MLB Player News

Suero is expected to be included on the Nationals' Opening Day roster after the team demoted Austen Williams to Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Suero and Justin Miller won out over Williams in a three-way battle for the final two spots available out of the bullpen. The 27-year-old righty reached the big leagues for the first time in 2018 and logged 40 appearances for Washington, churning out a 3.59 ERA and 47:15 K:BB in 47.2 innings. His usage will likely be limited to lower-leverage spots early on during the upcoming campaign.

The Reds informed Stephenson on Tuesday that he would be included on the Opening Day roster, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Stephenson closed spring training out on a rough note Monday against the Braves by giving up two runs over two innings, but he turned in a clean slate over his prior two appearances in Cactus League play. That ultimately proved to be enough for Stephenson to secure the final available bullpen spot over Matt Wisler, who was reassigned to the minors. Expect Stephenson to work in lower-leverage spots in long relief for as long as he remains on the 25-man roster.

The Reds informed Peralta on Tuesday that he would be included on the Opening Day roster, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Peralta and Robert Stephenson claimed the final two available spots in the bullpen after the Reds reassigned Matt Wisler to the minors. The 27-year-old lefty has made 138 appearances in relief for Cincinnati over the past three seasons, submitting a 4.68 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 7.1 K/9.

WIlliams was optioned to Triple-A Fresno on Tuesday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Williams threw 7.2 scoreless innings this spring, allowing just two hits and no walks while striking out seven batters. That kept him in the bullpen battle until the very end, but he'll now have to wait for his chance at the Triple-A level.

The Giants optioned Suarez to the minors Tuesday.

The Giants whittled down their rotation to five after Monday's exhibition game against the Athletics, sending down Suarez and shipping Chris Stratton to the Angels. The decision to move Stratton to another organization at least theoretically leaves Suarez as the next man up to join the rotation should an injury arise. The 26-year-old lefty was a capable starter for San Francisco during his rookie campaign, delivering a 4.49 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 160.1 innings while generating groundballs at a healthy 51.3 percent clip. He'll likely head to Triple-A Sacramento to begin 2019.

The Angels traded Jerez to the Giants on Tuesday in exchange for pitcher Chris Stratton.

Jerez boasts a mid-90s fastball from the left side and has put up some impressive strikeout rates in the minors, but control has been an issue at every stop. Adding starting pitching depth was a major priority for the Angels heading into Opening Day, so the 26-year-old reliever was deemed an expendable piece. He'll likely open the season at Triple-A Sacramento with his new organization but shouldn't have to wait long before getting a look in the big leagues.

Stephenson allowed two runs on two hits and a walk over two innings Monday against the Braves, Ben Weinrib of MLB.com reports.

Stephenson is battling for the final two bullpen spots for the Reds along with Wandy Peralta and Matt Wisler. Manager David Bell said before the game that Monday's outing wouldn't be the sole determinant of who gets the spots. "I don't think that's the best way to make a decision," Bell said before the game. "That being said, it has come down to the last day, and that's because we're trying to make the best decision we possibly can, and it's a difficult one. You never want to make a decision based on one day."

Hader threw a perfect fourth inning in the Brewers' 10-5 exhibition-game victory over the Blue Jays on Monday.

Hader made his final appearance of the spring Monday, and he finished his dominant exhibition season giving up just one earned run over 7.1 innings (1.23 ERA) while posting a 13:3 K:BB and 0.80 WHIP. Hader figures to head into the regular season as the Brewers' best option for saves with fellow All-Stars Corey Knebel (elbow) and Jeremy Jeffress (shoulder) expected to land on the injured list. However, manager Craig Counsell showed last year he prefers using Hader in multiple spots and not just in save situations, so he may not be the only ninth-inning option in the absence of Knebel and Jeffress. Next in line behind Hader for saves, at least based on the bullpen usage in Monday's contest -- a game the Brewers led 6-4 entering the bottom of the seventh inning -- appears to be Taylor Williams.

Strop (hamstring) received a clean bill of health and will be available for Opening Day, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

Strop suffered a right hamstring strain during camp, but he's managed to overcome the injury and will be ready for the start of the 2019 campaign. He'll be the favorite for save opportunities early in the year with Brandon Morrow (elbow) on the shelf.

Strop (hamstring) is scheduled to pitch against the Red Sox on Monday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Strop has been nursing a hamstring strain but is ready to return to game action. Barring any setbacks, the veteran reliever should be ready to ready to go by Opening Day. He figures to see save chances early in the season while Brandon Morrow (elbow) remains sidelined.