MLB Player News

Hicks allowed an unearned run on two walks and a hit batsman over two-thirds of an inning in a Grapefruit League tie with the Astros on Wednesday.

Making his second appearance of spring after a 22-pitch battle of wills against the Mets' Luis Guillorme encompassed the first Sunday, Hicks once again put together a rather unusual performance. The flamethrowing right-hander worked himself into trouble with an error on a comebacker and some notable control issues, but manager Mike Shildt kept things in perspective when evaluating Hicks' second taste of game action in 21 months. "I think it's just getting back into competition in over a year," Shildt said. "I thought it was a fantastic outing. Ton of soft contact, around the plate again. I was really, really, really pleased with Jordan."

Sims (elbow) is confident that he'll be ready to pitch by Opening Day, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Sims threw a live batting practice session Wednesday and felt good Thursday. Assuming that remains the case, the next step in his recovery could be to make his Cactus League debut. The right-hander is optimistic that he'll be healthy enough to pitch to begin the regular season, and he should serve as a high-leverage reliever for Cincinnati.

Lamet (elbow) threw two innings during a simulated game Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet had some issues with command during his second inning Thursday, but he was in good spirits as he came off the mound. The right-hander threw 29 pitches during his outing and appeared to utilize all of his pitches. Lamet has now thrown three straight sim games, but it's not yet clear when he could make an appearance in a Cactus League game. Although he appears to be making progress in his recovery and should be a key part of San Diego's rotation once he's healthy, it's unclear whether Lamet will be able to build up in time for Opening Day.

Rainey (collarbone) threw 22 pitches in a simulated game Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rainey has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut this spring as he works through a muscle strain near his right collarbone. He continues to progress in his recovery, however, and he still has time to make the Opening Day roster. Rainey flashed high-leverage upside last year, striking out an incredible 42.7 percent of opposing batters en route to a 2.66 ERA, making him one of the top candidates for saves should Brad Hand struggle or get injured.

Jansen has thrown five scoreless innings this spring, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out nine.

The veteran closer faded during the playoffs last season and watched Julio Urias record the save in the clinching game of the World Series. However, the Dodgers appear committed to allowing Jansen to reprise his role as the team's closer this season, and the right-hander has justified the organization's confidence in him with a shutdown spring. Jansen ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in a variety of Statcast metrics last season, including xERA, xBA, xSLG, exit velocity and hard-hit rate, so he could be a value for fantasy managers who draft him with the belief that he still has something left in the tank.

Ferguson (elbow) doubts that he'll pitch this season, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The southpaw explained Wednesday that he enquired about returning in 2021 but was turned down due to the fact that he is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. Ferguson also indicated that he has begun throwing from as far as 60 feet, so he should be fully recovered by the start of the 2022 campaign.

Sims (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Sims has been brought along slowly early in spring training due to right elbow tightness, but he'll face hitters for the first time Wednesday. If all goes well, he could be on track to make his Cactus League debut in the near future. It's not yet clear whether Sims will be ready to pitch in time for Opening Day, but he should serve as a high-leverage reliever for Cincinnati once he's fully healthy.

Reds manager David Bell continued to label Antone (groin) as day-to-day Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Antone's groin injury will prevent him from making a start this weekend as had been planned, but the Red are optimistic he'll be able to complete a bullpen session. If he escapes the side session without any new discomfort to his right groin, Antone should remain on track for Opening Day.

The Padres reassigned Avila (elbow) to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Though he's believed to have recovered from his August 2019 Tommy John surgery, Avila didn't appear for the Padres in Cactus League play prior to his demotion. The 24-year-old made his big-league debut for San Diego in 2019 before going under the knife, tossing 5.1 innings of one-run ball in his lone spot start for the Padres. Assuming he's healthy again, Avila will likely begin the 2021 campaign at Double-A San Antonio or Triple-A El Paso.

Howard is still experiencing back spasms Wednesday and won't throw over the next few days, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Howard was scratched from his scheduled Grapefruit League appearance Monday due to back spasms, and the right-hander is still working through the issue. Howard had looked good to begin spring training and displayed improved velocity and conditioning, but he could be excluded from the Opening Day roster if he isn't ready in time for the regular season. Although Howard could be forced to work out of the bullpen after the Phillies acquired Matt Moore and Chase Anderson during the offseason, the 24-year-old should be one of the team's top options to fill in as a starter once he's fully healthy.