MLB Player News

Ellington was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

He notched a 4.35 ERA, 2.03 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 10.1 innings this spring. Ellington will serve as organizational right-handed relief depth at Triple-A.

Sewald was reassigned to the Mets' minor-league camp Tuesday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Sewald's removal from the bullpen competition should aid right-hander Josh Edgin's chances of making the Opening Day roster. It's expected that Sewald, who impressed in spring training with a 2.51 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and a .143 batting average against over 14.1 innings, will report to Triple-A Las Vegas once camp draws to a close.

Mayers was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Mayers finished with a sharp 1.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 11 spring innings, and the 25-year-old likely made an impression on Cardinals brass. That said, with options remaining and a solid veteran bullpen in place in St. Louis, Mayers' chances of making the team out of spring training were slim to none to begin with. If he can carry his strong performance into the regular season, he'll be a top call-up option when the Cardinals need reinforcements.

Iglesias (elbow) said Monday that he thinks he has a good chance of being ready to go for Opening Day, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Iglesias suffered a bone bruise on his right elbow back on March 14 and has not seen action in a game since. However, the 27-year-old is slated to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday and pitch in a minor-league exhibition game prior to Opening Day. If all goes well with the next steps in his recovery, Iglesias will be in place as the Reds' closer to open the season.

Bracho (hamstring) struck out two batters on his way to a perfect inning Saturday.

It was Bracho's first spring game since injuring his hamstring during the World Baseball Classic a couple weeks ago, and the 24-year-old picked up right where he left off. He has now tossed four scoreless innings this spring, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out three.

Bowman was credited with his third save of spring in Sunday's 3-0 Grapefruit League win over the Marlins, surrendering only one hit over two scoreless innings and recording a strikeout.

Following the Friday announcement that he'll make the 25-man roster, Bowman closed out another spring victory for the Cardinals with two masterful innings. The 26-year-old righty has yet to allow an earned run this spring over 10 innings while generating a 1.10 WHIP and .238 BAA.

Gsellman is expected to begin the season as the Mets' fourth starter, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

Another scoreless outing last week brought Gsellman's spring ERA and WHIP down to 1.56 and 1.10, respectively, and effectively cemented the right-hander into the Opening Day rotation. With Steven Matz battling an elbow injury, Zack Wheeler and Seth Lugo are the top candidates to serve as the No. 5 starter to begin the year, according to Heyman. Now that he has a job locked up, Gsellman will likely gain some helium in drafts, but there's still a lot to like even at an increased cost.

Neris tossed a scoreless inning of relief Sunday and picked up his first save of the spring in the Phillies' 6-3 win over the Pirates.

Neris will open the regular season in a setup role behind closer Jeanmar Gomez. However, Gomez should have a short leash this year after he struggled late last season and lost his closing gig. Neris is likely next in line for save chances in the event that Gomez falters again.

Blach started Sunday's tilt against the White Sox, going six innings while giving up two runs and striking out one.

It was just the lefty's second start of the spring, but his strong results and high pitch count (85) hint that the battle for the Giants' fifth starter spot may not be over. Matt Cain would be the logical choice for the organization when you factor in his contract and career of work, but his struggles on the mound this spring (8.10 ERA) and Blach's late push will make the decision a tough one. Even if he were to win the job, the 26-year-old offers more real world value to the Giants than he would to potential fantasy suitors due to his low strikeout rate and pitch-to-contact style.

The Reds are leaning towards keeping a second lefty in their bullpen behind Tony Cingrani, with it coming down to Wandy Peralta or Luetge, MLB.com reports.

Luetge, a non-roster invitee who spent 2016 with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake City, has had a better spring than Peralta, but his minor league stats last year and his previous major league appearances aren't inspiring.