MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Webb to its alternate training site Wednesday.

Webb's case for a spot in Atlanta's Opening Day bullpen appeared to be strong after he worked 10 scoreless innings over his eight appearances in 2020, but the fact that he has minor-league options remaining likely worked against him. Atlanta is evaluating non-roster invitees Carl Edwards and Nate Jones for spots in the bullpen, while two other relief candidates in Luke Jackson and Grant Dayton already possess 40-man roster spots but no longer have minor-league options.

Williams threw a scoreless inning and struck out two batters in his second appearance of the spring Tuesday.

Williams allowed an earned run and got just two outs in his March 20 spring debut, but he kept the opponent off the scoreboard Tuesday and used his devastating changeup to induce two punchouts. While he got a late start to the spring, Williams will be ready to go when Opening Day rolls around, and he will open in the setup role in front of closer Josh Hader.

Clarke is one likely candidate to fill in for injured starter Zac Gallen (forearm).

Gallen was diagnosed with a hairline fracture of the forearm and will miss an indefinite amount of time. That naturally leads to speculation about the candidates to replace him in the rotation. At this point in spring training, Clarke is the most built-up depth starter at 12 innings, followed closely by Seth Frankoff (11.2 IP). Clarke gets the edge over Frankoff based on spring numbers and MLB experience. The right-handed Clarke has allowed three runs on 13 hits and two walks while striking out 10 this spring.

Alzolay will have a fourth minor-league option for 2021, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The 26-year-old had a 2.95 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 29:13 K:BB over 21.1 innings (six appearances) during the shortened 2020 campaign, but an arbitrator determined that wasn't enough to use up one of the right-hander's minor-league options. Alzolay was essentially guaranteed an Opening Day roster spot without the option year, but he can now be sent to the minors without being subjected to waivers. Regardless of whether he breaks camp with the team, Alzolay should have a role for Chicago at some point this season.

Fulmer has been generating a lot of swings and misses in simulated games over the last week, including eight during a 24-pitch stretch last Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Fulmer is out of options and thus only has a small window to impress the Reds enough to win a roster spot, but he might claim the team's final bullpen opening if his success in simulated games carries over to spring training outings.

Sims allowed two runs on three hits in his spring training debut Tuesday, all after retiring the first two batters, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "The breaking ball was really good today," Sims said. "I know I gave up a hit or two on it, but those are easier adjustments. Those are kind of more location, maybe pitch selection."

All in all, it wasn't bad for his first outing. Sims was hitting 92-94 mph with his fastball, which is at the low end of his range from last season, but he should ramp up his velocity as he goes along. Amir Garrett, meanwhile, looked dominant in his one inning, striking out the side, so he might be a little ahead of Sims in the closer's job battle. That said, manager David Bell may not use a full-time closer, instead mixing and matching with Garrett and Sims.

Hoffman pitched five innings in Tuesday's start against the Padres, allowing three runs (all in the first inning) while retiring 12 of his last 13 batters, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Nightengale suggests that Hoffman has a good chance of winning a spot in the Reds' rotation to begin the season, as he's apparently ahead of teammate Jose De Leon. The Reds like what Tejay Antone can do out of the bullpen, and Sonny Gray is likely to begin the season on the IL, so there are spots to be won.

Antone (hip) threw off flat ground Tuesday and hopes to return to game action Sunday against the Brewers, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone has received plenty of hype this offseason thanks to his 2.80 ERA and 31.9 percent strikeout rate as a rookie last year. It hasn't been the smoothest spring for him, however, as he's dealt with both groin and hip issues. Neither injury has been particularly significant, though, and since he isn't experiencing any arm problems, there's seemingly no reason to fear for his long-term health.

Pomeranz (forearm) is scheduled to pitch in Friday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz hasn't pitched in a game since March 9 due to left forearm inflammation, but the Padres remain hopeful that he'll be able to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season. If Pomeranz is able to rejoin the pitching schedule this weekend as expected, he'll improve his odds of being included on the Opening Day roster. What role Pomeranz might fill when healthy is more of a question, as manager Jayce Tingler hasn't yet committed to a closer. If Tingler elects to begin the season with a committee approach to closer or if a healthy Pomeranz is deployed in a more flexible late-inning role, Mark Melancon and Emilio Pagan could have clearer paths to save chances.

johnson (groin) completed a bullpen session Tuesday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The activity represents another step in the right direction for Johnson, whom the Padres are hoping can make a full recovery from his strained groin in advance of Opening Day. Johnson could be cleared to face hitters in live batting practice or a simulated game by the end of the week, though he appears unlikely to pitch again during the Padres' Cactus League schedule.