MLB Player News

Jameson pitched better during his start Monday after going to his changeup, Steve Stockmar of MLB.com reports. "Early on in games, I don't want to use it if I don't have to," he said. "I probably should have gone to it a lot earlier than I did."

Jameson was worked over by the Royals in the first couple of innings Monday before manager Torey Lovullo removed him from the game with two outs in the second frame. The manager brought Jameson back in for the third inning, and the right-hander was dialed in with the help of his changeup. Lovullo believes Jameson was sharp but made mistakes on 0-2 pitches that hurt. Jameson pitched well in his first two Cactus League starts and is considered the frontrunner for the final rotation spot.

VerHagen has allowed a walk and struck out two over two Grapefruit League innings.

Katie Woo of The Athletic reports VerHagen mixed his new four-seam fastball in with his usual sinker and slider. A hip injury ended the right-hander's season early in 2022, and his 6.65 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and 18:14 K:BB over 21.2 relief innings weren't great marks when he was healthy. He remains in the mix as a multi-inning relief option who could also serve as a spot starter, though the Cardinals' rotation has enough depth to weather an injury or two before they'd need to turn to someone like VerHagen.

Robinson (ankle) is set to make his Cactus League debut Tuesday in relief, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

McCalvy was delayed a bit due to a sprained ankle, but that's in the rearview now. The 23-year-old right-hander was added to the 40-man roster in Milwaukee over the offseason and should make his MLB debut at some point in 2023. He posted a 2.49 ERA with 84 strikeouts over 65 innings last year between High-A Wisconsin, Double-A Biloxi and Triple-A Nashville.

The Nationals reassigned Perez to minor-league camp Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Perez made 10 relief appearances at the big-league level for Washington in 2022 but did little to distinguish himself, logging a 7.27 ERA and 2.54 WHIP across 8.2 innings. He'll likely need to turn in quality results at Triple-A Rochester over an extended period to begin the 2023 campaign before the Nationals consider giving him another look in the majors.

Puk (groin) threw a round of live batting practice Tuesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Assuming there are no setbacks coming out of that workout, Puk will be on the rubber for his Grapefruit League debut Friday. He's been taking it slow over the last week or so due to left adductor tightness, but there are no serious concerns about his readiness for the beginning of the 2023 regular season. The southpaw figures to take on a share of the closer role this year in Miami, health permitting.

Scott (biceps) threw live batting practice Tuesday in Marlins camp, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

If he arrives back in camp Wednesday without any renewed discomfort, Scott should be cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut this Friday. He's been eased along so far at spring training because of minor discomfort in his left biceps, but it's looking like the 28-year-old high-leverage reliever is on track for Opening Day.

Boxberger pitched a scoreless inning with a walk and a strikeout to record a hold in Monday's Cactus League game against the Mariners.

Boxberger has made three appearances this spring, and each one has been a scoreless inning with a strikeout. He's also recorded two holds. The veteran's spot in the bullpen is secure and he could emerge as the closer if he continues to impress. Holdovers Rowan Wick and Brandon Hughes are also in the mix to close, along with fellow newcomer Michael Fulmer. It might be a committee situation, at least to begin the regular season.

Jameson allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 2.2 innings in Monday's spring start against the Royals.

Jameson gave up a first-inning home run then allowed several base runners in the second before being pulled. He came back out for the third inning to face one more batter in what was his first clunker in three Cactus League starts. Of the group battling for the final rotation spot, Jameson has been the best among Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson.

Melancon allowed two runs on three hits while striking out one over one inning in Monday's spring game against Kansas City.

That makes two disappointing -- maybe alarming -- Cactus League outings by Melancon, who's given up five runs on nine hits over two innings this spring. While he was not named the sole closer, Melancon is expected to be part of the crew that closes out games, but not if results like this are the norm. Those speculating on Arizona saves may want to keep the names Andrew Chafin, Kevin Ginkel and Joe Mantiply handy. Of the group, Mantiply has the most success so far this spring.

Garcia (arm) will no longer pitch for Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

It's no surprise after Garcia had to be removed from Saturday's Grapefruit League appearance with tightness in his pitching arm. He's still undergoing additional testing, at which point a more specific diagnosis and timetable should be available.