MLB Player News

Melancon allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two over one inning in Friday's spring game against Seattle.

Melancon made his spring debut in the fourth inning and was immediately tagged for a single and a home run. After a strikeout, the next four hitters reached base before he finished out the inning. Melancon operated as the team's closer to start 2022 before losing the job then reclaiming it again late. He'll be part of the late-game mix in 2023, although manager Torey Lovullo has said the closer role will be fluid.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez expressed concern Friday about Edwards' dip in velocity, Andrew Golden of the Washington Post reports.

Edwards said he feels fine, but all of his pitches have been down at least a couple of ticks. Maybe that's just part of a routine spring-training buildup, but Martinez told reporters that the situation would be reevaluated Saturday. Edwards was knocked around for four earned runs while recording only one out Friday in a Grapefruit League appearance against the Mets.

Brebbia allowed two runs on two hits and a walk with one strikeout in one inning versus Arizona on Wednesday.

Per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Brebbia was having trouble with his timing while focusing on the pitch clock, and pitching coach Andrew Bailey suggested Brebbia simply step off the rubber despite the rules limiting pitchers to two disengagements per batter. The right-hander doesn't appear to have an issue with his pace, but adjusting to the new rules is something he'll have to work out in the spring. He was a versatile option for the Giants last season, making 11 of his 76 appearances as an opener while logging a 3.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 54:18 K:BB over 68 innings. He went 6-2 and added 18 holds and four blown saves, so he should be a lock to be in the setup mix ahead of closer Camilo Doval.

Puk (groin) threw off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Puk has been held back a bit by left adductor tightness but has been able to take some steps forward in his recovery. The left-hander should be cleared for games soon if he can avoid setbacks. Acquired from the Athletics last month, Puk is expected to be in the mix for saves as part of Miami's closer committee this season.

Scott (biceps) resumed throwing off a mound Friday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Scott has been slowed by some discomfort in his left biceps but has apparently made some progress of late. He should be cleared for game action soon and could get in enough work to be ready for Opening Day. Scott is expected to be part of the Marlins' closer-by-committee approach in 2023.

Merryweather stands a decent chance of securing an Opening Day bullpen role with the Cubs, particularly because he's out of minor-league options, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Merryweather was claimed off waivers back in January, and he's now competing for a role with the Cubs in spring training. The righty struggled last season with a 6.75 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 26 games with the Blue Jays, so he'd likely slot in as a low-leverage option if he makes the team, putting him off the fantasy radar for the time being.

Brazoban (personal) threw his first bullpen session in Marlins camp Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Brazoban had a delayed arrival to spring training because of visa issues, but those were cleared up this past Tuesday and he said he felt "a lot closer than I thought I was going to feel" during his first official workout with the team. The 33-year-old should be ready to fill a long-relief role for Miami come Opening Day.

Matzek (elbow) is recovering from a bulging disc in his back, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The bulging disc is in addition to his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery. Matzek underwent the reconstructive elbow procedure in October and will miss the entire 2023 campaign. He should be fully recovered from both issues come the start of spring training in 2024.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Thursday that Hudson (knee/ankle) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Hudson has advanced to full-intensity bullpen sessions, but the Dodgers will continue to slow play his recovery from surgery last June to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. He suffered a minor setback last month in the form of right ankle tendinitis, though that now seems to be in the rearview. The veteran reliever should be an option for Los Angeles by mid-April if there are no further road blocks.

Gilbreath (elbow) said Thursday that he will likely require Tommy John surgery, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Gilbreath is still seeking more opinions on his left elbow, but the writing is probably on the wall for him to go under the knife. He missed time down the stretch in 2022 due to what was diagnosed as a flexor strain, then aggravated the injury when he began mound work this spring at Rockies camp. If the 26-year-old has surgery, he would miss the entire 2023 campaign as well as the start of next season.