MLB Player News

Hoeing has given up two runs over 8.2 innings with a 10:3 K:BB and zero home runs allowed in Grapefruit League action this spring.

The 27-year-old right-hander spent his first full season in the majors last season, stumbling to a 5.48 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 53:25 K:BB through 70.2 innings in a low-leverage role for Miami. Hoeing should handle a similar assignment in 2024, but he does have minor-league options remaining and further struggles could get him bumped back to Triple-A Jacksonville, especially once the Marlins' staff gets healthier.

Stephens is expected to open the season in a long-relief role for Atlanta, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The 29-year-old will have the lowest-leverage role in a stacked Atlanta bullpen, but Stephens could see significant innings early if Reynaldo Lopez struggles with his conversion to the starting rotation. Stephens made only five appearances in the majors in 2023, posting a 3.00 ERA and 11:5 K:BB over 12 innings, but he's had an intriguing spring with a 10:4 K:BB and zero homers allowed through 5.1 frames.

Matzek touched 95 mph with his fastball during Sunday's Grapefruit League appearance, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The southpaw's velocity is nearly back to what it was prior to his October 2022 Tommy John surgery, and Matzek certainly looked healthy enough Sunday as he struck out four Red Sox over two perfect innings in a split-squad game. Considering he didn't pitch at all in 2023, Atlanta will likely ease him back into action with lower-leverage duties to begin the season, but a return to the form that saw him post a 2.57 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 29.2 percent strikeout rate and 24 holds over 63 innings in 2021 doesn't seem far off.

The Phillies optioned Nelson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

Nelson was called up by the Phillies for the final game of the regular season last year and allowed one run over 5.1 innings, but he's set to begin 2024 at Triple-A after he posted a 6.23 ERA during spring training. The right-hander had a 4.35 ERA in 20 starts for Lehigh Valley in 2023 and may need a better showing in 2024 to have a chance of being called up.

Phillips earned a save against the Padres in South Korea on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Phillips entered in the ninth frame with the Dodgers holding a comfortable three-run lead, and he kept things stress-free for his club by retiring the side in order on 12 pitches. After easing his way into the closer role last year, the right-hander appears set for steady work in that capacity in 2024, with manager Dave Roberts commenting early in camp that Phillips would get "the brunt" of the team's save opportunities. That makes him an appealing fantasy target given the Dodgers' potential to rack up wins and Phillips' outstanding results each of the past two seasons.

Chapman has allowed two earned runs across five innings while striking out seven and walking one in Grapefruit League action.

The Pirates signed Chapman with the idea of him being the setup man for David Bednar (lat). He appears to be ready for that role, as he's turned in clean outings in three of his last four appearances. Bednar is expected to avoid the injured list to begin the season, though Chapman would be the leading candidate for saves if Bednar suffers a setback.

The Padres optioned Go to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Go had been a candidate to pitch in high-leverage situations when he signed a two-year deal with the Padres in January, but he will instead head to the minors after giving up six runs in 4.1 innings during Cactus League play. Go's stay in the minors doesn't figure to be a long one -- it's likely San Diego promotes him to its bullpen once the 25-year-old is able to build some positive momentum versus Triple-A hitters.

The Padres placed Otto on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right teres major strain.

Otto didn't pitch at all in the Cactus League after experiencing problems in his shoulder toward the beginning of camp. He has yet to resume throwing since getting injured, making it likely he spends more than the minimum 15 days on the IL.

The Padres placed Patino on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right elbow inflammation.

Patino made two appearances during spring training, surrendering five earned runs in just 2.1 innings of work. He'll spend at least the first two weeks of the season on the IL, and it's likely Patino is optioned to Triple-A El Paso once he's healthy.

The Dodgers placed Graterol on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right shoulder inflammation.

It had already been announced that Graterol wouldn't be available for Los Angeles' series against the Padres in South Korea, so it's unsurprising to see the 25-year-old begin the year on the IL. Barring a setback in his recovery, Graterol should be able to rejoin the Dodgers' bullpen when eligible in early April.