MLB Player News

Betances' four-seamer averaged 90.6 mph in Tuesday's appearance against the Astros, down a couple ticks from earlier this spring, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

He allowed two runs on a pair of hits (though one of those came on an outfield misplay) and a hit batsman while striking out one over one inning, and Betances has now given up six runs with a 2:3 K:BB in four innings this spring. It was reported earlier this spring that he had returned to his old arm slot after battling injuries in recent years, but something still isn't right for the towering righty. He should be considered a volatile middle reliever going forward.

Lambert (elbow) has been regularly taking part in long-toss throwing off flat ground during spring training, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

The Rockies appear to be pleased with how Lambert is advancing through his throwing program as he makes his way back from the Tommy John surgery he required last July. He could be ready to begin mound work by the end of the spring, which would likely put him on track to make his return to game action at some point late in the second half of the season. Colorado will likely place Lambert on the 60-day injured list shortly before Opening Day.

Garcia has an 11.25 ERA through his first four appearances (four innings) this spring.

The culprit has been two homers, as Garcia's 4:0 K:BB is solid. The 30-year-old has had issues in the past keeping the ball in the park, serving up 15 home runs over 62.1 innings for the Dodgers in 2019, but a small spring sample isn't cause for too much alarm. It may, however, be enough to put him behind Anthony Bass in the race to be the Marlins' closer to begin the season.

Bass has yet to give up an earned run this spring over five appearances (five innings) while posting a 4:2 K:BB.

The right-hander headed into the spring in the mix for the closer role in Miami, and while he hasn't been particularly dominant, he's been much more effective than his main competition, Yimi Garcia. Bass has 12 saves over the last two seasons while seeing some ninth-inning duty for the Mariners and Jays, but the track record of Marlins manager Don Mattingly suggests he prefers having one closer over a committee, so the 33-year-old could eclipse that number quickly in 2021.

Martin struck out two in a perfect inning of work during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins.

It was his first official game action of the spring, as Atlanta had held Martin to live batting practice and simulated games before Monday. The right-hander is expected to be a key part of the team's high-leverage mix this season, but he's more likely to move the needle in fantasy formats that reward holds instead of only saves.

The Diamondbacks optioned Martin to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Arizona gave Martin the token chance to compete for a rotation spot this spring, but he was never considered likely to unseat Merrill Kelly, Caleb Smith or Luke Weaver for a back-end starting role. Given that Martin hasn't pitched in affiliated ball since requiring Tommy John surgery in July 2019, the Diamondbacks likely want to give him an extended look at Triple-A.

The Diamondbacks optioned Bukauskas to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Bukauskas was the most surprising of the Diamondbacks' five roster cuts Tuesday, as he appeared to be on solid ground in his bid for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. The Diamondbacks are expected to continue developing Bukauskas as a reliever as he heads back to the minors, but the organization presumably wants to see how he fares in his first exposure to Triple-A hitters before considering a promotion. Bukauskas endured a rough 2019 campaign with the Diamondbacks' and Astros' Double-A affiliates, compiling a 5.44 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 92.2 innings.

The Brewers optioned Bickford to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Bickford's demotion clears room on the 26-man roster for infielder Travis Shaw, who was informed Tuesday that he would join Milwaukee for Opening Day. A 2015 first-round pick of the Giants, Bickford got the chance to make his big-league debut with Milwaukee last September, giving up four runs in his lone inning of relief work.

Suter (hand) is listed on the Brewers' pitching schedule for Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Dodgers, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Once starting pitcher Josh Lindblom's day is done, Suter is expected to check into the game for his first appearance since March 8. The Brewers were just exercising some caution with Suter after he was struck in the hand by a comebacker in his previous outing. He remains on pace to be ready for Opening Day.

Suero has yet to give up a run over five Grapefruit League appearances (five innings) while posting a 9:1 K:BB.

The 29-year-old right-hander has been well ahead of the batters he's faced so far. Suero isn't expected to factor into the saves mix for the Nats this season, but after finishing second on the team in holds in 2020 while posting a strikeout rate north of 27 percent, he should be an important bridge to setup men Will Harris and Daniel Hudson.