MLB Player News

Blach is expected to break camp with a big-league rotation spot, Chris Haft of MLB.com reports.

Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija are locks to make the rotation, leaving two spots open heading into spring training. At this point, Blach and Chris Stratton are the favorites to win the starting competition, but things can change over the course of the spring. The 27-year-old southpaw struggled mightily down the stretch last season (5.02 ERA, 30:22 K:BB after the All-Star break), but his FIP wound up actually being lower than his ERA on the season. That said, his low strikeout totals and his issues facing right-handed hitters make him a relatively unattractive fantasy option even if he does crack the rotation to start the season.

McGrath is in the running for one of the last spots in San Diego's bullpen, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

All McGrath has done is produce out of the bullpen, as he never had an ERA north of 3.00 in a full season in the minors. He carried his success into a September callup last year as well, as he posted a 1.46 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in 12 appearances in that month. His performance wasn't as flashy as fellow reliever Buddy Baumann, but McGrath certainly has a legitimate claim to a spot in the Padres' relief corps.

Maton heads into camp as a favorite to land more high-leverage innings in 2018, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old cruised through the minor leagues without posting an ERA north of 3.00, but he struggled a bit in his first taste of the majors last season. Home runs were Maton's biggest issue, as he served up 10 of them in 43 frames. His high strikeout totals in the minors have him lined up as a potential closer of the future for San Diego, but he needs to prove he can keep the ball in the park before he can be trusted in fantasy.

Suter reportedly has a "leg up" on breaking camp with the major-league roster even if he doesn't win a rotation spot, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Previous reports only suggested that the southpaw would be in the mix for a rotation spot this spring, leaving his status uncertain if he were unable to claim a starting gig. It seems like manager Craig Counsell values Suter as a long reliever as well and likes what he saw from him last season. The 28-year-old produced a 3.42 ERA while exhibiting excellent control, although his strikeout rate leaves much to be desired. The vote of confidence is certainly a good sign, but he has little value in most fantasy formats unless he's able to claim a starting role.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Garcia, who is competing for a spot in the Miami rotation, would work exclusively as a starting pitcher in 2018 with either the big club or at Triple-A New Orleans, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Though Garcia distinguished himself as a key part of the bridge to the ninth inning as a rookie in 2017, collecting 15 holds over 53.1 innings, the Marlins believe the 25-year-old lefty is capable of handling a more meaningful role. Garcia had been developed as a starter in the minors as recently as 2016, so building up the stamina to cover multiple innings shouldn't prove to be much of an issue. Instead, the question is whether Garcia can perform well enough in the spring to seize one of three openings in the Marlins rotation, as only Jose Urena and Dan Straily are guaranteed spots coming out of camp with Wei-Yin Chen (shoulder) set to open the season on the disabled list. As a reliever, Garcia's velocity sat in the low-to-mid 90s, but he may lose a few ticks while transitioning back to starting duty, making it likely that the meager 7.1 K/9 rate he posted out of the bullpen last season will tumble further. For that reason -- along with his rather unremarkable track record as a starter throughout his stops in the minors -- Garcia doesn't look like a particularly high-upside fantasy option even if he's able to secure a rotation spot.

Wittgren (elbow) will remain in a limited capacity for the beginning of spring training, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

Wittgren will start off the spring camp in rehab protocol after undergoing elbow surgery to remove a bone spur in September. The right-hander will be eased into a throwing program over the course of the next couple weeks, although it's uncertain as to whether he will be ready for Opening Day at this point.

Hudson was unable to throw his scheduled bullpen Wednesday after suffering a sprained ankle while jogging, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

There shouldn't be too much concern over this minor ailment, but Hudson may choose to take it easy for a few days before returning to the mound. In 2017, he posted a 4.38 ERA and 1.46 WHIP over 61.2 innings of relief and is in line to continue working in high-leverage situations during this upcoming season.

Stephenson will compete for the final spot in the Reds' rotation this spring, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

With Anthony DeSclafani, Homer Bailey and Brandon Finnegan entering spring at full strength following injury-plagued seasons and Luis Castillo reprising his role atop the team's rotation, it appears the Reds only have one starting spot to fill this spring. Along with Stephenson, the likes of Sal Romano, Amir Garrett, Tyler Mahle, Michael Lorenzen and Jackson Stephens should also get a look during camp. The 24-year-old appears to be one of the favorites to win the role after compiling a 4.68 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 84.2 innings last season, which included a 5-2 record and 2.74 ERA across his final eight starts.

Strahm (knee) will not have any restrictions during spring training, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Strahm underwent season-ending knee surgery last July shortly before being acquired by the Padres. While he'll be fully healthy heading into spring training, the Padres will still likely manage his workload early on as he eases back into things. The 26-year-old southpaw, who posted a 5.45 ERA and 37:22 K:BB across 34.2 innings last season, should compete for one of the team's final rotation spots this spring.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Smith (elbow) is targeting May 1 as his return date, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Smith is reportedly being very cautious with his rehab from Tommy John surgery, and his freshly determined timetable lines him up to miss the first month of the season. While he hasn't suffered any setbacks since picking up a throwing program back in September, the Giants don't want to risk him aggravating the injury by rushing him back too quickly. Smith should slide back in as the team's top bullpen lefty when he's finally healthy.