MLB Player News

Hjelle has allowed two earned runs on nine hits and no walks while striking out 10 over eight innings through three Cactus League appearances.

That's the good news, but as a 25-year-old with all of 25 big-league innings under his belt, Hjelle faces an uphill battle in a crowded competition for a job in the San Francisco rotation. The right-hander logged a 5.76 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB across eight appearances last season, all as a bulk reliever, though he also started 22 times for Triple-A Sacramento and posted a 4.92 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 97 innings at that level. Hjelle likely needs a bit more time in the minors, but it's encouraging to see him flash some potential in spring training.

Jensen was optioned to Double-A Tennessee on Friday.

Jensen spent all of last season with Double-A Tennessee, logging a 4.25 ERA and 1.39 WHIP through 59.1 innings. If the 25-year-old righty can manage to improve upon his numbers from last season, there's a chance he cracks the Triple-A level at some point in 2023.

Sanchez was reassigned to minor-league camp Friday.

Sanchez pitched two scoreless innings this spring, but not having played affiliated ball since 2017 will require him to spend a bit of time in the Padres' farm system.

The Padres optioned Cosgrove to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

The 26-year-old pitcher had a slim chance to make the Opening Day roster to begin with, but now he will officially be starting the year in the minors. Cosgrove recorded a 4.80 ERA and 1.23 WHIP through 30 frames in Triple-A last season.

Avila was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

After giving up three earned runs through 3.2 innings during spring training, Avila's chance at cracking the big-league roster has come and gone. The 26-year-old righty spent nearly all of last season in Triple-A, logging a 4.58 ERA and 1.31 WHIP through 112 innings of work.

Waites (lat) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Friday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Waites suffered a right light strain in early February, but he's made steady progress since resuming a throwing program a couple of weeks ago. The 24-year-old could be an option for the Giants' bullpen sometime in the opening month of the 2023 season if everything continues to go smoothly.

Szapucki is undergoing tests Thursday after experiencing soreness in his right elbow, Evan Webeck of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Szapucki has appeared in only one Cactus League game this spring, and that was back on February 26. There should be more clarity on the issue by early next week.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that Hudson (knee/ankle) is "still a ways away" from pitching in live games, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hudson made it through a live batting practice session Wednesday without issue, but the Dodgers will continue to bring him along carefully as he completes his recovery from surgery last June to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. He also came down with some right ankle tendinitis in February and is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.

McGough allowed one walk and struck out three over a scoreless fifth inning in Wednesday's spring game against Texas.

Wednesday's base on balls is the lone blemish for McGough, who has yet to allow a run or hit over four Cactus League innings. "He has the ability to mix his pitches and throw them all for strikes. And the ability to understand when he needs a swing and miss moment and when he needs to bury a pitch," manager Torey Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The 33-year-old right-hander pitched the last four seasons in Japan, serving as the closer for the Yakult Swallows. The Diamondbacks signed him to compete for a role in late-game situations, and McGough has shown himself capable.

Chafin is experiencing groin tightness and is getting a few days off.

Chafin has appeared in three Cactus League games, allowing four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out two over 2.2 innings. He's part of the relief crew that could pick up saves in what manager Torey Lovullo describes as a "fluid" closer role.