MLB Player News

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.

The Brewers optioned Perdomo (back) to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

Perdomo was one of five 40-man roster players that the Brewers demoted to Triple-A in the team's latest round of cuts from big-league camp. The right-hander didn't see any action for either the Brewers or in the minors after early August of last season while he contended with a strained back, and he's gone unused thus far during the Cactus League slate. With that in mind, it's unclear where Perdomo stands on the health front as the start of the minor-league season approaches.

Lambert agreed to a one-year, $762,500 contract with the Rockies on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lambert missed most of 2021 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, though he made two starts late in the season and gave up seven earned runs over 5.2 innings. The right-hander debuted with Colorado in 2019 with a 7.25 ERA across 89.1 innings, and he has an outside shot at a spot in the Opening Day rotation this year.

Stephenson and the Rockies agreed Tuesday on a one-year, $1.28 million contract to avoid arbitration, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The 29-year-old righty was one of the Rockies' more dependable middle relievers in 2021, turning in a 3.13 ERA and 1.30 WHIP while striking out 52 over 46 innings. He could pick up more setup work after logging only four holds a season ago, but he'll likely enter 2022 behind all of Alex Colome, Carlos Estevez and Daniel Bard in the pecking order for saves.

Bruihl (arm) is listed among the Dodgers relievers scheduled to pitch in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Guardians, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Bruihl will be making his second appearance of the spring after he struck out two over a scoreless frame Sunday against the Cubs. The 24-year-old southpaw looks like he's made a full recovery from the left arm injury that kept him sidelined late in the Dodgers' National League Championship Series loss to Atlanta last October.

Ferguson (elbow) signed a one-year, $762,500 contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Ferguson missed the 2021 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery and will make little more than the minimum salary for this season. The 25-year-old isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day as he finishes his ramp up, but he could be a major bullpen piece for Los Angeles once healthy.

Leone signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Giants on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Leone was a dominant reliever for the Giants in 2021, as he posted a 1.51 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 50:22 K:BB with two saves and 15 holds over 53.2 innings. The right-hander may not receive many closing opportunities in 2022, but he should still be a key bullpen piece for San Francisco.

Reyes (shoulder) agreed to a one-year, $2.85 million contract with the Cardinals on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Reyes and the Cardinals were able to agree on a salary for 2022 without requiring an arbiter. The 27-year-old has been shut down from throwing for the next four weeks after receiving a stem-cell injection for a frayed labrum in his throwing shoulder, and he isn't expected to be cleared for game action until at least late May.