MLB Player News

Sims (elbow) is scheduled to pitch Tuesday against the Padres, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. "I felt really sharp," Sims said. "I was making the right adjustments that I wanted to. I was getting the right action. I'm ready to roll."

Sims pitched in an intrasquad game Saturday. Amir Garrett, his competition for the closer's job, pitched in a "B" game Saturday. The job battle could extend into the start of the regular season as both pitchers get up to speed.

Arizona coaches watched Young during a simulated game Saturday and appeared to be discussing the possibility he's tipping pitches, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. "That's the stuff we're keyed in on and we always want to make sure we're doing our job as a coach to prevent those types of things," manage Torey Lovullo said.

Young was roughed up in his last outing March 14, when the Giants tagged him for five runs and eight hits over three innings. While the coaches did not confirm if Young has a tell in his delivery, it is something they are monitoring. The left-hander is being stretched out during spring training, but he's not expected to be part of the rotation to start the 2021 season.

Pomeranz is not throwing while waiting for inflammation in his forearm to lessen, Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz has been dealing with tightness in his left forearm, and the injury is accompanied by some inflammation. Though tests revealed no structural damage to the forearm, the southpaw's status for Opening Day remains in question. Pomeranz has not pitched in a game since March 9.

Williams will make his Cactus League debut Saturday against the Reds.

Williams threw a live batting practice session Tuesday, and he'll be available to make his Cactus League debut in relief Saturday. The right-hander has been brought along slowly this spring after he missed wild-card round in 2020 due to shoulder soreness, but the team hasn't expressed any concerns regarding his Opening Day status. Josh Hader is still expected to serve as Milwaukee's closer in 2021, but Williams is one of the top non-closer relievers in fantasy baseball after he posted a 0.33 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 53:9 K:BB over 27 innings during 22 relief appearances last year.

Pagan has a good chance to close games for the Padres this season and has been the name most often mentioned by people within the organization as a potential closer, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The Padres have several potential ninth-inning options, including Mark Melancon and Drew Pomeranz (forearm), but manager Jayce Tingler has expressed a preference for a dedicated ninth-inning arm rather than a committee. Pagan has been an elite reliever in the recent past, saving 20 games for the Rays in 2019 while backing up his 2.31 ERA with an excellent combination of a 36.0 percent strikeout rate and a 4.9 percent walk rate. His numbers fell off hard across the board last year, as he managed just a 26.4 percent strikeout rate, 10.3 percent walk rate and a 4.50 ERA, but he was pitching through pain for much of the season and eventually landed on the injured list with biceps inflammation. Healthy again this spring, Pagan appears to have a very real chance of moving to the top of the closer competition.

Howard (back) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Howard should start games at some point this season, but he appeared set to open in the bullpen or minors even before being scratched from his scheduled Monday appearance due to back spasms. Zach Eflin's back issue could theoretically open up a temporary role should Howard recover before Eflin does, but Eflin will also throw a bullpen session Sunday, so that seems unlikely. If Howard checks out fine following his bullpen, he should be able to return to Grapefruit League action sometime next week.

Rondon was optioned to minor-league camp Saturday.

Rondon's contract was selected in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and he spent the first month of spring training at major-league camp. He made four relief appearances this spring and allowed five runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.2 innings. The right-hander will likely begin the season with Triple-A Memphis but could make his major-league debut at some point in 2021.

Antone (groin) will throw a side session Saturday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone remains day-to-day while recovering from a right groin strain. If he doesn't experience any setbacks during his throwing session Saturday, Antone could return to Cactus League play soon and should remain on track for Opening Day. Assuming he's healthy to begin the regular season, the right-hander could be in the rotation right away considering Sonny Gray (back) doesn't expect to be ready for Opening Day.

Alvarado has pitched himself into the closer mix for the Phillies this spring, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Alvarado's services were understandably cheap for the Phillies to acquire this winter following a pair of seasons in which he struggled to a 5.08 ERA while battling injuries. Conditioning had become a significant problem for the lefty, but he's dropped nearly 50 pounds and now looks as electric as ever. He struck out the side Saturday against the Blue Jays, throwing nine of his 16 pitches 99 mph or faster. He has 15 saves on his resume already and seemingly has a legitimate chance to beat out Hector Neris and Archie Bradley for the role this season, though it's still too early to call him the favorite.

Sims (elbow) will pitch in an intrasquad game Saturday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Sims remains confident that he'll be ready to pitch by Opening Day, and he'll take another step in his recovery process Saturday. If he feels good after pitching in the intrasquad matchup, he could make his Cactus League debut at some point next week. If Sims is healthy for Opening Day, he should serve as a high-leverage reliever for the Reds.