MLB Player News

Rainey has posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 3:3 K:BB through 5.1 spring innings.

While the right-hander hasn't been dominant, he also has yet to allow a home run this spring, an encouraging note after he surrendered 10 long balls in his first 55.1 big-league innings over the last two years. Rainey is expected to open the regular season in middle relief for the Nats, but his high-90s fastball and sharp slider could allow him to work his way into a late-inning role if his command takes a step forward.

Gallegos was credited with his second save of spring in a Grapefruit League win over the Marlins on Thursday, firing a perfect ninth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

Gallegos is a leading contender to serve as the Cardinals' closer whenever the 2020 regular season does begin, and Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes the right-hander has pitched the ninth inning in four of his six spring appearances. Pitching coach Mike Maddux credited the hard-throwing reliever for his resiliency after Thursday's game, noting Gallegos' first two Grapefruit League outings were "a little big rugged" but that the 28-year-old has bounced back well over his last three.

Lamet pitched four scoreless innings in a Cactus League game against Seattle on Wednesday, allowing one hit while striking out three.

Lamet has shined as one of the most impressive hurlers in Cactus League play, starting three games without allowing an earned run. In those contests, he has pitched nine innings and has allowed only three hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters. Lamet's dominant spring has cemented his place near the front of San Diego's regular-season rotation.

Barraclough was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Barraclough signed with the Padres in December and had a chance to earn a spot in the big-league bullpen, but he struggled with a 13.50 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in Cactus League play. Once a promising high-leverage reliever with the Marlins, Barraclough will start the season in the minors and attempt to earn his way back to the major-league level.

Lambert will miss significant time with a forearm strain, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

The team is awaiting more results from tests and scans for a more definitive diagnosis, but this is certainly a situation that could lead to Tommy John surgery. Lambert should be considered out indefinitely and there is a chance he won't pitch at all this season.

Garcia could begin the regular season in a high-leverage role, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Ryne Stanek (back) is hurt and Drew Steckenrider is having a terrible spring so far, leaving the question of who will set up for presumed closer Brandon Kintzler unsettled. Garcia's claim to eighth-inning work is due to more than just attrition in the rest of the bullpen, however -- the former Dodger has yet to give up a run through seven spring innings with an 8:1 K:BB. Garcia hasn't reached double-digit holds since he notched 11 in 2015, but he could become a useful contributor in fantasy leagues that utilize the category.

Stanek's availability for Opening Day is in jeopardy due to a lower back injury, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reports.

It's not clear when the right-hander sustained the injury, but the Marlins are being cautious with him. "Stanek, he's getting better," manager Don Mattingly said. "He's in the mode of we've got to get him stronger and get back on the mound. Of course, we've got to get him good. That lower back is something obviously for a pitcher or anyone." Stanek has a 0.00 ERA and 4:1 K:BB through four innings this spring, and when healthy is expected to handle a high-leverage role in the Miami bullpen.

Bolanos (undisclosed) was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Bolanos never ended up making his Cactus League debut due to an unspecified minor injury, sinking any aspirations for an Opening Day roster spot. The right-hander made his big-league debut in 2019 and had a 5.95 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 19.2 innings.

Morejon was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Morejon was attempting to earn a spot on the Friars' Opening Day roster, but he'll end up beginning the season in the minors. The left-hander made his major-league debut last season with five appearances, but he spent most of 2019 at Double-A Amarillo with a 4.25 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 44:15 K:BB across 36 frames.

Alexander (hand) has made three Cactus League appearances, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two batters in three innings.

Alexander's 2019 campaign ended early due to a nerve issue in his left hand, but he appears healthy this spring as he attempts to nail down a spot in the big-league bullpen. He gave up a home run to Nolan Arenado in his last outing but has otherwise held opponents without a hit. The southpaw was a workhorse for the Dodgers two seasons ago -- leading the team with 73 appearances in relief -- and he could fill a prominent role this season as a groundball specialist.