MLB Player News

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said he "likes what we're doing" with reliever John Axford, indicating he'll remain in an eighth-inning role rather that close in the wake of Jim Henderson's injury, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Axford has a 6.66 ERA but just a 3.18 mark with a 2.7 K/BB since his fifth appearance of the year. Although Roenicke was non-commital, it seems Francisco Rodriguez, who saved Saturday's game against Pittsburgh, is the most likely choice to close.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman threw a perfect ninth inning for his 12th save and fourth in a row Saturday against the Cubs.

Chapman struck out two on 13 pitches, his fourth outing in a row with multiple strikeouts. Chapman has allowed two hits and a walk in four innings since he blew back-to-back saves.

Chapman has 12 saves in 14 opportunities, with a 2.74 ERA in 25 appearances. He has 39 strikeouts and 10 walks in 23 innings. 

Braves closer Craig Kimbrel earned his 15th save Saturday in the continuation of Friday's suspended game against the Mets. Kimbrel hit the first batter and then allowed a single before inducing a pop-up and a double-play grounder.

Kimbrel, who has a 2.33 ERA, threw 17 pitches, so the Braves may not want to push him by using him in the regularly scheduled game Saturday night.

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, will pitch in another extended spring game Wednesday.

Barring any setbacks, Hudson could be nearing the start of his minor-league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. He is expected to return at some point near the All-Star break.

"Just depends on how I bounce back," Hudson said. "It's just day by day at this point. Just see how I feel and go from there. There's really no set schedule, except for when I'm supposed to throw. And if I need an extra day, we'll take an extra day, or if I need an extra five days, we'll take an extra five days."

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman earned his 11th saveFriday night against the Cubs. He worked around a leadoff single and a walk as he struck out three to secure a 7-4 victory.

Chapman has not allowed a run in his last three appearances and has converted 11 of 13 save opportunities.

The Padres recalled reliever Tom Layne from Triple-A Tucson Friday to take the open spot on the roster created when Burch Smith was optioned.

Layne pitched in 26 games for the Padres last season, with a 3.24 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. He had a 4.00 ERA at Triple-A before being called up.  

Pirates starting pitcher Jeanmar Gomez continued to throw the ball well Thursday, but rain kept him from a chance to win against the Cubs.

Gomez held the Cubs to just one run on three hits, but his outing ended after just 56 pitches, thanks to a one hour, 47-minute rain delay. The Pirates won, 4-2.

Gomez struck out two batters and walked none, while racking up nine groundball outs and just one fly ball in 3 2/3 innings. Gomez has a 2.75 ERA in 36 innings, and is expected to make his next start Tuesday against the Tigers. 

As he showed Wednesday against the Cubs, Pirates reliever Mark Melancon is fully capable of stepping into a high-pressure situation in the ninth inning. And, as he told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Thursday, Melancon relishes the opportunity.

"It's so much fun to be out there, closing out the game," Melancon said. "It's my favorite thing."

Melancon has been lights-out as a set up man this season, allowing just one run in his last 17 appearances, and the team clearly feels comfortable with him as a possible backup in case Jason Grilli falters.

"I love the fact that Mark's been battle tested," Hurdle said. "He's had some good opportunities, including some that have not worked out well. He's dealt with adversity. Those have become strengths for him. He is in a good place, personally and professionally. He's taking care of today and what opportunities he has today. Who knows what the rest of this season will provide?"

Melancon had 20 saves in 2011 for the Astros, but just one in each of the last two seasons. 

After throwing 34 pitches Tuesday, the Pirates did not have closer Jason Grilli available Wednesday against the Cubs. With a 2-1 lead heading into the ninth, they turned to a reliever who has been almost as dominant as Grilli this season, Mark Melancon.

Melancon, who entered the game with 16 holds, earned his first save despite allowing the winning run to reach base with one out. But two pop flies to second base to end the threat and the game.

Melancon allowed a hit and struck out one batter, who reached based on a wild pitch. He needed 22 pitches to finish the save.

Melancon has an 0.72 ERA in 25 appearances, with 26 strikeouts and a walk in 25 innings.

Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton is expected back from the disabled list early in June, which could cost Jeanmar Gomez his spot in the rotation, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Manager Clint Hurdle said the team does expect Morton to be in the rotation once his rehab assignment is over.

"We won't have to worry about that for another 10 days," Hurdle said. "We all believe that starting is Charlie's niche right now."

Gomez has a 2.78 ERA and has allowed six runs in 18 2/3 innings in four starts.