MLB Player News

Thompson could see high-leverage work for the Nationals this season, potentially even in the ninth inning with manager Dave Martinez suggesting he'll use Kyle Finnegan as a fireman and not a traditional closer, Bobby Blanco of MASN reports.

Finnegan still seems likely to see the majority of save chances for the Nationals this season, but there could be saves up for grabs if the right-hander gets the call earlier in games in tight situations. Thompson would be just one of many candidates who could benefit, with Hunter Harvey, Alex Colome, Sean Doolittle (elbow) and Carl Edwards also in the mix depending on matchups and performance. Thompson hasn't hurt his chances this spring, posting a 3:0 K:BB through 3.1 innings, but he'll need to up his strikeout rate to become a key member of the Nats bullpen after managing just a 15:9 K:BB through 24.2 big-league innings in 2022.

Finnegan was told early in the spring by manager Dave Martinez that he could be used in more of a fireman role rather than being limited to the ninth inning, Bobby Blanco of MASN reports.

"I talked to [Finnegan] already and I told him, 'Hey, look, there's gonna be days where you close. There's gonna be days where I feel like the eighth inning is where we need you the most,'" Martinez said in early March. "His response was, 'Hey, whenever you need me, I'll be ready.' I love that about him." Finnegan has collected 11 saves in each of the last two seasons and remains the most likely Washington reliever to crack double digits in 2023, but other options like Alex Colome, Hunter Harvey, Carl Edwards, Sean Doolittle (elbow) and Mason Thompson could also find themselves in the closer mix depending on matchups and performance.

Waites (lat) will throw live batting practice Thursday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Waites has already been ruled out for Opening Day because of a strained right lat, but he's progressing and might not miss too much time. The right-hander is expected to appear in some Cactus League games before spring training concludes.

Chafin (groin) struck out a batter and allowed a hit over a scoreless inning of relief Tuesday in the Diamondbacks' 7-6 loss to the Giants in Cactus League play.

Chafin experienced some groin tightness late last week, but he required only a few days off to overcome the issue before he re-entered the Diamondbacks' spring pitching schedule. Assuming the groin injury doesn't crop up again, Chafin will head into Opening Day in position for a high-leverage role out of the Arizona bullpen, with the southpaw potentially factoring into the mix for save chances when the Diamondbacks face lefty-heavy lineups in the late innings. Before signing with the Diamondbacks in free agency this winter, Chafin was a major bright spot for a 96-loss Tigers squad in 2022, logging a 2.83 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 67:19 K:BB across 57.1 innings.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Melancon has not pitched since last Friday because he's "battling some fatigue," Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports.

The manager stressed that Melancon is fine, but that he's "backing off" certain players when the need arises. Melancon's had a rough spring and should not be considered the Diamondbacks' sole closer.

Legumina was optioned Tuesday to Triple-A Louisville, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Legumina was acquired by the Reds from the Twins over the summer in the deadline deal for Tyler Mahle. The right-hander forged a 4.80 ERA in 33 appearances -- 16 starts -- over 86.1 innings between High-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita last season.

Karcher was optioned Tuesday to Triple-A Louisville by the Reds, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Karcher was added to the 40-man roster by Cincinnati over the winter. The right-hander recorded a 3.65 ERA over 56.2 innings of work with Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville.

Gilbert (elbow) was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Diamondbacks camp.

Gilbert had surrendered 10 earned runs through only 5.1 innings of work this spring in Cactus League play. It should be noted that the 29-year-old southpaw finished the 2022 season on the 60-day injured list with a left elbow sprain.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Reno by the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Martinez struck out 62 batters over 38 innings last season in the minor leagues, though only 4.2 of those frames were above Double-A. The 21-year-old figures to open in a high-leverage role with Reno in 2023.

Selby was optioned Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Selby pitched well in 2022 with a 2.27 ERA and eight saves over 29 appearances with Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis. The right-hander was protected from the Rule 5 Draft in November by being added to the 40-man roster, and should spend time in Pittsburgh this summer -- if not sooner.