MLB Player News

Montero fired two shutout innings during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, allowing two hits and striking out three.

With a large portion of the Mets' bullpen away at the WBC, Montero's been getting plenty of work this spring and looked dominant at times, posting a 2.70 ERA and 20:7 K:BB through 13.1 innings. His elevated walk rate remains a concern, but with the team looking for a long reliever, the 25-year-old's strikeout prowess may just win him the job.

Jackson was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Jackson was auditioning for one of the last available spots in the Braves bullpen, but after he was outperformed by Blaine Boyer and Chaz Roe in recent spring games, Atlanta decided to send him back to the minors for further seasoning. If Jackson shows he can harness better control of his pitches at Triple-A, he may be one of the top options for a call-up should a need arise in the bullpen.

Beede was assigned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Beede, the Giants' top pitching prospect, performed well throughout the spring and tossed two scoreless innings in his final Cactus League appearance Sunday against the Brewers. It wasn't enough for the right-hander to secure a rotation spot out of the gate, but if he carries over his spring success in Sacramento, it may not be long before he makes his big-league debut.

Melancon will join his fellow countrymen in the World Baseball Classic, joining Team United States for its semifinal matchup against Team Japan, CSN Bay Area reports.

Melancon didn't initially join Team USA because he wanted to get familiar with his new teammates in spring training. The elite closer accomplished his goal, throwing eight shutout innings in the process. He will join a loaded USA roster as the Americans attempt to advance to the WBC finals with a win over Team Japan on Tuesday.

Gsellman allowed one run on four hits and a walk while striking out three over five innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

He continues to reel off solid performances as he looks to lock up the Mets' fifth starter role to begin the season. Gsellman now sports a 2.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 7:3 K:BB through 12 spring innings.

Manager Pete Mackanin reiterated after Saturday's 13-8 loss to the Pirates that Gomez is his closer "right now," Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Mackanin was asked by reporters if Gomez's status as closer had changed after the righty pitched two innings Saturday. There has been no change, but Gomez will likely be on a short leash after he struggled down the stretch in 2016. He's been solid this spring, having allowed just one run on four hits in 7.2 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.

Smith (elbow) fired a scoreless inning Friday, allowing two hits in a loss to the Rockies.

The veteran lefty made his return from a minor elbow injury that kept him out of the first few weeks of spring action. Smith didn't experience any setbacks, and the club feels It has enough time to get him up to speed before Opening Day. He will serve as the Giants' left-handed setup man this season.

Sewald allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two in 1.1 innings during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

He was the first reliever out of the bullpen for the Mets and entered the game while the Cards still had a number of their regulars in the lineup, but Sewald ended up mainly facing subs anyway. The 26-year-old now has a 0.96 ERA and 0.64 WHIP through 9.1 spring innings, and while the team would have to find room for him on the 40-man roster to bring him north, Sewald is making a strong case for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

Bowman (1-0) gave up just one hit over a scoreless inning in Thursday's 2-1 Grapefruit League win over the Twins.

The 26-year-old remains perfect this spring, with Thursday's outing bringing his scoreless streak to six innings. Bowman has recorded five strikeouts and given up five hits over that span while also notching a save. The right-hander is projected for another robust workload in the middle-to-late innings in the coming season and should certainly have plenty of opportunity to build on the 13 holds he posted last season.

Gearrin threw for the first time Friday after missing a week due to a broken fingernail, Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Gearrin's condition is improving, but it remains unclear when he will be able to return to Cactus League action. After posting a 4.28 ERA in 48.1 innings last season, Gearrin's spot in the San Francisco bullpen shouldn't be considered guaranteed. We'll monitor his status as spring continues.