MLB Player News

The Marlins optioned Villalobos to Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Villalobos was added to the Marlins' 40-man roster in November, but he'll miss out on a spot in the big club's Opening Day bullpen after giving up two runs on five hits -- including a pair of solo home runs -- and no walks over 4.2 innings in Grapefruit League play. The 27-year-old righty submitted a 2.86 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 101:29 K:BB while holding opposing batters to a .191 average over 78.2 innings in 2022 between stops at Jacksonville and Double-A Pensacola.

The Marlins optioned Simpson to Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Miami protected Simpson from the Rule 5 Draft over the winter by adding him to the 40-man roster, but with only 12.1 career innings above the Double-A level under his belt, the 26-year-old southpaw was never considered especially likely to win a spot in the Marlins' Opening Day bullpen. Between stops with Jacksonville and Double-A Pensacola in 2022, Simpson logged a 3.97 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 112:34 K:BB in 68 innings.

McGough allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's spring game against the Royals.

The runs were the first allowed during the Cactus League by McGough, whose work included seven swinging strikes, including three each on his splitter and slider, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. The right-hander figures to be a strong candidate for save opportunities early in the season.

Martin (shoulder) is likely to miss the entire 2023 season.

Martin suffered the injury March 15, and he has opted for surgery, according to Arizona manager Torey Lovullo. The manager added Martin is doubtful to return in 2023 while noting it's uncertain when the pitcher will undergo the procedure.

Martinez has returned to the Padres after playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, 97.3 The Fan San Diego reports.

Though Team USA remains alive in the tournament and is set to face Japan or Mexico in the final Tuesday, Martinez has opted to return to Padres camp to prepare for the regular season. The right-handed hurler pitched in one WBC game, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out two batters over 2.2 innings against Mexico. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Martinez's decision to rejoin San Diego stems from the fact that he wasn't scheduled to pitch again for Team USA. He's slated to fill a spot at the back end of the Padres' rotation this season.

Cabrera has allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out four and issuing no walks over four innings across four Grapefruit League appearances.

Cabrera also logged 1.1 scoreless innings for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. The southpaw had an up-and-down 2022 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 44.2 innings, but he still managed to pick up 13 holds. He's likely to make the Cardinals out of camp as a lefty reliever with experience in mid-to-high-leverage usage.

Biddle was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday.

Biddle joined the Diamondbacks as a non-roster invitee and allowed two runs over 4.1 innings during spring action. He spent last season playing in Japan and had a 2.83 ERA across 57.1 innings.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw 25 pitches in a simulated inning Thursday, per MLB.com.

This was Pomeranz's second sim game of the spring, and it's possible that he'll get into a Cactus League contest in the coming week. The right-hander missed all of last season after undergoing flexor tendon surgery in his left elbow, but he's expected to be a big part of San Diego's bullpen in 2023. Pomeranz is tentatively on track to be ready to go for Opening Day.

Hudson (knee) and Brusdar Graterol are the most likely candidates to serve as the Dodgers' closer if the team eventually decides to veer away from a committee approach, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

Los Angeles appears set to begin the campaign without a designated closer, and there's no indication that the team is eager to shift that approach. However, if things change at some point in the campaign, Hudson and Graterol currently appear to be the most logical options. Hudson has some experience closing games, having racked up 32 saves throughout his career, including five last season, when he also impressed with a 2.22 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 30:5 K:BB over 24.1 innings. However, the veteran right-hander is currently on the shelf as he recovers from separate knee and ankle injuries, and he's expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the regular season.

The Dodgers don't plan on having a set closer to begin the season, but if they do eventually decide to designate one, Graterol and Daniel Hudson (knee) are the leading candidates, Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers have given no indication that they'll designate a primary fireman at any point this season, so they could very well go with a committee approach for the entire campaign. However, if that changes, Graterol figures to be atop the list of potential closers given his ability to throw hard and his success last season. The fireballer posted a 3.26 ERA, 0.99 ERA and 43:10 K:BB over 49.2 innings while picking up 10 holds and four saves, though he also endured two stints on the injured list. With that said, fantasy managers hunting saves may be best served to avoid Los Angeles relievers altogether given the real possibility that closing chances may be split between multiple pitchers throughout the campaign.