MLB Player News

Sborz (arm) was held back in extended spring training, MLB.com's William Boor reports.

He started throwing too hard too soon this spring, and was shut down briefly. It is unclear what the exact nature of his injury is, but it was enough for him to be held back in Arizona rather than report to Double-A Tulsa for the start of the minor-league season. Sborz is an intriguing 6-foot-3 righty with a plus fastball and plus slider, but was worked hard when at Virginia, which may be contributing to his arm issues at the start of 2017. He may profile best as a reliever long term, but the Dodgers figure to continue developing him as a starter for now.

Neris will remain in a setup role after manager Pete Mackanin opted to install Joaquin Benoit as his new closer Monday, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Mackanin said Neris is valuable in his current role and that his chance to close will come at some point in his career. Benoit is a free agent after this year and a candidate to be traded midseason, so there is a chance Neris' time could come later this year.

Maurer allowed two runs on two hits (one home run) while striking out two in an inning of work in a non-save situation during Monday's 5-3 win against Colorado.

Maurer gave up a meaningless two-run homer to Mark Reynolds in the ninth inning with the Padres up by four at the time. It was his third outing of the year and first time allowing runs, but this is a reminder that Maurer -- although currently the ninth-inning man for San Diego -- can be vulnerable at times. Fortunately for him, the Friars don't have many other options breathing down his neck, at least until Carter Capps returns.

Treinen was held out of Monday's game against the Cardinals because of recent heavy use, Mark Zuckerman of MASN reports.

Treinen has struggled to open the season, with two blown saves and three runs allowed in just four appearances. Still, the Nationals remain confident in the youngster, and he remains the closer going forward. Manager Dusty Baker said Treinen will be ready to go Tuesday and should be expected to take the ball when the Nationals next face a save situation.

Melancon allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to collect his second save of the season during Monday's 4-1 win over the Diamondbacks.

The veteran closer was roughed up in his first outing of the season, but he's now bounced back with consecutive saves. However, he's allowed seven baserunners (six hits and a walk) through three appearances, so he's been far from efficient. Melancon has also only fanned one batter. He's in position to pile up saves for the Giants, but he might continue to underwhelm in the other categories.

Moore (1-1) allowed a single run on just three hits while striking out five batters during Monday's 4-1 win over Arizona.

The lefty cruised through the outing, tossing just 93 pitches -- 62 strikes -- through eight innings to collect his first win of the campaign. Moore was let down by his defense in his first start (also against Arizona), as he allowed six runs -- three earned -- while striking out just three batters over 5.1 innings. It was also encouraging to see Moore issue no free passes, as his lack of control has often got him into trouble in the past. Calling pitcher-friendly AT&T Park home will provide a nice fantasy floor for the talented hurler, and Moore has the upside to turn in a bounce-back campaign in his first full season in the National League.

Gomez lost his job as Philadelphia's closer Monday, Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal reports.

Shortly after Gomez blew a three-run lead Sunday, manager Pete Mackanin said he was entertaining the idea of removing the veteran from his job as the club's closer. He's had a rough start to the season, giving up five runs off a walk and five hits -- two of which were home runs -- in three innings. Mackanin announced that Joaquin Benoit will take on the team's closing duties moving forward.

Law gave up a run in his lone inning of work Sunday, notching his first hold of the season in a win over the Padres.

Law served up a solo home run to Yangervis Solarte and walked Ryan Schimpf before escaping trouble in the eighth. It's still early, and the 26-year-old was dominant for the majority of last season, but further shaky outings will put him at risk of losing his share of the setup duties, which he shares with Hunter Strickland (who returns from paternity leave Monday).

Okert was optioned back to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

With Hunter Strickland returning from paternity leave, Okert will head back to Sacramento for the time being. He didn't make an appearance during his brief stint with the Giants, though he'll remain one of the top options if another opportunity in the bullpen should arise.

Gomez's job appears to be in jeopardy after he blew a save Sunday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports. "I'm going to have a talk with him [Monday]," Phillies manager Pete Mackain said when asked whether Gomez is still his closer.

Gomez blew a three-run lead Sunday, allowing a three-run home run to Ryan Zimmerman. He also struggled in his outing on Opening Day, when he allowed a two-run homer before managing the close out the game and earn a save. Hector Neris is likely next in line for save chances, but Joaquin Benoit and Edubray Ramos could also be in the mix.