MLB Player News

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.

Puk walked one and struck out three in a scoreless eighth inning during Friday's split-squad game against the Cardinals.

The southpaw continued an outstanding spring that has seen him post a 7:1 K:BB through three scoreless innings. Puk figures to be one of the Marlins' top high-leverage relievers this season and in the mix for saves as new manager Skip Schumaker deploys a closer committee, but the fact that Dylan Floro worked ahead of him Friday in the sixth inning -- when St. Louis still had most of its starters in the lineup -- could be a sign the right-hander remains ahead of Puk in the pecking order.

Smeltzer was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Smeltzer had a strong spring debut against the Astros on Feb. 27, but he proceeded to give up seven earned runs on 13 hits over 5.2 innings in his next two appearances. He is capable of serving as a spot starter and/or long reliever, but Smeltzer is not on the 40-man roster, so he could spend most or all the season at Triple-A.

MRI scans on Morejon's elbow came back negative Friday, Bob Scanlan of Bally Sports San Diego reports.

After having to leave Sunday's contest against Oakland early with elbow soreness, Morejon's MRI results bring some good news for the 24-year-old lefty. He will be treated for elbow inflammation going forward, and there is still no official word on how much time, if any, he will miss to start the season.

Martin has been diagnosed with a right lat tendon tear, JJody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona reports.

As Jackson notes, this will cause Martin to miss months and not weeks while he recovers from the injury, and surgery cannot be ruled out at this time. The right-hander was diagnosed with shoulder soreness initially, but imaging revealed the tear. He'll begin the season on the IL, and likely won't be able to help the Diamondbacks until sometime this summer, at the very earliest.