MLB Player News

Shafer (arm) is scheduled to pitch in the Reds' intrasquad matchup Monday, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Shafer dealt with a flexor mass irritation, but he appears to have recovered as he's slated to pitch in Monday's intrasquad game. Given his presence at camp, Shafer should be ready for Opening Day, but it's unclear whether he'll make the team's 30-man roster. The right-hander posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.66 WHIP over 34 appearances as a reliever for the Blue Jays last season.

Hicks (elbow) announced his decision to opt out of the upcoming season Monday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Hicks was already expected to miss at least a bit of time as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent in June of 2019. Hicks has type 1 diabetes, putting him in a high-risk group regarding COVID-19. He'll take the safe route rather than risking his health for what ultimately would have been just a small handful of innings in the shortened season. Giovanny Gallegos was the presumed next man up in the Cardinals' bullpen, but he's currently stuck in Mexico due to pandemic-related travel issues, leaving either Ryan Helsley or Carlos Martinez as the primary candidates for early-season saves in St. Louis.

Szapucki was added to the Mets' player pool Monday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Szapucki has yet to reach Triple-A and has thrown just four Double-A innings, so he's unlikely to be one of the first names the Mets call on this season. He did cruise to a 2.63 ERA and a 27.3 percent strikeout rate across three levels of the minors last season, showcasing his talent, so there's a chance he skips a level and makes his big-league debut at some point this year.

Gonsalves was added to the Mets' 60-man player pool Monday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Gonsalves has been on the Mets' 40-man roster since getting claimed off waivers from Minnesota in November, so he'll have a decent chance of making some big-league appearances this year. His first taste of major-league action didn't go well, as he struggled to a 6.57 ERA in his 24.2-inning debut back in 2018. He didn't throw a big-league inning in 2019 as he battled elbow issues for most of the year.

Hernandez is still competing with Jordan Yamamoto for the No. 5 spot in the Marlins' rotation, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The two right-handers faced off in Sunday's scrimmage but neither gained a clear advantage, with Hernandez striking out five batters in his first three innings of work before running into trouble. The 25-year-old dominated over nine starts for Triple-A New Orleans last year but posted a 5.03 ERA, 5.57 FIP and 85:26 K:BB in 82.1 big-league innings.

Cabrera produced a second positive COVID-19 test and consequently remains under quarantine, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. "Every day that goes by that they're not here is more of a challenge," manager Mike Shildt said about the players being ready for Opening Day. "The biggest two factors will be when they get here, that alone might [impact] their ability to start the season with us, but if they do get here, we still have an opportunity to work into ... how they look and how they can get ready without the feeling of rushing."

The southpaw initially tested positive during intake screenings for summer camp, and he evidently hasn't overcome infection more than 10 days later. Shildt did report Cabrera is asymptomatic, but he'll have to test negative twice within a 24-hour span before being allowed to join the team.

Thompson, a 2019 first-round pick, threw live batting practice for the first time at summer camp Sunday to five hitters, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The left-hander faced off against Andrew Knizner, Lane Thomas, Dylan Carlson, Austin Dean and Justin Williams, a group of fellow prospects with a smattering of major-league experience that served as a good first test for the 22-year-old. Thompson appeared to be bit on edge initially according to manager Mike Shildt, but the Cardinals skipper praised him for subsequently settling in and making quality pitches in the latter portion of the session. Thompson is expected to remain in the team's alternate training site getting developmental work in once the regular season begins after reaching the High-A level during his first minors campaign.

Jansen is expected to make four appearances on the mound before Opening Day, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Jansen did not report to camp until Sunday and disclosed that his absence was a result of testing positive for COVID-19, but the team nonetheless appears eager to get him geared up for the start of the regular season. Though Opening Day is only 10 days away, four exhibition appearances could be enough for Jansen to feel comfortable assuming his regular closer duties from the start of the campaign.

The Reds are preparing to use Sims as a piggyback pitcher behind their starters early in the season, similar to their plans for Tyler Mahle, Mark Sheldon on MLB.com reports.

The good news for both Mahle and Sims is that they can go all out in these relief stints without having to worry about going through an opposing order more than two times, which should improve their rate stats.

Ginkel made his first summer camp appearance Sunday, allowing a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Ginkel was a late arrival to camp due to a cold, which required the Diamondbacks to test him twice for COVID-19. "The cold went away, everything felt good," Ginkel said. "Normal illness, set me back a few days, nothing too extreme though." Ginkel was one of the Diamondbacks' best relievers over the second half of last season and enters 2020 in a setup role.