MLB Player News

Kimbrel, who is set for seven to eight Cactus League appearances, won't appear in an official spring training game for a while as he works on the side, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The veteran has a set spring routine, which is something he missed in a down 2019 campaign as he remained unsigned until June. The 31-year-old is hoping the return to normalcy helps him regain his form from 2018, when he posted a 2.74 ERA, though his fastball velocity has dropped a few ticks each of the past two seasons.

Voth struck out two and hit a batter without allowing a hit across two scoreless innings Sunday against the Astros, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Voth entered spring training in competition for the fifth starter role and made a strong case with his first outing. He needed only 21 pitches to take care of business Sunday while facing the likes of Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker and Aledmys Diaz. Joe Ross and Erik Fedde are Voth's main competition for a spot in the rotation.

Jansen sat between 92 and 93 mph in his first spring outing Sunday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The information was relayed by manager Dave Roberts, who added that was well above the 85 to 87 mph velocity Jansen showed in his first outing last season. As for results, Jansen completed one inning against the Cubs, whiffing two batters while not allowing a baserunner.

Yamamoto allowed three runs (two earned) in two innings during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

He was victimized by some shaky outfield defense in the first inning -- Monte Harrison lost a Pete Alonso flyball in the sun, and JJ Bleday followed by misplaying a Wilson Ramos fly after the wind pushed it into the corner for a bases-loaded ground-rule double -- but Yamamoto rebounded in the second. He threw 38 pitches in total (22 strikes) and at least showed he can handle some adversity. The right-hander, who posted a 4.46 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 82:36 K:BB in 78.2 big-league innings last year, is fighting for a spot in the Marlins' rotation this spring.

Jansen has been working with a number of former pitchers on new slider grips, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Per Plunkett, Jansen felt particularly comfortable with one new grip shown to him by Rick Honeycutt and Orel Hershiser. Though Jansen's primary pitch is a cutter, he went to the slider 12.3 percent of the time last season, more than doubling his 2018 mark. The veteran closer could look to mix things up more in 2020 after accumulating a career-worst eight blown saves last season.

Nelson appears healthy after Thursday's bullpen session, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Nelson began the week dealing with injuries to both his groin and back, but all appears well following Thursday's bullpen session. The positive news should allow the 30-year-old to re-start his spring-training battle for a roster spot. Should he make the club, Nelson could either be a starter or fill a high-leverage bullpen role.

Arano (elbow) threw off a mound Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Arano underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery back in May, and Gelb adds that he also experienced a bout of offseason shoulder soreness. The fact that he's throwing off a mound means he'll have a shot to be ready by Opening Day, but a trip to the injured list can't be ruled out.

Bard signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies on Wednesday that includes an invitation to big-league camp, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Bard announced his retirement from professional baseball in January 2018, but he'll make another run at a comeback bid with Colorado. The 34-year-old had 66 holds and 150 strikeouts in 143 appearances for the Red Sox between the 2010 and 2011 seasons, but fell out of the majors in 2013 and moved around the minors over the next few years. There shouldn't be significant expectations, but Bard is a good zero-risk flier for the Rockies.

Neris and the Phillies settled their arbitration case Friday, agreeing to a one-year, $4.6 million deal, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Neris is set for a substantial raise after making $1.8 million last season. He saved a career-high 28 games with a 2.93 ERA last season and looks set to close again under new manager Joe Girardi, who has a reputation for preferring much more rigid bullpen roles than his predecessor, Gabe Kapler, did. The deal also includes a club option for the 2021 season which will pay Neris a base salary of $7 million with the potential to earn more in incentives, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Hudson is slated to pitch in Saturday's Grapefruit League opener against a Mets split squad, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Hudson is slated to slot in as the third or fourth starter in the rotation this coming season when Miles Mikolas (forearm) is healthy. Hudson will get his first turn against an opposing uniform Saturday at some point after starter Jack Flaherty exits, with Brett Cecil and Kwang-Hyun Kim also slated to log innings during the contest.