MLB Player News

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.

Clarke allowed two hits and struck out two over four scoreless innings in Sunday's spring game against the White Sox.

Clarke's four sharp innings lowered his spring ERA to 2.25, putting himself in a position to earn a spot in the bullpen. Although he started Sunday's game, the rotation appears to be set, so Clarke could find a role as starting depth and multi-inning reliever.

Antone stopped a side bullpen session Saturday due to irritation to his hip flexor, but it's not going to shut him down from his throwing program, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "We're going to work with him as tolerated and keep strengthening and progress as we can," GM Nick Krall said.

While it may not shut down Antone's throwing program, it may slow down his chances of winning a spot in the Reds' rotation, at least to begin the season. Nonetheless, he can still be of value in an ace reliever role, especially with the uncertainty at the back end of the Reds' bullpen.

Treinen has allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out seven across five innings in Cactus League play.

The veteran reliever has looked good thus far and appears to have locked down the role as LA's top setup man. Should closer Kenley Jansen falter or get hurt, Treinen figures to be first in line to take over ninth-inning duties.

Cleavinger pitched two-thirds of an inning against San Francisco in a Cactus League contest Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out one.

This was easily the worst outing of the spring for Cleavinger, who entered the contest having given up only one earned run across six frames. Despite the rough appearance, he has still impressed with a 12:3 K:BB and figures to have a role in the Dodgers' Opening Day bullpen.

Alexander has allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk in Cactus League play while striking out three.

The left-hander is slated for a middle-relief role in the Dodgers' bullpen this season. He doesn't strike out many batters or get many holds, so he's a non-factor in fantasy leagues.

Bednar has yet to allow an earned run in seven spring innings, yielding two hits and one walk while striking out 13.

The 26-year-old, acquired in the Joe Musgrove trade, has seen a tick up in his fastball velocity and hit 99 mph in his last outing. He could move into a high-leverage situation if he continues to execute at his current level, but the team has several other relievers out of options. As a result, it's possible that Bednar could be optioned to Triple-A at the beginning of 2021, even though he's throwing as well as anyone in the bullpen.

Crowe limited Boston to one earned run in 3.2 innings Sunday, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out two, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

The start was Crowe's first of the spring after three relief outings. He's given up just one run in 9.1 innings as the team considers whether the righty fits on the Opening Day roster. "He's done a nice job," manager Derek Shelton said before the game. "I think it's continuing to get more looks and continue to see more innings, so gain more information." The 26-year-old, acquired in the Josh Bell deal, is likely fighting a crowded roster but figures to find his way onto the roster sometime this summer. Crowe made his debut with Washington in 2020, registering an 11.88 ERA in 8.1 innings.

Kimbrel hit 98 mph with his fastball in his most recent Cactus League outing Saturday, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Kimbrel said he was pleasantly surprised by the high number on the radar gun, and he retired his three batters in order with two strikeouts. "My ball had some zip on it, had a little more life than it's had so far this spring training," Kimbrel said. "When you can be nice and smooth and easy and try not to do too much, everything works out." The veteran reliever averaged 98.3 mph on his fastball back in 2017, but he's been below 97 mph in his two seasons with the Cubs. He has a 6.00 ERA since coming to Chicago, so the diminished velocity has seemingly had a direct impact on his effectiveness. If Kimbrel has a little more zip in 2021, he could turn things around, but fantasy managers will want to see him string together a handful of good outings before getting too excited.