MLB Player News

Nelson allowed two walks and one hit without retiring any batters in a Cactus League contest against Texas on Wednesday.

Nelson missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it's no surprise that he was rusty in his first spring outing. The right-hander is attempting to win a spot in the Dodgers' bullpen to enter the campaign after re-signing with the club on a one-year contract in mid-February. Manager Dave Roberts indicated after Nelson's outing Wednesday that he's not concerned about the veteran hurler, suggesting that the rainy weather and poor mound condition may have prevented him from getting comfortable, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

Gibaut has struck out all six batters he's faced this spring, including the three he faced Wednesday against the A's.

Gibaut joined the Reds last year as a waiver claim from the Dodgers, who had previously claimed him from the Guardians. He mostly worked in low-leverage roles while appearing in 33 games with the Reds, striking out 48 batters in 34.2 innings, albeit with 18 walks and 38 hits allowed.

Bard was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League appearance against the Royals due to a small cut on his right thumb, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Bard struggled in the appearance, walking a pair while recording just one out. It doesn't sound like the laceration on his thumb is much of a concern, though. "It's early. He's still getting into shape. He's gotta get in shape a little bit sooner for the WBC. But he'll be fine," manager Bud Black said. Bard is due to leave to pitch for Team USA in the WBC in about a week and Black surely would like his closer to get in another Cactus League appearance or two before then.

Waites (lat) resumed a throwing program Wednesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Waites has been on the shelf all camp due to a right lat strain he suffered prior to the start of spring training. He's evidently made some nice progress of late, although he may be hard-pressed to be ready for Opening Day.

Anderson (foot) is scheduled to appear in relief in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Anderson ended the 2022 season on the 60-day injured list while he recovered from a bout with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, but after being cut loose by the Rays and then joining Atlanta on a one-year deal in November, he's seemingly back to full health at spring training. The right-hander will still have to perform well Wednesday and in his subsequent Grapefruit League appearances to lock down a spot in Atlanta's Opening Day bullpen, but when healthy, Anderson has shown the ability to be a dominant reliever. He was a notable performer during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign in particular, logging a 0.55 ERA, 0.49 WHIP and 26:3 K:BB in 16.1 innings for Tampa Bay that season.

Soto remained absent from Phillies camp Tuesday due to ongoing visa issues, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It's a pretty safe bet at this point that Soto is not going to be allowed to suit up for Team Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Even if he arrived at the Phillies' complex Wednesday, he'd have less than a week there before having to depart. The 28-year-old reliever was acquired via trade from the Tigers in January.

Nance is being evaluated for slight right shoulder discomfort, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

More should be known about Nance's status in a couple of days. He is currently projected for a middle-relief role this season in Miami after posting a 4.33 ERA and 57:21 K:BB over 43.2 innings in 2022.

Brazoban has solved his visa issues and is expected to arrive at Marlins camp Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

There should still be plenty of time left on the spring training calendar for Brazoban to carve out a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. He appears to be slated for a long-relief role this year with Miami after registering a 3.09 ERA and 40:21 K:BB across his first 32 major-league innings in 2022.

Scott has been experiencing minor biceps discomfort, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Scott is scheduled to test the issue with a round of catch Tuesday in Marlins camp. For now, it doesn't seem to be anything overly concerning. The 28-year-old left-hander is in line to handle at least some share of the save opportunities in Miami this season, assuming his health cooperates.

Puk has been battling slight left adductor tightness in Marlins camp, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

However, Puk is scheduled to play catch Tuesday and will aim to quickly put this upper-leg issue in the rearview. The left-hander was acquired from the Athletics earlier this month and is expected to work in a high-leverage role out of Miami's bullpen in 2023. He could even see semi-regular save opportunities along with Dylan Floro, Tanner Scott and Matt Barnes.