MLB Player News

Diaz struck out two in a perfect inning of work during Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

Entering the game in the second inning and facing a Miami lineup mostly made up of big-league regulars, Diaz got Joey Wendle swinging and Brian Anderson looking before Nick Fortes tapped a weak grounder back to the right-hander for the final out of the frame. Diaz heads into his fourth season with the Mets having gone 64-for-80 on save chances during his tenure with the team, and another 30-plus saves in 2022 seems well within reach.

Rodriguez (shoulder) is listed among the Cubs' relievers scheduled to pitch in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Rodriguez was sidelined with right shoulder inflammation to close out the 2021 season, but his inclusion on the pitching schedule Thursday implies that he'll be good to go for the start of the 2022 campaign. Before getting hurt, Rodriguez didn't distinguish himself while working out of the Cubs bullpen, as he gave up 12 earned runs on 18 hits and 12 walks over 17.2 innings. Rodriguez still has a minor-league option remaining, so he could find himself at Triple-A Iowa once big-league camp wraps up.

Manager Buck Showalter said Smith (foot) pitched a perfect inning-plus Thursday in the Mets' intrasquad game, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith's flawless relief appearance indicates that he's fully healthy again after he didn't complete his scheduled throwing session Wednesday due to a sore right foot. The right-hander's spot in the Mets' Opening Day bullpen looks fairly secure, though he'll likely be limited to a low-leverage role to begin the season.

Helsley (elbow/knee) will make his spring training debut Friday versus the Nationals, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Helsley underwent knee surgery in the offseason, but this news indicates he's recovered from that operation. The 27-year-old played a versatile role in the bullpen last year. He posted a 6-4 record, one save, 10 holds, 4.56 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 47:27 K:BB across 47.1 innings. He's got solid velocity -- he averaged 97.5 mph on his fastball last year -- and the right-hander's 3.99 FIP from last season suggests he was a little unlucky. Still, he's not expected to be part of the closer committee to begin 2022.

The Rockies reassigned Hammer to their minor-league camp Thursday.

Hammer took himself out of consideration for a spot in the Rockies' Opening Day bullpen by giving up five earned runs on five hits over three innings across his three Cactus League appearances. The 27-year-old, who previously made 40 relief appearances in the majors with the Phillies between the 2019 and 2021 seasons, will report to Triple-A Albuquerque to begin the 2022 campaign, though he could request a release from his minor-league contract at some point if he recognizes a better opportunity with another organization.

The Rockies optioned Rolison to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.

Rolison was one of four players on the Rockies' 40-man roster that was dispatched to the minors Thursday, leaving Colorado with 47 players remaining at MLB camp. The 24-year-old lefty will likely step into the rotation at Albuquerque, with whom he made 10 starts in 2021. He covered 45.2 innings in those outings, pitching to a 5.91 ERA and 1.48 WHIP.

Bukauskas (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The move doesn't change Bukauskas' return timeline, as he was already expected to miss multiple months with a Grade 2 shoulder strain. It clears a spot for the Diamondbacks to add the recently-signed Zach Davies to the 40-man roster.

Harvey (triceps) is expected to throw a bullpen session Thursday and could begin to throw live batting practice early next week, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

The flame-throwing right-hander has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career, an issue which caused him to get designated for assignment by the Orioles in November before spending a few months on the Giants' 40-man roster and subsequently being claimed by the Nationals this week. He's in good spirits to begin his Washington tenure, however. "I feel really good," Harvey said Wednesday. "I've been feeling good, so I'm trying to keep it that way this year and stay healthy for the full season." If the 27-year-old can stay off the injured list, his 97 mph fastball and plus curveball could allow him to claim a high-leverage role in an unsettled Nats bullpen.

Chavez allowed an unearned run across two innings to pick up the win in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Athletics. He gave up two hits and struck out two.

The veteran reliever is in camp as a non-roster invitee, though he seems pretty likely to earn a bullpen role. Chavez pitched for the Cubs along with the Rangers back in 2018, when he posted a strong 2.55 ERA across 95.1 innings. He was good with Atlanta last year as well, registering a 2.14 ERA and 1.01 WHIP while striking out 36 batters across 33.2 innings. Chavez should slot in somewhere in front of closer Rowan Wick and could see high-leverage work this season.

Smith (shoulder) paused his throwing program Wednesday due to foot soreness, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Smith missed time down the stretch last season with shoulder inflammation, and he's now picked up a foot issue during spring training. The 28-year-old had a 2.40 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 41:16 K:BB over 41.1 innings before the injury in 2021, and his availability for Opening Day is now in question.