MLB Player News

Antone (hip) is trending in the right direction and still appears set to make the Opening Day roster, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Antone has had a bit of a disrupted spring, dealing with a minor groin issue and now a minor hip problem. The Reds remain optimistic about his chances of avoiding the injured list, though it's still not clear exactly what role he'll serve. He's in the mix as both a starter and a high-leverage reliever.

The Dodgers optioned Cleavinger to their minor-league camp Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Cleavinger was one of seven players demoted as the Dodgers reduced their contingent at big-league camp to 38 men. The reliever is expected to report to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the start of the 2021 season.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell confirmed Tuesday that Hader will serve as a traditional closer this season, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Brewers have been creative with Hader's usage in the past, and the presence of Devin Williams -- who struck out more than half the batters he faced last season -- could allow the team to deploy Hader earlier in games. It appears they'll go the more conventional route, however. Hader turned the so-called "Andrew Miller role" into the "Josh Hader role" early in his career, averaging 4.3 outs per appearances while saving just 12 games over his first two seasons. He's been a traditional closer to the last two years, though, and his outs per appearance continue to drop, falling to 3.7 in 2019 before sinking to 2.7 last year. Having a true closer role may continue to suppress his innings total but will nevertheless be a big boost to his fantasy value in most setups.

Graterol is unlikely to break camp on the major-league roster, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Graterol will not appear in any Cactus League game this spring and has yet to face any live hitters. As a result, manager Dave Roberts suggested that Graterol won't be built up enough to begin the season in the Dodgers' bullpen. When he is able to contribute, Graterol figures to occupy a high-leverage role for the team.

Graterol won't appear in a Cactus League game this spring, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The Dodgers have held Graterol back all spring, though he will face live hitters at some point according to manager Dave Roberts. Graterol's progression leaves his status for Opening Day in question, though once he is ready to take the mound he should serve as a high-leverage reliever for the team.

Kelly (undisclosed) threw a bullpen session Sunday but isn't likely to be ready by Opening Day, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Kelly continues to make progress toward a return, but he has yet to face live hitters and won't do so until tossing more bullpens. With Opening Day now 10 days away, it appears Kelly won't be able to ramp up in time to start the season on the active roster.

Lamet (elbow) will start Wednesday's Cactus League contest against the Giants, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet has been built up slowly this spring as the Padres have understandably been cautious after an elbow issue caused the right-hander's 2020 campaign to end early. Lamet has been throwing in sim games but hasn't exceeded 29 pitches, so it's likely that he'll have a short outing Wednesday. With that in mind, his likelihood of starting the season in the rotation remains in considerable doubt.

Rockies manager Bud Black said Monday that Gilbreath is in the mix for an Opening Day roster spot, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Gilbreath's contract was selected by the Rockies in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, but he hasn't pitched above High-A. The southpaw had a rough outing Wednesday while allowing four runs over two-thirds of an inning against the Giants, but he's been relatively effective otherwise and has struck out 12 batters across 6.2 innings. Even if Gilbreath begins the year in the majors, he shouldn't have a high-leverage role for Colorado.

Hand topped out at 93 mph with his fastball over the weekend, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports. "I think by the end of spring training, the adrenaline will start pumping a little more," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Sunday. "We might see the 94s and 95s again."

Declining velocity was a concern for Hand last season and may have played into Cleveland's decision to part ways with him, as he averaged 91.5 mph with his fastball in 2020 -- over two miles per hour slower than in 2018. The southpaw still got excellent results though, going 16-for-16 on save chances and posting career lows in ERA (2.05) and WHIP (0.77). With Hand not showing any signs of further decline this spring, there seems to be little danger of him losing his grip on the closer role for Washington.

Marlins general manager Kim Ng said Monday that Guzman (elbow) recently made 25 throws off flat ground from 60 feet after beginning a throwing program, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Guzman is beginning the build-up process again after being shut down a little under two weeks ago with right elbow inflammation. Since Triple-A Jacksonville won't begin its season until May, Guzman could be ready to pitch in games by that time if he avoids any setbacks during his throwing program.