MLB Player News

Lamet's (elbow) throwing program remains on schedule, Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet missed the end of the regular season and the entirety of the playoffs due to an elbow injury, a rather disappointing conclusion to a campaign which had seen the righty produce a 2.09 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 12 starts in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. He's so far avoided surgery this time around, and his platelet-rich plasma treatment appears to be having the desired effect, but his injury history means the Padres will have to continue to manage his recovery carefully.

Nelson (back) signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Nelson's $2 million team option was declined by the Dodgers at the end of October, but he'll return to the organization on a minor-league pact. He underwent lumbar surgery in July that forced him to miss the entire 2020 season, and the right-hander has now missed two of the past three seasons due to injuries. However, Nelson will get to work with the major-league coaching staff during spring training as he attempts to work his way back into game action.

Stewart signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers on Friday, Alanna Rizzo of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Stewart didn't play in 2020 after he was released by the Cubs in May, but he'll return to the Dodgers on a minor-league deal. He'll get to work with the major-league coaching staff during spring training, but he hasn't had much success in the majors during his career.

Biddle (shoulder) signed a minor-league contract with the Reds on Friday that includes an invitation to spring training.

Biddle spent the last month of the 2020 season on the injured list with a left shoulder injury, and he was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville in October. He'll get to work with the major-league coaching staff during spring training in 2021 after his injury-shortened campaign last season.

Pop was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Marlins on Thursday in exchange for a player to be named later.

Pop was selected by Arizona during Thursday's Rule 5 draft, but he'll be flipped to Miami several hours after his selection. The right-hander could reach 100 mph with his fastball earlier in his career, but it's unclear where his velocity is following Tommy John surgery in May of 2019. He should be fully healthy heading into spring training and will likely see work in lower-leverage situations as he works his way back into game action.

The Diamondbacks selected Pop with the sixth pick of the Rule 5 draft.

Pop was originally drafted by the Dodgers and was traded to Baltimore in the Manny Machado trade. He had Tommy John surgery in May of 2019 and could touch 100 mph with his fastball prior to the surgery. This past September, Pop was back to "full go," so he should head to spring training without restrictions. The Diamondbacks will likely ease him back in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen in 2021.

The Pirates selected Soriano (elbow) with the first pick of the Rule 5 draft.

Soriano underwent Tommy John surgery in February of 2020, so he could open the year on the injured list for the Pirates. That may have been part of the appeal, as Soriano won't necessarily take up an active roster spot early in the season, which gives the Pirates more roster flexibility. Before going under the knife, Soriano logged a 2.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 84 strikeouts in 77.2 innings at Low-A. He has a solid fastball/curveball combo that could play up out of the bullpen, but Soriano lacks the polish and upper-level experience to have success in the majors in 2021.

Hicks (elbow/opt out) is expected to enter spring training on a normal throwing schedule, Brendan Schaeffer of KMOV News reports.

The 24-year-old decided to opt out of the 2020 campaign due to some lingering inflammation from his 2019 Tommy John Surgery and the fact he's a Type 1 diabetic, but he's on track to return next season. Hicks had a 3.14 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB over 28.2 innings while going 14-for-15 in save opportunities during 2019, so he's the presumed favorite for the closer's role entering spring training.

Marte signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Wednesday as a non-roster invitee, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Marte was part of the Royals' 60-man roster pool for most of the 2020 season, but he failed to advance past the alternate training site. The 25-year-old will work with the major-league coaching staff during spring training and could make his debut in the big leagues at some point in 2021.

Leone signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Wednesday as a non-roster invitee, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Leone made Cleveland's Opening Day roster in 2020, but he sputtered to an 8.38 ERA and 1.97 WHIP over 9.2 innings before being designated for assignment in September. He'll get the chance to work with the Giants' major-league coaching staff during spring training, and he could certainly appear in the majors at some point in 2021.