MLB Player News

Sims (elbow) is expected to begin the regular season on the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims threw a bullpen session Saturday, but he'll still likely begin the season on the injured list. He's expected to return by mid-to-late April, putting him on a similar trajectory to starter Luis Castillo (shoulder). In his absence, Hunter Strickland, Art Warren and Luis Cessa are all expected to receive save opportunities.

Wilson is part of a large group of pitchers who could close games for the Reds this season according to manager David Bell, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Lucas Sims looked like the top candidate but will open the season on the injured list due to elbow troubles. Wilson has 18 career saves, but the 34-year-old doesn't look like the same guy he was at his peak. He stumbled to a career-high 5.29 ERA and a career-low 19.5 percent strikeout rate in 34 innings last season.

Lawrence was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence appeared in five games this spring, surrendering three earned runs on four hits while striking out five over five innings. The right-hander will begin the season at the minor-league level, but considering the lack of top-tier options in the bullpen for the Rockies, he'll likely rejoin the big-league squad at some point in the coming months.

Santillan is expected to fill a high-leverage middle-innings role this season, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Reds intend to use Santillan the same way they used Tejay Antone last season before the latter underwent Tommy John surgery. Santillan could pick up the occasional save that way -- Antone saved three games in 23 appearances -- but his main path to fantasy relevance may come from the fact that he'll likely throw more than an inning at a time. Santillan has a history as a starting pitcher but didn't show the command necessary to fill that role last season, walking 11.1 percent of opposing batters.

Chavez's contract was selected by the Cubs on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 38-year-old looked like he might be toast following the 2020 season, as he struggled to a 6.88 ERA that year while posting a 16.9 percent strikeout rate. He bounced back in a big way last season, however, posting a career-best 2.14 ERA in 33.2 innings for Atlanta as his strikeout rate jumped all the way up to a career-high 27.1 percent.

Gilbert was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Gilbert pitched a no-hitter and finished with a 3.15 ERA in 40 innings as a 27-year-old rookie last year, but he won't get the chance to reprise that performance right away. He should be one of Arizona's top options when the team needs more pitching depth, though his 15.9 percent strikeout rate suggests he's unlikely to repeat his strong ERA in his next MLB opportunity.

Medina was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Medina is just 25 years old and was an interesting prospect in the lower minors, but his star has faded to the point that he was designated for assignment by the Phillies over the winter. The Pirates don't have a particularly tough rotation to break into, but his 5.05 ERA in 17 Triple-A starts last year suggests he has more work to do before making a push for a starting role in the majors.

Edwards was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Edwards served as a non-roster invitee this spring after landing a minor-league deal with the Nationals in late February. However, he'll begin the season at Triple-A Rochester after he gave up five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out one in five innings across five appearances (one start) during Grapefruit League play.

Garcia allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout in 1.2 innings versus Texas on Friday.

Garcia had allowed five runs across his first 1.2 innings in spring training, but he settled down Friday. The southpaw saw a versatile role last year as a multi-inning reliever. He posted a 6-3 record, 2.62 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 68:18 K:BB in 68.2 innings across 58 appearances. He added a save and 11 holds with the occasional look in high-leverage moments. Garcia probably won't factor into the closer conversation much -- Jake McGee, Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval are set to get the save chances early on. Garcia could still be an option if some of those late-inning candidates falter early in the season.

Hand has sat around 90 to 91 mph with his fastball this spring, below his average of 93 mph last season, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It's possible this is nothing to worry about, as pitchers are frequently below their usual velocity numbers in spring, due either to their lack of adrenaline in exhibition contests or to the fact that they're still building up to full strength. This year's shortened spring training could make that an even more common problem. Still, the Phillies would certainly prefer to see Hand at his usual velocity as soon as possible. His chances of overtaking Corey Knebel on the closer depth chart would take a hit if he's unable to get back to the 93 mph range.