MLB Player News

Gallegos will receive the opportunity to compete for the Cardinals' closer job in spring training, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The wide-open battle also includes John Brebbia, Alex Reyes and Ryan Helsley, among others, though any competition for the ninth-inning vacancy could come to a quick end if the Cardinals shift Carlos Martinez -- who is getting the opportunity to fight for a rotation spot -- back to the bullpen. If Martinez's shoulder can hold up to starting duty, however, Gallegos would probably represent the most alluring fantasy target in the St. Louis bullpen, though the ample reliable relief arms on hand could prompt manager Mike Shildt to take a committee approach to save situations. Gallegos notched only one save in 2019 but still had utility in mixed leagues thanks to his dazzling ratios (2.31 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 11.3 K/9).

Betances (Achilles) isn't yet fully participating in team workouts, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Betances recorded just two outs last season, missing the majority of the year with a bone spur in his shoulder and getting shut down after his first appearance in mid-September with a torn Achilles tendon. The reliever said upon his arrival to camp that he expected to be ready to go by Opening Day, but for now, he still has some work to do with the Mets' training staff.

Jansen has adjusted his delivery in an attempt to refine his cutter, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Jansen consulted with Driveline Baseball in Washington during the offseason to pinpoint adjustments that, according to the veteran reliever, have given his cutter more "rising life." The 32-year-old relies heavily on the pitch, throwing it 74.3 percent of the time in 2019 -- though opponents hit .232 against the offering, Jansen's worst mark since 2014. While Jansen remains a steady source of saves, his ERA dropped to a career-worst 3.71 last season.

Strahm will fill a bullpen role with the Padres this season, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Strahm pitched 46 games for San Diego in 2019, making 30 appearances in relief. He posted a 3.27 ERA and held opposing hitters to a .246 average in that role, and the Padres will look to him for similar production in 2020. Per Cassavell, Strahm is likely to work in a long-relief role, regularly pitching two or three innings.

Iglesias started throwing sooner this offseason in order to be ready sooner in spring training, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. "I just wanted to get my arm better in form," Iglesias said through interpreter Jorge Merlos. "Really, just want to get here ready to go and in better form."

Iglesias also said that he's better prepared to pitch in non-save situations than he was last year, when he compiled a 5.18 ERA and 1.52 WHIP and complained about his usage early in the season. "I felt a little bit awkward last year coming in early because I have a routine every time," he said. "I prepare myself in the sixth and seventh inning to come into the ninth. It was all a learning experience. I'm comfortable in whatever inning I come in. Just like any other closer, you have to be prepared for any time you can come in. I'm comfortable anywhere."

Neris (illness) returned to the Phillies' spring-training complex Saturday after missing the last few days of workouts while recovering from the flu, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

Neris' brief absence to begin camp shouldn't put him too far behind his fellow relievers this spring, when he'll be looking to secure his spot as the Phillies' closer. The 30-year-old turned in the best season of his career in 2019, posting a 2.93 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 89:24 K:BB across 67.2 innings while converting 28 of 34 save chances. Given that new manager Joe Girardi is believed to favor more defined roles for his relievers than predecessor Gabe Kapler, Neris -- who was often used in high-leverage spots outside of the ninth inning under Kapler's watch -- could be in line for more traditional closing duties in 2020. If that's the case, Neris would seemingly have a great chance at delivering his first 30-plus-save campaign, assuming health prevails.

Helsley, who is a candidate for the closer role to open the season, is also likely to log at least one Grapefruit League start in order to build up stamina and arm strength, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The hard-throwing right-hander gave an excellent accounting of himself over his first 24 big-league appearances last season, generating a 2-0 record, 2.95 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 36.2 innings. Although Helsley had previously stated he intended to compete for the No. 5 rotation spot this spring, it appears likelier the Cardinals will want his triple-digit fastball available for late-game scenarios. That won't necessarily equate to a ninth-inning role, however, hence the probability he draws a couple of spring starts to prepare for the occasional multi-inning appearance come the regular season.

Graterol (illness) will have a workout Sunday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Graterol was sent home from camp Thursday due to a fever, but his quick return to the team confirms he's otherwise healthy. The hard-throwing righty trade acquisition is still expected to have his workload monitored throughout spring training, but he should be able to lock down a role in the bullpen. The 21-year-old made his major-league debut with the Twins last season and had a 4.66 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB over 9.2 innings

Suter agreed to a two-year contract with the Brewers on Sunday, avoiding arbitration.

The 30-year-old's arbitration hearing was scheduled for Monday, but he's now officially under contract with the team through 2021. Suter underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2018, but he returned from the injured list when rosters expanded in September and had a 0.49 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 15:1 K:BB to go along with a 4-0 record over 18.1 innings. The left-hander has an outside chance at a rotation spot in spring training, but his success out of the bullpen last season provides him with some solid security for a roster spot.

Nelson experienced some groin soreness during his bullpen session this weekend, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Manager Dave Roberts termed the soreness as "benign," so it doesn't appear to be a serious concern. Nelson joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal in January and is looking for a rebound season after posting a 6.95 ERA in 22 innings last year for the Brewers in his return from shoulder surgery.