MLB Player News

Across 9.2 innings this spring split between the Cactus League and the World Baseball Classic, Assad has tossed 9.2 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts.

Assad has turned into a valuable weapon for Team Mexico, which faces Japan in the tournament semifinals Monday. The righty is battling for the Cubs' fifth rotation spot as well, though it seems like Hayden Wesneski has the inside track there. That could push Assad into a long-relief role, but he's a candidate to start down the road. The 25-year-old could become a fantasy factor if that happens and he continues to pitch like he has this spring.

Waites (lat) is throwing another live bullpen session Sunday at the Giants' spring facility, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

It's the second live bullpen session for Waites, as the right-hander is working his way back from a strained right lat. The Giants have already announced that the 24-year-old will miss the start of the season, but it does appear Waites will be able to return to the San Francisco bullpen before the end of April if there are no setbacks.

Jameson threw in a minor-league game Friday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Jameson was one of several pitchers affected by the two-game rainout Wednesday and was adjusted to throw Friday. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Jameson showed excellent velocity on his fastball, which touched triple digits. The manager also said nothing should be read into the fact that he didn't pitch in a Cactus League game. Jameson is one of four starters still competing for the final spot in the rotation.

Jimenez struck out one in a perfect sixth inning during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

The right-hander was acquired from Detroit in the offseason to join Atlanta's set-up crew behind closer Raisel Iglesias, but Jimenez underwent back surgery last October and has been brought along slowly in camp. His Opening Day availability doesn't seem to be in jeopardy, however. The 28-year-old posted the best numbers of his career in 2022 with a 3.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 33.3 percent strikeout rate, and Jimenez should easily be able to top last year's 11 holds with consistent high-leverage work for a much better team.

Iglesias has given up four runs in four innings of work in the Grapefruit League for Atlanta.

Iglesias has allowed four hits while registering a 3:1 K:BB. While those numbers are far from awe-inspiring, the sample is small, and it's nice to see the right-hander still missing bats. After serving as a bridge to Kenley Jansen following last season's trade to Atlanta from the Angels, Iglesias will be the closer in 2023, and he has a chance to be one of the best fantasy options at the position this year.

McGough has not allowed a run or a hit over 5.2 spring innings.

McGough is among the candidates to get save opportunities, although Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said he doesn't plan to have a set closer to start the season. However, any of the candidate relievers could become the primary arm to close games, and McGough is doing his part to emerge from the group with a strong spring. He talked to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic about the adjustments he made while in Japan that put him in a position to be an important piece in the bullpen. In addition to throwing more four-seam fastballs, the right-hander adjusted the grip of his splitter, which gave it more depth and helped make it a weapon to go with a low-90s fastball and slider. "He's got all the weapons, I'll tell you that right now," Diamondbacks bullpen coach Mike Fetters said. "Now, it's just a matter of execution."

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.