MLB Player News

Beede will make his first start of the season with High-A San Jose on Thursday, Joe Ritzo of the San Jose Giants radio network reports.

The pitching prospect will likely spend the bulk of the season's first month with Triple-A Sacramento, but the organization decided to move him to the lower affiliate in order to avoid the inclement weather expected in Tacoma (where Sacramento is playing their opening series). Beede is expected to spend just one game against the lower competition before beginning his push for a full-time role in the big leagues in the Pacific Coast League.

Neal was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Thursday, Eric Stephen of TrueBlueLA.com reports.

Neal was with the big club for all of two days, as his contract was purchased ahead of Tuesday's contest after Monday's game went 15 innings. The 29-year-old made one appearance for Los Angeles, allowing a solo home run in one inning pitched. He'll return to the minors to make room for the recently-acquired Alec Asher on the 40-man roster.

Lamet (elbow) threw from a knee and from a stationary position Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Even though the results of his MRI have yet to be released, it's encouraging to see that the team is confident enough in his health to let him throw again. Lamet has been out since late March and still isn't expected back until May at the earliest, but it seems like the worst-case scenario has been avoided in this instance.

Hernandez (mouth) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Jupiter on Friday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

The Rule 5 pick started the season on the disabled list after having his wisdom teeth removed, though it seems like he's nearing a return to full action. Hernandez could join the Marlins' rotation upon his return, but he'll need to be offered back to the Astros if he's not kept on the 25-man roster all season.

Medina will open the season at High-A Clearwater, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo reports.

This was fully anticipated, as Medina carved up Low-A hitters over 119.2 innings in 2017. He is the Phillies' second-best pitching prospect behind Sixto Sanchez, and has a chance to have three plus pitches and plus command. Medina should be owned in the vast majority of dynasty leagues. He could push for a promotion to Double-A this summer.

Romero will open the season at Double-A Reading, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo reports.

Romero has made a swift ascension through the Phillies' system, opening at Low-A last year and earning a midseason promotion to High-A. He has never logged an ERA above 2.56 in the minors, but projects to be more of a No. 3 or No. 4 starter long term. Romero is not on the 40-man roster, so he may not make a fantasy impact until 2019.

Nelson (shoulder) continues to progress in his recovery from September shoulder surgery, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Nelson has been primarily limited to long toss recently, but the hope is that he'll be able to resume mound work before April is over. "It's a progression and you've got to go through steps," manager Craig Counsell said. Look for a clearer timetable for his return to emerge once he ramps up his throwing program.

Boxberger earned his second save of the season in Wednesday's 3-0 triumph over the Dodgers. He worked around two walks and struck out two batters as part of a scoreless ninth inning.

With the Diamondbacks holding a three-run lead entering the final frame, Boxberger's save chance was less pressure packed than his first of the season against the Rockies back on March 30, but the right-hander's erratic control made things more interesting than anticipated. In addition to the two walks, Boxberger also uncorked a wild pitch before settling down and ending the game with a strikeout of Enrique Hernandez. While he has yet to let in a run this season, Boxberger has needed at least 20 pitches to get through each of the three innings he's pitched. He'll need to improve his efficiency in order to build up more job security at the back of the Arizona bullpen.

Maton was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

The Padres opted to carry an extra reliever to fill the roster spot of the injured Wil Myers (arm). Maton will head to the big leagues, though he'll likely work mostly in low-leverage situations despite his 2.45 ERA during spring training.

Crowe will open the year with High-A Potomac, Lacy Lusk of Baseball America reports.

A second-round pick last year out of South Carolina, Crowe impressed team officials this spring by commanding all four of his pitches, so they allowed him to skip Low-A altogether and head straight to High-A. It's not as impressive as it sounds, as Crowe is already 23 and will turn 24 in September, so he's still old for the level. He could develop into a back-end starter.