MLB Player News

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.

Thompson was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

Thompson began spring training at major-league camp and allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over 2.1 innings during four three relief appearances this spring. The right-hander's contract was selected by the Padres in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and it appears as though he'll advance to the Triple-A level to begin the year.

Graterol threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Graterol threw 25 pitches during the session, including sliders. Manager Dave Roberts was impressed with how Graterol looked Wednesday, but it's not yet clear whether he'll be ready for Opening Day. The right-hander doesn't appear to be hurt, but he has yet to face hitters this spring with just over two weeks remaining until Opening Day. Once he's ready to play during the regular season, Graterol should serve as a high-leverage reliever for the Dodgers.

Johnson has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 groin strain, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Johnson was removed from Tuesday's spring game against the White Sox due to a groin injury, and he'll have several days of rest before returning. However, the Padres are hopeful that the right-hander will be able to pitch in a few more Cactus League games prior to Opening Day.

The Pirates optioned Mears to minor-league camp Tuesday.

The hard-throwing righty registered a 4.50 ERA in six spring games covering six innings. Mears also walked five batters and hit another, so he will work on his control with Triple-A Indianapolis. The 24-year-old debuted in the majors last summer, compiling a 5.40 ERA with a 7:7 BB:K in five innings.

Clarke allowed four hits and struck out two over three scoreless innings to pick up the three-inning save in Tuesday's spring game against Oakland.

Clarke is nowhere near the discussion to close out games for the Diamondbacks when the regular season starts. He entered Tuesday's game with Arizona leading, 7-3, and was on the mound when the offense put up five runs in the eighth inning. It was a perfect opportunity to extend Clarke, who will serve as starting depth and a multi-inning reliever in 2021. He's thrown eight innings over three Cactus League appearances.

Gonzalez has pitched in five Cactus League contests, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings.

Gonzalez broke through with a 1.33 ERA and 0.74 WHIP across 20.1 innings during his 2020 rookie campaign, and his fabulous numbers were largely backed up by advanced metrics. He is rolling again this spring and figures to be the Dodgers' top left-handed bullpen option. Gonzalez will be even more important at the start of the campaign if Brusdar Graterol and Joe Kelly (soreness) aren't ready by Opening Day.