MLB Player News

Lamet (elbow) threw a successful side session.

Lamet is making steady progress as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander was able to mix in changeups during his most recent session, while he threw his first slider from flat ground earlier in the week. Barring any setbacks, Lamet is hoping to return sometime this summer.

Smith fired a scoreless inning while striking out two in Saturday's spring win over the Padres.

Smith has only appeared in three spring games, but he has allowed just two baserunners without giving up any runs. The 28-year-old has little to prove after taking over as the Giants' closer last season and running with the job (2.55 ERA, 4.7 K/BB ratio and 14 saves). Mark Melancon, who was initially signed to serve as closer in 2018, has struggled mightily this spring (11.57 ERA in five appearances), making Smith the unquestioned close to begin the 2019 campaign.

Kelly recorded three strikeouts and did not allow a baserunner over one inning during Saturday's spring game against the White Sox.

Kelly was previously dealing with a back issue but looked fully ready for the regular season Saturday. According to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register, the 30-year-old will throw a bullpen session Sunday as he ramps up his workload in preparation for the regular season.

Barraclough gave up two solo home runs and walked a batter in 0.2 innings during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

While Sean Doolittle's meltdown later in the game drew most of the attention, Barraclough's own struggles set the stage for it. The right-hander had been cruising this spring before this outing, posting a 0.00 ERA and 5:2 K:BB through his first six innings, and if Saturday's usage is any indication, he'll begin the regular season as the Nats' seventh-inning setup man ahead of Trevor Rosenthal and Sean Doolittle, a role that could make Barraclough a valuable source of holds.

Manager Bud Black said Rusin (back) is doubtful for Opening Day, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Rusin hasn't pitched in a game since March 1 due to back pain, and with Opening Day less than two weeks away, it doesn't sound like the southpaw will have enough time to get up to speed before the start of the season. It's unclear when Rusin will be ready to join the Rockies at this point.

Manager Brian Snitker said Minter (shoulder) will likely open the season on the injured list, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Minter has been slowed by a shoulder issue all month. While he was originally hoping to be ready for the start of the season, Snitker conceded Sunday that there likely won't be enough time for the southpaw to get up to speed before Opening Day, as Minter has yet to resume mound work. A more concrete return date for the 25-year-old reliever should come into focus as he progresses further in his rehab. Once healthy, Minter figures to factor into the closer picture alongside Arodys Vizcaino.

Chafin struck out one over a scoreless inning Saturday against the Cubs.

Chafin is expected to serve a back-end role in the bullpen, along with Greg Holland, Yoshihisa Hirano and Archie Bradley. The first three members of that group pitched Saturday and threw the ball well; Chafin, Holland and Hirano combined for three scoreless innings. Those are the kinds of things a manager looks for as the team gears up for the regular season.

Updating a previous report, Ponce de Leon technically remains in the mix for the final rotation spot despite sporting a 7.71 ERA across 11.2 spring innings, Alyson Footer of MLB.com reports.

Ponce de Leon endured a rocky outing against the Astros on Friday, allowing three earned runs across four innings. However, manager Mike Shildt confirmed Saturday that Ponce de Leon will make his next scheduled spring start, giving him one final chance to make his case for a job that still appears likely to go to either Dakota Hudson or John Gant. Shildt is hoping that Ponce de Leon's next appearance will result in a much more even performance than the one the 27-year-old put together against Houston. "It was a long inning, short inning, longer inning, shorter inning," Shildt said. "We want to get more shorter innings, more consistency controlling counts. His stuff's more than fine, obviously."

Nelson (shoulder) struck out four and gave up one unearned run on two hits across three innings during Saturday's spring game against the Rockies.

Nelson made his spring debut with one inning Monday but looked significantly better during his second outing. The Brewers already announced the 29-year-old won't be present on the Opening Day roster after he missed the entire 2018 season, but extending to three innings is nonetheless a significant step towards his return. Nelson has no specified timeline for his return but should continue to ramp up his workload as spring training reaches it's closing stages.

Arano faced six batters Saturday against Houston and did not retire a single one, walking one and allowing five hits and six runs.

Arano's terrible spring continues, and his ERA now sits at 51.00 in three innings of work. It's normally wise to not put too much stake in spring stats, but Arano's could be ugly enough to matter, especially given that he has options remaining.