. He allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two in 1 1/3 innings Saturday night against the Dodgers after being recalled earlier in the day.

Boxberger is 0-1 with a 4.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB ratio in nine innings with the Padres.

The Padres optioned pitcher Anthony Bass to Triple-A Tuscon Sunday. He pitched two scoreless innings against the Dodgers Saturday night after being recalled earlier in the day.

Bass has a 4.28 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 24:13 K:BB ratio in 33 2/3 innings with the Padres.

Pirates pitcher Jeanmar Gomez remains on track to return Wednesday against the Mariners after throwing a bullpen session and feeling good Sunday. He is on the 15-day disabled list with a forearm strain.