MLB Player News

Smith gave up a hit and a walk while striking out three in a scoreless eighth inning during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Max Scherzer worked the first seven frames, so manager Buck Showalter may have been hinting at how he plans to use Smith in the regular season by deploying him in this spot. The right-hander was already set to have a fairly significant role in the Mets' bullpen this season, but the injury to Edwin Diaz (knee) bumps everyone else up a rung on the ladder. With at least one of David Robertson and Adam Ottavino moving into the ninth inning, Smith could be one of the team's primary high-leverage right-handers. The 29-year-old recorded a career-high 14 holds in 2022, but he could easily top that number this season. Smith has looked sharp this spring to boot, posting an 8:2 K:BB through five innings while giving up only one run.

Doval has allowed one run over three appearances so far in his Cactus League appearances.

Doval has allowed four hits without issuing a walk, and has picked up four strikeouts. The right-hander is expected to serve as the closer for the Giants in 2023, and while there have been some hiccups in his short professional career, his stuff suggests he has the potential to be one of the best relievers in baseball.

Hader has yet to give up a run in his three innings of work in the Cactus League.

The left-hander has had some command issues in Arizona with a walk, a hit-by-pitch and a wild pitch, but he's also allowed just two hits with a pair of strikeouts. Hader had the most ups-and-downs of his career in 2022 with a 5.22 ERA between the Brewers and the Padres, but the stuff is still elite, and he should have plenty of save chances for the Padres in 2023.

Gallegos allowed two hits, but he was able to fire a scoreless inning Friday to pick up a save in the World Baseball Classic for Team Mexico against Puerto Rico.

Gallegos threw 11 of 17 pitches for strikes, and he was able to fan Enrique Hernandez to get out of trouble. The right-hander is saving games for Team Mexico, but he is expected to operate in a setup role for the Cardinals in the regular season.

Nelson is projected to make the Opening Day roster for the Dodgers, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Nelson signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Dodgers after missing all of the 2022 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he's struggled to throw strikes in the Cactus League with eight walks against zero strikeouts over four appearances and 2.1 innings. It's not surprising that there's some things to iron out considering how much time Nelson has missed, but the lack of strike-throwing at least puts him on the roster bubble.

Hicks has allowed four earned runs on six hits and five walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings over six Grapefruit League appearances.

Hicks' strikeout potential remains enticing, but the overall results are not where they need to be to feel confident about his ability to fill a high-leverage role. With experience as a starter, there's always the option to stretch Hicks out for long-relief duties, but the right-hander has also had success in the past as a reliever. He's little more than a late-draft dart throw in fantasy given his skill set.

Alexander has allowed one earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five over four innings through four Cactus League appearances.

Alexander saw limited time in 2022, but he found success with a 1.04 ERA and 0.75 WHIP across 17.1 innings. It's highly unlikely he repeats that over the course of a full season, but he could find some success as a middle reliever and occasional opener. The 33-year-old southpaw has amassed just 62.1 innings in the majors over the last four campaigns due to hand, forearm and shoulder injuries that have cost him large chunks of time.

Sims has been shut down for a few days with a back spasm, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

He had season-ending back surgery last year, yet the team says it's not related to that procedure to address a herniated disk. Either way, it sounds like Sims is could still make the Opening Day roster.

Kilian was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

He allowed one run on two hits while striking out two over four innings in two appearances this spring. Kilian will work on putting the finishing touches on his development at Triple-A while he awaits another opportunity in the big-league rotation at some point this summer.

Estrada was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Estrada is a popular speculative play for saves in draft-and-hold leagues, but it seemed likely he would open the year in the minors. He gave up one run with four strikeouts in four innings this spring after registering nine saves across the three highest levels of the minors last season en route to making his big-league debut.