MLB Player News

The Phillies optioned Romero to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Though Romero made his big-league debut in 2020 as a reliever, the Phillies may not be ready to pull the plug on developing the 24-year-old as a starter. Since there wasn't going to be a spot available for him in the Phillies' Opening Day rotation, Romero will instead move to Triple-A in order to pick up regular innings. The Phillies could still keep him near the top of the list for a promotion if the team needs a mop-up man or another lefty option out of the bullpen.

De Leon is expected to be in the Reds' Opening Day rotation, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

De Leon probably won't last long in the rotation, as he'll likely head to the bullpen as soon as Sonny Gray (back), Michael Lorenzen (shoulder) or Tejay Antone (hip) is ready to go. He could a worthy streaming option to start the season as he'll line up to face the Pirates in his first start, but it's hard to have too much confidence in a player who owns an 8.49 ERA in 29.2 major-league innings.

Graterol will begin the 2021 season on the injured list, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Graterol has been brought along slowly this spring after an offseason that featured inconsistent throwing. The right-hander didn't appear in any Cactus League games this year and won't be ready to pitch in time for Opening Day. It's not yet clear when Graterol will be available, but he should play a high-leverage role for the Dodgers once he's built up.

Hoffman is expected to open the season as the Reds' fourth starter, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Hoffman probably won't make many turns in the rotation, as it took injuries to Sonny Gray (back), Michael Lorenzen (shoulder) and Tejay Antone (hip) for him to earn a starting role. He's an interesting streaming candidate in the first week of the season, as he'll face the Pirates in his first start, but he's tough to roster in most leagues. His 6.40 ERA in 230.2 career major-league innings is poor even when accounting for the fact that he called Coors Field home.

Kelly (shoulder) will begin the 2021 season on the injured list, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kelly dealt with a shoulder injury throughout spring training and has been progressing through his throwing program, but he'll require a stint on the injured list before he's ready to return to game action. The right-hander has yet to face live hitters this spring, and it's not clear when he'll be able to make his season debut.

Sims and Amir Garrett will both be considered closers to start the season, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Sims is a righty while Garrett is a lefty, which could mean Sims sees slightly more than half the save chances early on. The Reds haven't said they'll refrain from using a traditional closer all year, however, so whoever pitches better in their first few opportunities could well wind up as a true closer for most of the year.

Alzolay has beaten out Alec Mills to be the Cubs' fifth starter, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The fact that Alzolay is opening in the rotation doesn't mean he'll stick there all year, as the Cubs have talked about rotating pitchers through the final couple rotation spots to manage their innings. Still, it's a positive sign with regards to how important the team believes him to be this season. Alzolay flashed potential in 21.1 innings last season, striking out 33.3 percent of opposing batters en route to a 2.95 ERA, but he also walked batters at a 14.9 percent clip. He'll have to improve his command if he's to live up to his potential, but he's a good bet to help fantasy teams with a fair number of strikeouts even if his ERA and WHIP aren't great.

Gilbreath was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Gilbreath was in the mix for an Opening Day roster spot during camp but has yet to pitch above High-A. As a result, he'll start the season at Triple-A Albuquerque but could be considered to make his major-league debut at some point in 2021. The southpaw made eight Cactus League appearances this year and posted a 7.36 ERA and 2.05 WHIP in 7.1 innings.

Weathers remains a candidate to open the season on the big-league roster, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Weathers struggled in a Cactus League start against the Mariners on Friday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.2 innings. His numbers overall this spring, which include a 7.11 ERA and 1.66 WHIP, aren't exactly impressive, but he has struck out 15 batters in 12.2 innings. San Diego's bullpen has been hit by multiple injuries of late, so Weathers could fill a long-relief role if he makes the cut. The left-hander could also feasibly used as a starter if the Padres decide to go with a six-man rotation.

Pomeranz (forearm) threw a perfect inning in Friday's Cactus League game against Seattle, notching two strikeouts.

Pomeranz needed only seven pitches to mow down the Mariners in order after missing nearly three weeks with left forearm inflammation. The 32-year-old appears to have avoided a long-term injury and should be ready to roll as one of the Padres' most important bullpen arms on Opening Day.