MLB Player News

Harris could break camp in the big-league bullpen, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

The 29-year-old right-hander has yet to make his MLB debut, but Harris has ridden his plus splitter to a 0.00 ERA and 6:1 K:BB across eight innings this spring. The Nationals' bullpen picture is extremely murky behind Kyle Finnegan, so if Harris does win a spot, he could work his way into high-leverage spots fairly quickly. Even if he begins the season with Triple-A Rochester, he could be one of the first arms called up when the Nats' bullpen needs reinforcements.

Phillips is expected to be utilized by the Dodgers "in the most important situations" this season, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

That will equate to save situations on occasion but also earlier in games in a "fireman" role. The Dodgers do not plan on having a set closer to begin the season, but Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register has written that Brusdar Graterol and Daniel Hudson (knee) -- once healthy -- have the best shot to emerge at closer if the team eventually lands on one guy. The news hinders Phillips' outlook a bit for fantasy purposes, but it's a bullpen situation that's far from settled.

Alzolay is slated to start Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The Cubs have said Alzolay is exclusively being viewed as a reliever this spring, but he's set to start his first Cactus League contest Wednesday. The righty likely won't work too deep into the game and the outing may resemble a multi-inning relief appearance, which could be Alzolay's typical usage this year. Alzolay made only six appearances last season due to a lat strain, all of which came out of the bullpen, but he did start 21 games back in 2021.

Mears was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Tuesday.

Mears was claimed off waivers by the Rockies from the Rangers in January. The right-hander turned in a 1.27 ERA in seven innings during Cactus League play with 11 strikeouts, but he also walked six while allowing four hits in those contests. Mears will likely be an up-and-down option for the Colorado bullpen through the 2023 season.

Padres manager Bob Melvin told reporters that Pomeranz (elbow) has suffered a mild setback that will keep him from making the Opening Day roster, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz has had his progression slowed by inflammation in his left elbow, and he's now a lock to begin the season on the injured list. The southpaw has battled injuries over the last few seasons, including missing all of the 2022 campaign while recovering from flexor tendon surgery. When Pomeranz does return, he's expected to serve as a middle-innings option and a bridge to stopper Josh Hader.

Kolarek was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Dodgers camp, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kolarek inked a minor-league contract with Los Angeles this winter after posting a 4.58 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 9:8 K:BB in 17.2 major-league innings last season with the Athletics. The 34-year-old will begin the 2023 campaign at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Reed was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Dodgers camp, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Reed struggled to a 7.02 ERA in 16.2 major-league innings last season between the Dodgers, Mets and Orioles. He'll have to fight his way back to the big leagues from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters that Hudson was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday in part to help build back his velocity, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Marmol notes that Hudson has been working at 89-90 mph, and that isn't going to work at the highest level. "We believe there's a path forward, but the big leagues isn't the level to build that [velocity] up," Marmol said. Hudson has a good chance to make starts for the Cardinals in 2023, but he can safely be avoided in redraft formats at this point and profiles as more of a streaming option once with St. Louis.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters after Tuesday's game that Suarez has a chance to make the Opening Day roster after a strong showing in spring training, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Suarez threw 1.1 innings of scoreless baseball during Tuesday's Grapefruit League appearance, and he hasn't given up a run in his eight innings of work in Florida. Marmol notes that Suarez's velocity has ticked up in relief, and that he's getting hitters to make "defensive swings" on his fastball and breaking ball. The Cardinals will need to add Suarez to the 40-man roster in order to include him on the Opening Day roster, but it sounds like his work in the exhibition games has given St. Louis something to think about.

The Pirates reassigned Mlodzinski to minor-league camp Tuesday.

Mlodzinski struggled last season with Double-A Altoona, putting up a 4.78 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, but a 9.5 K/9 and 3.45 FIP suggest there is more under the surface with the 24-year-old righty. He's had a solid spring thus far and will likely return to Double-A to start the year, but there's a good chance he reaches Triple-A before the end of the season.