MLB Player News

Castillo has been diagnosed with a UCL tear that will require Tommy John surgery, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Castillo suffered a setback while throwing his first live bullpen session of the year Tuesday, and he'll miss the entire 2021 campaign after being diagnosed with a torn UCL. The southpaw has dealt with various injuries in recent years and will now face a lengthy recovery process going forward.

Sims (elbow) threw 10 fastballs off a mound Wednesday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Rosecrans notes that Sims took part in a modified flat-ground bullpen session called a "short box" drill, which features a catcher on the plate or slightly in front of it. That activity could be the final step before Sims resumes pitching traditional bullpen sessions. Once he completes a few bullpen sessions, Sims will advance to facing hitters in live batting practice or simulated games before he receives clearance to make his spring debut. The 26-year-old still looks to have a good chance at being ready to go for Opening Day.

Harvey (elbow) is listed among the available relievers for Thursday's spring game against the Mariners.

Harvey missed the second half of the 2020 season due to a right elbow sprain and was outrighted off the 40-man roster at the end of October. However, the righty is apparently healthy to begin spring training and is scheduled to make his spring debut in relief Thursday. Harvey is competing at major-league camp in 2021 after tossing 3.1 scoreless innings across four relief appearances for Colorado last year.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Thursday that Rainey is dealing with a minor muscle strain near his right collarbone and has yet to resume mound work, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Rainey ended the 2020 campaign on the shelf with a right flexor strain, but the 28-year-old has been bothered by a different injury since reporting to spring training a couple weeks ago. According to Martinez, Rainey was shut down for a few days to begin camp, but he's since been cleared for long toss from 90 feet. Based on where Rainey currently stands in his recovery, Martinez believes that the right-hander is still on pace to make about six or seven appearances this spring, which would put him on track to be ready for Opening Day.

Topa threw his second scoreless inning of the spring in Wednesday's exhibition matchup with the Padres.

Topa has all of six big-league appearances under his belt, but he threw the ball well as a rookie last year, and the Brewers believe he could be a key part of their bullpen in 2021. Topa stands 6-foot-4 and averaged 97.5 mph with his heater last year, so it's not hard to see why the team is high on him.

Antone struck out five of the seven batters he faced in his spring training debut Wednesday, throwing between 97-to-99 mph on his fastball while mixing in a sharp slider, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "(In the minors) he was a sinker ball pitcher, but 90 miles an hour with good command," Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson said. "Tonight, he was 97 to 99 consistently, just (an) electric fastball and (his) slider was as good as it's ever been."

Antone is in a battle for the Reds' fifth starter job, with Wade Miley presumably the favorite to slot into the No. 4 role. It would behoove the Reds to find as many innings for both Antone and Michael Lorenzen, even if one of them doesn't make the starting rotation to begin the season.

Lawrence pitched one scoreless inning as he earned the win during Wednesday's spring game against the Athletics. He allowed one hit and no walks with no strikeouts.

Lawrence made his spring debut in relief Wednesday after being cleared to play following his 80-game suspension last year. The right-hander allowed a two-out single to Logan Davidson, who was later caught stealing to end the inning. Lawrence advanced through the minors quickly prior to his suspension and could make his major-league debut at some point this year.

Ponce de Leon, a candidate for the No. 5 role in the starting rotation, fired two scoreless innings in relief during a Grapefruit League tie with the Marlins on Tuesday, allowing one hit and two walks while recording two strikeouts.

The versatile right-hander got his spring off to a solid start with his scoreless outing, coming on in relief of starter Adam Wainwright after the veteran worked the first pair of frames. Ponce de Leon is likely to get at least one opportunity to start during spring training, but Tuesday's performance showcased his well-established ability to work effectively in long relief.

Strop lost 20 pounds during the offseason and is fully healthy to begin spring training, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Strop dealt with hip and groin injuries last season but is a non-roster invitee during spring training with the Cubs. The right-hander is hopeful that his weight loss will help him avoid some of the lower-body injuries that he's dealt with in the past while also improving his flexibility. The right-hander made 54 relief appearances with the Cubs and Reds across the past two seasons and posted a 4.91 ERA and 52:26 K:BB over 44 innings.

Hand threw 25 pitches in a batting practice session Tuesday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports. "He threw the ball really, really well. So he's getting close to getting in a game here soon," manager Dave Martinez said afterwards.

The southpaw was signed in the offseason to shore up the back of the Nationals' bullpen after being cut loose by Cleveland in October. Hand has recorded 103 saves over the last four seasons, and while Martinez has been seemingly reluctant so far to definitively state that the 30-year-old is his closer, there's currently no reason to think Hand has any serious competition for the role.