MLB Player News

Jarvis made adjustments to his delivery during the offseason, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Specifically, Jarvis is getting more extension on his fastball, which averaged 5.2 feet of extension last season, one of the lowest marks in organized baseball (average is 6.3 feet). That means his fastball has farther to travel to home plate than that of the average pitcher, giving hitters more time to react. He possesses a 95 mph heater, but it was hit hard in 2022, and the right-hander believes it was due to his short extension. He reached 5.8 feet last week and has reached 6.1 to 6.3 feet of range in mound sessions this spring. Jarvis is also working on better pitch deception so that hitters have less time to adjust to what he's throwing. The first-round pick in 2020 posted an 8.27 ERA and gave up 27 home runs (2.3 HR/9) over 25 starts (106.2 IP) at Double-A Amarillo in 2022. The results this spring are encouraging, as Jarvis has allowed one run on four hits while striking out three batters over four innings.

Chafin allowed two runs on three walks and two hits while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Saturday's spring game against the Padres.

Chafin's off to a rocky start in the Cactus League. The left-hander has allowed four runs on four hits and walked five batters over 2.2 innings. He's part of the fluid mix of relievers that could get save opportunities. Others in that group are Kevin Ginkel, Joe Mantiply and Mark Melancon.

The Cubs are building up Thompson slowly this spring as he adjusts to a new role as a reliever, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Thompson made his Cactus League debut Saturday and logged a scoreless inning with a strikeout. The team wanted to see how the righty responded to throwing bullpen sessions more frequently to begin spring training as they transition him into a relief role. Thompson made 17 starts and 12 relief appearances last season, recording a strong 3.76 ERA across 115 total innings. He figures to be a multi-inning bullpen option in 2023, though he's capable of making spot starts when needed.

The Cubs are easing Hughes into Cactus League action after the lefty set a career high in innings pitched last season, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hughes has yet to appear in a spring contest, which is by design after he logged 57.2 innings in relief last season. That's not a particularly high number, but the converted outfielder tossed only 17 innings in the minors the year before, which was his first time on the mound as a professional. The lefty should once again be a key bullpen weapon for the Cubs, possibly closing out games, though Rowan Wick along with newcomers Michael Fulmer and Brad Boxberger could factor into the mix as well.

Zuniga was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Zuniga signed an MLB contract in December, but has options remaining, so the right-hander will open the season in the International League rather than with the Cards. He could be a bullpen option for St. Louis at some point in 2023.

Pacheco (elbow) was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Pacheco has been slowed by arm trouble in the Grapefruit League, but was always unlikely to make the Cardinals' roster to open the season anyway. He'll provide depth for the St. Louis pitching staff in Triple-A.

Garcia was removed from Saturday's spring game with left arm tightness, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Garcia allowed four earned runs and recorded just one out in Saturday's outing, and the arm issue likely played a factor. The extent of his injury is uncertain, but he figures to go undergo tests in the near future.

The Rockies placed Kinley (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

July 2022 elbow surgery was already expected to sideline Kinley for the start of 2023. With a stellar 0.75 ERA and 10 holds in 24 innings last season, the righty showed he absolutely belongs in the Rockies' bullpen this year once healthy. The move frees up a 40-man roster spot for reliever Brad Hand, whom Colorado signed Saturday.

Mantiply allowed one run and struck out one over a scoreless eighth inning in Friday's spring game against the Mariners.

Mantiply hasn't allowed a run over two Cactus League outings. With Arizona's closer situation described as "fluid" by manager Torey Lovullo, Mantiply is part of crew that could get late-inning work. Mark Melancon is likely the frontrunner, but he was roughed up in his spring debut, which focuses speculation about Mantiply, Kevin Ginkel and Andrew Chafin. Mantiply had a strong season in 2022, sporting a 2.85 ERA and 22 holds; however, he blew six of eight save opportunities, as Lovullo auditioned several arms when Melancon lost control of the job.

The Rockies signed Hand to a one-year, $2 million contract Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Hand, coming off a 45-inning, 2.80-ERA campaign with the Phillies, finally has a home for the 2023 season. The Rockies don't project to win many games, but the left-hander could have some opportunities for holds and/or saves. It's unclear how built-up Hand is, or whether he'll be ready for Opening Day. The contract includes a $7 million club option for 2024.