MLB Player News

Jameson allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 2.2 innings in Monday's spring start against the Royals.

Jameson gave up a first-inning home run then allowed several base runners in the second before being pulled. He came back out for the third inning to face one more batter in what was his first clunker in three Cactus League starts. Of the group battling for the final rotation spot, Jameson has been the best among Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson.

Melancon allowed two runs on three hits while striking out one over one inning in Monday's spring game against Kansas City.

That makes two disappointing -- maybe alarming -- Cactus League outings by Melancon, who's given up five runs on nine hits over two innings this spring. While he was not named the sole closer, Melancon is expected to be part of the crew that closes out games, but not if results like this are the norm. Those speculating on Arizona saves may want to keep the names Andrew Chafin, Kevin Ginkel and Joe Mantiply handy. Of the group, Mantiply has the most success so far this spring.

Garcia (arm) will no longer pitch for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

It's no surprise after Garcia had to be removed from Saturday's Grapefruit League appearance with tightness in his pitching arm. He's still undergoing additional testing, at which point a more specific diagnosis and timetable should be available.

Bruihl departed Monday's Cactus League appearance versus the Padres with back spasms, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Both of the batters he faced reached before he was lifted. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was unconcerned about the injury, so it's probably safe to call Bruihl day-to-day.

Johnson said Monday that the right knee injury which forced him from an appearance Sunday isn't a concern, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Johnson's knee was a little sore, but it sounds like he was lifted Sunday in large part because he needed 32 pitches to record just two outs. The Rockies are counting on the right-hander to be one of their high-leverage relievers this season, so they'll hope he can get sharper before Opening Day.

Bard (thumb) gave up a solo home run and struck out a batter during an inning of relief Saturday in the Rockies' 7-1 Cactus League win over the Mariners.

Jake Scheiner's long ball prevented the Rockies from claiming a shutout, but the team was likely just happy to have their presumptive closer back in action after he suffered a small cut on his right thumb during his prior appearance three days earlier. Assuming Bard experienced no setbacks with the thumb coming out of the relief outing, he'll likely join the American team later this week in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.

Borucki (forearm) is scheduled to make his third Cactus League appearance in Monday's game against the Mariners, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Between his first two relief outings of the spring, Borucki gave up one earned run on two hits while striking out three in two innings. The southpaw finished the 2022 season on the Mariners' 60-day injured list due to a forearm strain, and after being removed from Seattle's 40-man roster in November and electing free agency, Borucki struck a minor-league deal with the Cubs in January. He's attending camp as a non-roster invitee and is hoping to win a spot in Chicago's Opening Day bullpen.

Gilbert (elbow) tossed two innings and gave up two runs on five hits while striking out one in his Cactus League debut Feb. 28 in the Diamondbacks' 4-1 loss to the White Sox.

Gilbert closed the 2022 season on the 60-day injured list due to a left elbow sprain, but his return to game action early in the Diamondbacks' Cactus League slate offers encouragement that he's now moved past the health concern. Arizona removed Gilbert from its 40-man roster in December, so he could have a tough time getting another look in the majors unless he dazzles at Triple-A Reno. He struggled mightily over his 44 innings in the Pacific Coast League in 2022, logging a 7.57 ERA and 1.80 WHIP.

Okert (triceps) has made three Grapefruit League appearances to date, covering three scoreless innings while striking out two and allowing two hits and one walk.

Okert looks to be back to full strength for spring training after he finished the 2022 season on the 15-day injured list with left triceps tightness. The 31-year-old reliever turned in a 2.98 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 63:26 K:BB in 51.1 innings a season ago and should factor into the Marlins' setup mix once again in 2023.

Castano (shoulder) has made two Grapefruit League appearances to date, covering four innings while striking out three and allowing one earned run on four hits and no walks.

Castano didn't make any appearances after July 28 of last season after taking a line drive off the head and suffering a concussion, but he looked on tap to rejoin the Marlins in September before he developed a left shoulder strain while ramping back up once he was cleared for the head injury. The southpaw has since moved past the shoulder issue and looks healthy for spring training, but he was pushed off the Marlins' 40-man roster in January and will face an uphill battle to win an Opening Day role with the big club.