MLB Player News

Richards gave up one run on two hits and a walk while striking out four over 3.1 innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

Facing what could well be Houston's Opening Day lineup, Richards' only real mistake resulted in a Robinson Chirinos solo homer to lead off the third inning. The right-hander is looking to solidify his spot at the back of the Miami rotation after an uneven rookie campaign, and outings like this can only help his case.

Hernandez (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez, who has been sidelined due to shoulder soreness, fired 25 pitches to a pair of hitters (Michael Lorenzen and Taylor Trammell) and reported feeling good afterwards. If he checks out OK on Thursday, it sounds like the right-hander could be cleared to make his spring debut over the weekend. Assuming that happens, and Hernandez continues to progress without setbacks, he should still have enough time to get ready for Opening Day.

Stewart was granted a fourth minor-league option, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Stewart has yet to log five full seasons of professional experience, making him eligible for another minor-league option (players are typically only granted three). As such, the right-hander will likely spend the entire 2019 campaign once again shuttling between Triple-A Oklahoma City and the big club.

Hader struck out three batters across a perfect inning Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

Hader already appears to be in midseason form, as the electric southpaw has now fanned all six batters he has faced this spring. He compiled a 2.43 ERA and 143 strikeouts across 81.1 innings last season and should reprise his role as a high-leverage reliever for the Brewers in 2019.

Stephenson (shoulder) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Stephenson has been behind his teammates for most of spring due to a shoulder injury. The Reds have been encouraged by his recent progress, and if everything goes as planned during Thursday's session, the right-hander's next step could be pitching in a game.

Bowman (lat) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Bowman has been sidelined for most of spring due to a lat strain, but he's finally nearing a return. If everything goes off without a hitch during Thursday's session against hitters, the right-hander could be cleared to make his Cactus League debut shortly thereafter.

Reyes allowed an earned run on two walks and a hit over one inning in the Cardinals' 2-1 Grapefruit League loss to the Phillies on Tuesday.

The final line wasn't pretty, but Richard Justice of MLB.com reports there were more positives than initially meet the eye. Reyes' fastball went as high as 98 mph, and he also threw a couple of particularly effective curveballs, with one of them ringing up Andrew Knapp looking. The Phillies were more pesky than powerful versus Reyes' stuff, as they strung together a groundball single and a sacrifice fly alongside a pair of walks to generate their one run against the young right-hander. It's a particularly important spring for the former top prospect in the organization, considering how he's already had two prior seasons cut short by injuries. Despite the uneven debut, Reyes did receive a vote of confidence from his boss as his quest for a roster spot officially begins. "I wasn't overly concerned with anything other than him feeling good and the ball coming out well," Cardinals manager Mike Shildt said. "In that regard, we had wins across the board. Great first day for Alex."

The Diamondbacks announced Wednesday that Bracho will require Tommy John surgery to repair the torn UCL in his pitching elbow, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The injury is a disappointing one for Bracho, who was out of minor-league options and appeared poised to earn a full-time middle-relief role with the big club in 2019. Bracho's absence for the rest of the season -- and likely for a large portion of 2020 -- will thus open up a spot for another pitcher to break camp with the big-league bullpen. The right-hander will likely be placed on the 60-day injured list in the near future if the Diamondbacks don't choose to release him while he faces a lengthy recovery.

Maurer has been dealing with a sore right knee and hasn't pitched since Feb. 26, John Perrotto of DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

The hard-throwing righty has appeared in two spring games, allowing four runs (one earned) in 1.2 innings. Maurer is looking to rebuild his MLB career after posting earned-run averages of 6.52 and 7.76 the last two seasons.

Hicks did not allow a hit or walk while recording four strikeouts over one scoreless inning Tuesday against the Phillies.

Hicks actually ended up facing five batters during the frame as Andrew McCutchen reached via error and Nick Williams reached on a strike-three wild pitch. The 22-year-old has been lights-out thus far in spring training with seven strikeouts, one walk and zero hits allowed across two scoreless innings. He's among the top options for saves in St. Louis.