MLB Player News

Hudson posted a 2-1 record, 2.92 ERA and 0.97 WHIP across 12.1 innings over four Grapefruit League appearances before spring training was suspended.

The right-hander is firmly entrenched as the No. 3 starter when the starting rotation is at full strength, and despite some control issues in his last start of spring March 8, Hudson enjoyed a productive exhibition slate overall. The 25-year-old stretched out to 74 pitches in that outing, and he'll presumably also have a ramp-up period to the regular season to complete his preparations. Hudson enjoyed a standout 2019 campaign -- his first as a full-time starter in the majors -- posting a 16-7 record and 3.35 ERA across 174.2 innings.

Graterol's placement for the start of the 2020 campaign remains in question, Cary Osborne of Dodger Insider reports.

Though the Dodgers expect Graterol to play a major role in their bullpen at some point, the team has enough pitching depth and talent to allow the right-hander more time to develop in the minors if desired. However, Graterol's ability to hit triple digits and his effectiveness in Cactus League play -- he pitched three scoreless innings and posted a 3:0 K:BB -- may be enough to earn him a spot on the big-league roster out of the gate. The 21-year-old held his own in the majors last season, allowing five earned runs and striking out 10 batters across 9.2 innings with Minnesota.

Strahm could be a starter in the future, but he's expected to come out of the bullpen during the 2020 campaign, Bill Center of FriarWire reports.

Strahm has stated his desire to be a starter and has performed in that role 24 times in his big-league career. However, he was more effective in relief last season, and the Padres' fifth starting spot for 2020 looks to be a battle between Joey Lucchesi and Cal Quantrill. Though manager Jayce Tingler indicated early in spring training that Strahm could have a future as a starter, he appears to be firmly locked into a bullpen role for the time being.

Bolanos (ribs) is likely to open the season with Triple-A El Paso but could be considered for a callup if the need for a spot starter arises, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Bolanos was held out of Cactus League play due to soreness in his ribcage, but he was unlikely to break camp with the Padres even with a strong spring. The right-hander made three major-league starts down the stretch last season, posting a 6.75 ERA and registering a 13:11 K:BB in 14.2 innings. Walks have been an issue for Bolanos throughout his time in the minors, so he'll need to show improvement in that area before he's ready to ascend to the next level.

Gonzalez has a strong chance of making his major-league debut this season due in part to his ability to function as a starter or reliever, Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider reports.

Gonzalez raced through the Dodgers' system last season, beginning the campaign with High-A Rancho Cucamonga and finishing with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He pitched in a total of 38 contests, making 13 starts. Though he fared better in relief, Gonzalez held his own as a starter, posting a 2.63 ERA and striking out 55 batters in 54.2 innings. Per Kavner, the southpaw is working on his command of secondary pitches in anticipation of being called upon to help at the big-league level at some point in 2020.

Gallegos remains the Cardinals' projected closer to open the season, but top ninth-inning option Jordan Hicks (elbow) is helped by the current shutdown the longer it extends, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Hicks has been projected for a mid-to-later-summer return all along after late-June 2019 Tommy John surgery. Heading into spring, Gallegos was considered a strong candidate to primarily handle closing duties in Hicks' stead until that point, but the further Opening Day is pushed back, the more the potential amount of missed regular-season time for Hicks shrinks. Following a rocky start to Grapefruit League play, Gallegos was trending up when spring training was suspended, posting four straight scoreless efforts before play was paused.

Webb recorded six scoreless appearances in Grapefruit League play, generating a 9:0 K:BB and recording three holds before spring training was suspended.

As that line implies, the southpaw made excellent use of his opportunities during spring training, making a formidable case for a roster spot in the process. Webb was a bullpen workhorse to the tune of 65 appearances in 2019, and his body of work during the exhibition slate lends credence to the notion he'll be relied on heavily once again this season. Will Leitch of MLB.com notes that Webb will have to consistently prove effective against both handedness of hitter as a result of the new three-batter-minimum rule, but given he boasted sub-.200 BAAs versus both sides of the plate last season, he appears capable of doing what's necessary to maintain a high-volume role.

Floro could see fewer late-inning opportunities in 2020, Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider reports.

Floro logged 22 innings of work in the eighth frame or later last season, accounting for nearly half of his 46.2-inning total. He was only mildly effective in those situations, however, yielding 10 earned runs (for a 4.02 ERA) and compiling an 18:9 K:BB. With Kenley Jansen locked in as the team's closer, Pedro Baez emerging as a reliable setup man and Blake Treinen brought in for high-leverage work, Floro's opportunities are likely to come primarily in middle relief when the 2020 campaign gets underway.

Megill will likely earn a bullpen spot with the Cubs when the regular season is able to begin, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs selected Megill with a Rule 5 pick back in December, so they'll have to keep him on the big-league roster or waive him. MLB teams will likely operate with expanded bullpens to compensate for a compacted schedule, so Chicago will probably keep Megill around as a middle reliever.

Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said Thursday that Brigham (biceps) is going through a throwing progression, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

Brigham was on track to open the season on the injured list after suffering a right biceps injury in early March, but that's no longer a forgone conclusion after MLB announced one week later that Opening Day would be pushed back indefinitely due to concern over the coronavirus pandemic. With the start of the season likely at least a month away, Brigham should have sufficient time to resume throwing off a mound and get his arm conditioned for game action. If he's healthy when the Marlins resume workouts, Brigham will remain in the mix for a low-leverage role out of the Miami bullpen.