MLB Player News

Stewart (shoulder) remains without a timetable to play catch, SB Nation's Eric Stephen reports.

He has been limited to strength and conditioning exercises for almost two weeks, and appears likely to open the season on the disabled list. There are several pitchers ahead of Stewart in the pecking order for big league starts this season, but he doesn't have much left to prove in the upper levels of the minors, so he is worth keeping an eye on in deeper formats in case the Dodgers' rotation is dealt a couple injuries.

Judging by manager Bryan Price's comments to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Iglesias (elbow/back) might not miss much time. "He should be OK," Price said. "We're going to do a bit more of a thorough once-over today with both the elbow and back. There's no reason to slow him down completely."

While it's easy to think our initial reaction might be alarmist, it's also premature to send out the all-clear based on these comments. The fact is that he was shut down and was examined on Monday, and he's had issues with his shoulder in the past. The Reds aren't going to use Iglesias as their sole closer, but he's expected to be the most valuable arm in their bullpen. If he misses time, Michael Lorenzen and Drew Storen are the most likely to pitch in high-leverage situations in his place, with Tony Cingrani figuring into the mix as well.

Smith will undergo an MRI on his elbow after he felt something during Monday's spring game, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

This isn't good news for Smith, who was only making his second appearance back after being sidelined for much of spring with elbow inflammation. Given the time of spring, it seems likely the southpaw won't be ready for Opening Day. His status will be updated after the MRI results are known.

Smith left Monday's spring game early with a trainer, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

Smith deflected a grounder with his bare hand, but he was able to stay on and record two outs before being pulled in the middle of an at-bat. It's not clear if the injury is related to the ball that ricocheted off his hand or his elbow that sidelined him for the first three weeks of spring games. The southpaw should be considered day-to-day until the Giants release more about his injury.

Iglesias was scratched from a workout Sunday after complaining of back and elbow soreness, the Reds' broadcast team reported during Monday's spring training game.

Iglesias is getting further examinations Monday, but given Iglesias's issues last season this is obviously a pretty big concern.

Vizcaino struck out two in a perfect inning of work during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals.

The 26-year-old has been impressive this spring, posting a 1.29 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB through seven innings -- but most importantly, he's been healthy. Vizcaino will open the season setting up Jim Johnson, making him a safe bet for fantasy value in leagues that reward holds, but if the veteran gets dealt over the summer, Vizcaino could find himself back in the closer role.

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.