MLB Player News

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.

Jansen (undisclosed) reported to the Dodgers' camp Sunday, Pedro Moura of The Athletic reports.

Jansen missed the first several days of camp, but he rejoined the team Sunday. The closer revealed that his absence was because he had tested positive for COVID-19 and had symptoms, but he's now feeling better. Jansen said Sunday that he expects to be ready for Opening Day, though he'll have less than two weeks to get ready. Manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that the team hasn't considered who might fill in for Jansen if he's unavailable for the beginning of the season. The Dodgers are scheduled to open the season July 23 against the Giants.

Treinen could be in line for early save opportunities if Kenley Jansen (undisclosed) is not ready to pitch ninth innings by Opening Day, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Manager Dave Roberts recently stated that he expects Jansen to report to camp soon, but there's no guarantee that the veteran closer will be ready to pitch in high-leverage situations right away even if he does join the team soon. With setup man Pedro Baez (undisclosed) also yet to report to camp, Treinen is the logical choice to close games early if Jansen needs more time to get in game shape. Treinen has racked up 71 saves in his career, including 38 in 2018, when he posted a dominant 0.78 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 11.2 K/9 across 80.1 innings.

Perdomo (illness) was placed on the injured list Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

While the Brewers didn't specify a reason for the transaction, Perdomo tested positive for COVID-19 prior to the start of camp, which is presumably related to this move. It's unclear when he's expected to get back on the field.

Manager Joe Girardi said Saturday that Arano (shoulder) is slightly behind schedule, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Arano underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery last May that caused him to miss most of the 2019 season, but he is slightly behind schedule because he didn't have many chances to throw while the season was suspended. The right-hander could still be ready for Opening Day in just under two weeks, but Saturday's update casts some doubt regarding his status.

Holmes (foot) threw a scoreless inning during summer camp Friday, The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

The righty is returning after breaking his foot during Grapefruit League action. "I think he threw 10 or 11 pitches," manager Derek Shelton said. "The slider was really, really good. He was one of the guys I was sitting behind the plate on and just watching the action on it; that was good to see." The 27-year-old hasn't been able to put everything together at the big-league level. In 76 career innings, Holmes has struck out 77 batters in 76.1 innings but has posted a 6.01 ERA and 1.76 WHIP.

Kelly used the practice of throwing into a net during MLB's shutdown to work on his four-seam fastball, Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider reports.

Per Statcast, Kelly threw his four-seamer 28 percent of the time in 2019, a marked dropoff from the 49.9 percent frequency on which he threw the pitch the previous season. The right-hander attributed the decrease to mechanics, explaining, "At the time before all this happened, I was essentially throwing a one-finger fastball. My index finger was coming off the heater. I was losing spin efficiency." Each of Kelly's fastballs in Thursday's intrasquad game were four-seamers, and given the positive results, it's logical to expect his use of the pitch to revert closer to his career norm this season.