MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters before Monday's spring game against the Angels that Hudson's knee responded better than it previously had after his most recent time on the mound, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Hudson is starting the 2023 season on the injured list because of his knee trouble, and the right-hander will remain at Camelback Ranch in Arizona rather than travel with the Dodgers for Opening Day. The right-hander could be an option for the Dodgers at some point in the middle of April and may be inline for save chances once he returns.

Weathers is likely to start the fifth game of the season for the Padres, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Acee notes how well Weathers has pitched this spring, and it's worth pointing out that the left-hander made changes to his delivery before the season that appear to have paid off. The southpaw will likely be on the bump for Monday's start against the Diamondbacks with a chance to earn more starts for San Diego if he pitches well in the early part of the season.

Anderson was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett by Atlanta on Monday.

Anderson was sent down a week ago even after pitching terrifically during Grapefruit League play, but injuries to Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) and Kyle Wright (shoulder) means he'll make the Opening Day roster after all. He could wind up pitching important innings for Atlanta if he can stay healthy.

Hughes (knee) is expected to open the season on the 15-day injured list, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Though Hughes was able to throw a bullpen session Monday and looks to be making solid progress in his recovery from left knee soreness, the fact that he hasn't yet resumed facing hitters with Opening Day just three days away suggests that the Cubs will err on the side of caution and stash him on the IL to begin the season. Assuming he's able to return after a minimum-length stay on the IL or close to it, the left-handed Hughes should factor into the Cubs' late-inning mix once healthy, though he may not be manager David Ross' preferred option for save situations.

The Rockies optioned Hollowell to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Hollowell missed out on the final spot in the Rockies' Opening Day bullpen, with right-hander Connor Seabold winning out in the competition. The 25-year-old right-hander is one of the team's better young relief prospects and should get a shot soon enough.

The Reds informed Law on Sunday that he has won a spot on the Opening Day roster, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Since Law had been attending big-league camp as a non-roster invitee, the Reds will have to open up room for him on the 40-man roster prior to Thursday's season opener versus the Pirates. The 32-year-old journeyman right-hander likely entered spring training on the outside looking in for a spot in Cincinnati's Opening Day bullpen, but he earned a roster berth after striking out 10 while churning out a 1.23 ERA and 0.68 WHIP in 7.1 innings. Law may start the season in a middle-relief role, but if he carries over his strong run of form from spring training into April, he could quickly settle in as one of the top setup men for closer Alexis Diaz.

Hughes (knee) tossed a bullpen session Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Hughes won't be part of the pitching schedule in Monday's Cactus League game against the White Sox and may not take the mound for Tuesday's spring finale either, clouding his status for Opening Day. The 27-year-old southpaw turned in a 3.12 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 68:21 K:BB while converting eight saves over 57.2 innings as a rookie last season, and though he's expected to remain part of the Cubs' late-inning equation in 2023, Hughes may not manager David Ross' first choice to close games.

Manager David Ross confirmed Monday that Assad will be included on the Cubs' Opening Day roster but will fill a bullpen role, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Assad will most likely be ticketed for a lower-leverage, multi-inning role out of Chicago's bullpen after he was unable to beat out Hayden Wesneski for the fifth and final spot in the team's Opening Day rotation. After turning in a 3.11 ERA in 37.2 innings as a rookie with Chicago last season and then continuing to impress in Cactus League play and while pitching for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, Assad may be the first man up for a look in the rotation if the Cubs should require a spot starter at any point.

Raley (hamstring) is scheduled to pitch in an intrasquad game Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Raley concluded the Mets' Grapefruit League without having made an appearance since March 5, but he was able to throw in a minor-league game over the weekend and appears to have experienced no setbacks in his recovery from a strained left hamstring. Assuming he checks out fine after Monday's outing, Raley will be included on the Mets' Opening Day roster and should be in position to work in a key late-innings role.

Varland secured a spot Monday on the Brewers' Opening Day roster, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Rule 5 pick has impressed this spring, posting a 4.15 ERA but a 17:1 K:BB over 8.2 innings. Varland seems likely to be used in a multi-inning relief role and will need to remain on the roster all season or be offered back to the Dodgers.