MLB Player News

Wilson has dropped mechanical changes he made after being acquired by the Cubs last July and has been sharp so far this spring, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Wilson mostly struggled after being shipped to Chicago last season, posting a 5.09 ERA for the Cubs versus a 2.68 ERA with the Tigers. So far this spring, Wilson has retired six of the seven batters he's faced. It's of course a small sample size, but it's a good sign nonetheless, as the Cubs are counting on Wilson to be a key left-handed reliever.

Yates was able to return from his minor ankle injury Feb. 28, pitching a scoreless inning in his spring training debut.

Yates hasn't pitched again since his debut Wednesday, but there were no reports of a setback with his tweaked ankle, so he should be good to go for the rest of spring training. The 30-year-old had his ups and downs (3.97 ERA) last year, but he was able to limit baserunners (1.11 WHIP) while turning in a tremendous strikeout rate (14.0 K/9). Yates is set to serve as the primary setup man behind Brad Hand this season, making him a solid source of holds and strikeouts. He'll theoretically be next in line for save opportunities should the aforementioned Hand suffer an injury or get traded at any point this year.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Boxberger (arm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports.

Boxberger is getting back into a throwing program after a bout of arm soreness forced him to back off of throwing for a little bit. Barring any setbacks in his upcoming bullpen session, the 29-year-old will likely progress to facing live hitters from there before ultimately making his return to Cactus League action. Once healthy, Boxberger will continue to compete with the likes of Archie Bradley and Yoshihisa Hirano for the D-backs' closer role.

Manager Joe Maddon said Strop (calf) is "getting close" to making his spring training debut, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Strop has yet to appear in a game this spring due to a sore left calf, but it appears to be a minor issue that won't affect his availability for the regular season. There was some thought that Strop could ascend to the closer's role this season when the Cubs let Wade Davis walk in free agency, but newcomer Brandon Morrow is expected to hold down the ninth inning, meaning Strop will stick in his customary setup role for now.

Kiekhefer and the Reds agreed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Kiekhefer spent the 2017 season at the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate, where he produced 42 strikeouts and only 19 walks en route to a 4.47 ERA in 44.1 innings pitched. He played 26 games in the majors in 2016 with St. Louis, pitching to a 5.32 ERA in 22.0 innings. Before that, Kiekhefer had an outstanding three seasons at Triple-A Memphis, as he threw a combined 149.2 innings and produced a sub-3.00 ERA each year. The 28-year-old will need to replicate his Memphis numbers this spring should he hope to grab a spot in the Reds' bullpen.

Nolin agreed to a minor-league contract with the Rockies, which includes an invite to spring training, Baseball America reports.

Nolin was a part of the infamous 2014 Josh Donaldson trade, as he was one of four pieces -- Brett Lawrie, Kendall Graveman and Franklin Barreto being the other three -- sent from the Blue Jays to Oakland in order to acquire the slugging third basemen. Nolin started six total games with the Athletics -- all in 2015 -- and he allowed 35 hits in 29.0 innings pitched. He spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons rehabbing from Tommy John surgery as a member of the Brewers' organization. The 28-year-old figures to serve as organizational depth in 2018, if he even remains with the Rockies' organization.

Hultzen signed a minor-league contract with the Cubs on Saturday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Hultzen has not pitched since undergoing shoulder surgery in July of 2016 and has logged only 10 professional innings since the 2013 season. The 2011 second-overall pick has a long road ahead if he is going to make his major-league debut in 2018, and his performance in the Cubs' minor-league spring training should provide a decent idea if that debut is a realistic possibility.

Padres manager Andy Green said Thursday that Strahm "still has the potential to make Opening Day in a starting capacity," Bill Center of MLB.com reports.

Strahm has yet to make his game debut with the Padres since being traded from the Royals in late July, but Green indicated he is on the cusp of making his spring debut. The 26-year-old underwent season-ending knee surgery weeks prior to the trade but has advanced well through his recovery. Strahm could potentially be ready for Opening Day, but it seems more likely to be in a bullpen role as the Padres try to avoid rushing him back. If the team opts to utilize him as a starting pitcher in 2018 the left-hander could very well start the season in the minor leagues to more easily control his innings early on, but San Diego looks to be keeping their options open at least until he appears in a live-game situation.

Suter has a "very good shot" to make the rotation out of spring training, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Per manager Craig Counsell, the Brewers plan to carry two lefties in their bullpen to start the season, namely Boone Logan and Josh Hader. This implies that Suter is exclusively battling for a rotation spot and is expected to get that spot based off earlier comments saying he had a leg up on a roster spot. This development would make Suter the fifth starter in the Brewers' rotation, but a confirmation of this will likely come closer to the regular season.

Garcia (elbow) pitched one inning in his 2018 spring debut Monday against Texas. He struck out one.

Garcia underwent Tommy John surgery back in October of 2016, and it appears that he's finally back to 100 percent following the operation. Now that his arm is healthy again, the 27-year-old can focus on grabbing a spot in the Dodgers bullpen once again. In 75 career innings, Garcia holds a 3.12 ERA and an 81:12 K:BB.