MLB Player News

Cabrera (illness) is scheduled to throw live batting practice at the Cardinals' alternate training site in Springfield on Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera and fellow hurler Alex Reyes have both been building their arms up in Springfield the last several days after positive COVID-19 tests delayed their arrivals to summer camp. Cabrera was described as "progressing nicely" by manager Mike Shildt earlier in the week and has already thrown a pair of bullpen sessions that he's recovered well from. If the live BP session goes smoothly Wednesday, Cabrera could potentially be added to the big-league roster shortly thereafter.

Reyes (illness) is scheduled throw live batting practice Wednesday at the Cardinals' alternate training site in Springfield, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Reyes and fellow hurler Genesis Cabrera have both been playing catch-up in Springfield after positive COVID-19 tests delayed their arrivals at summer camp. The right-hander was described as "progressing nicely" by manager Mike Shildt earlier in the week and has already thrown a pair of bullpen sessions that he's recovered well from. If the live BP session goes smoothly Wednesday, there's a chance, based on previous reports, that Reyes could be added to the big-league roster soon thereafter.

Graterol (1-1) struck out two in a perfect inning of relief Tuesday to record his first win of the season in a 5-2 victory over the Astros.

The 21-year-old could eventually become the heir apparent to Kenley Jansen as the Dodgers' closer thanks to his big-time arm -- he spiked 100 mph on the radar gun an incredible six times Tuesday among his 18 pitches -- but Graterol was working the fifth inning here, and was the beneficiary of the team's five-run eruption in the top of the frame. He's made three appearances already in the team's first five games, and Graterol could see heavy usage in 2020 in a variety of high-leverage spots, giving him fantasy appeal in deeper formats where holds and plus K/9 rates have value.

Jansen gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his first save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Astros.

After a clean first outing of the year in a non-save situation, Jansen was back in his familiar role and got the job done, albeit not exactly in dominant fashion. He gave up a one-out double to Carlos Correa and failed to produce a strikeout. The 32-year-old's performance has been on the decline for a couple years now, but as long as Jansen sees consistent work in the ninth, he'll still have plenty of fantasy value.

Manager Jayce Tingler said Drew Pomeranz received Tuesday's save opportunity since Yates was receiving an extra day of rest, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Yates pitched on back-to-back days over the weekend and threw 28 pitches in his last outing Sunday when he gave up two runs and was charged with the loss, so Tingler opted to given him a couple days to refresh. The 33-year-old converted 41 of 44 save chances with a 1.19 ERA and 0.89 WHIP last season and appears to have a firm grasp on the closer's job, but it's still interesting to see Pomeranz receiving the Friars' first save opportunity of the season. Yates should be available going forward as the top option for the ninth inning after the strenuous opening weekend.

Voth (0-1) took the loss Tuesday against the Blue Jays after allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out two over five innings.

The 28-year-old earned the fifth spot in the Nats' starting rotation and had a respectable first start of the season, despite allowing two homers. Voth previously lined up for a two-start week with Sunday's game in Miami, but those games have been postponed given the COVID-19 outbreak among the Marlins' players and staff. Voth likely won't be taking the mound again until late next week with Washington set to have this weekend off.

Burdi walked one and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save Tuesday against the Brewers.

Burdi was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. After surrendering a leadoff walk, he was able to rebound, striking out Ben Gamel and inducing a double play from Lorenzo Cain to end the game and record his first career save. Given the lack of updates on Keone Kela (illness) and Kyle Crick's (shoulder) recent placement on the injured list, Burdi seems to be in line to be the primary closer for the foreseeable future, though the Pirates have said they will be cautious with Burdi, so he may not get every save opportunity.

Payano was added to the Mets' 60-player pool Tuesday, Tim Healey of Newsday

The 25-year-old signed with the Mets on a minor-league deal in December and will now get a chance to showcase himself during the shortened season, at least at the alternate site if not in the majors. Payano made his big-league debut with the Rangers last season and had a 5.73 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in six outings (four starts).

Hartlieb was recalled by the Pirates on Tuesday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Hartlieb began the season at the alternate training site, but he'll join the Pirates after Kyle Crick (shoulder) and Clay Holmes (forearm) were placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday. However, the 29-year-old shouldn't play a prominent role in the bullpen after posting a 9.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over 35 innings in his first season in the majors last year.

Ponce de Leon will start Wednesday's game against the Twins, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Ponce de Leon will fill in as a starter for Miles Mikolas (forearm), who will miss the remainder of the season. The right-hander made a brief appearance as a reliever Saturday, allowing no baserunners while recording one out. Manager Mike Shildt revealed Tuesday that the appearance helped to keep him on a throwing schedule in case he had to fill in Wednesday, so Ponce de Leon should be fully rested heading into his start.