MLB Player News

Ottavino has allowed two runs on five hits in 4.2 innings pitched. He also struck out seven batters and walked two in that span.

It's encouraging to see the 31-year-old maintaining his high-strikeout ways while keeping the ball in the park this spring. After amassing seven saves last season, Ottavino projects to be the Rockies closer to start the 2017 campaign, although Greg Holland could push for saves later in the season if he returns to his pre-Tommy John form.

Almonte was reassigned to minor league camp Monday, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

A middle-level prospect in the Rockies system, Almonte held his own against major league hitters this spring, striking out five while allowing just one run in four innings pitched. He hasn't pitched a game above Double-A yet in his career, though, so he'll head back to the minors for more seasoning before potentially reappearing in the big leagues later in the season.

Moll was reassigned to minor league camp Monday, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

The 25-year-old saw some success this spring, fanning five batters in just three innings pitched, but there simply is no room in the Rockies bullpen at the moment. However, Moll did produce some strong minor league numbers before struggling at Triple-A last season, so he could find his way back to Denver if he can turn things around back at Albuquerque.

Rusin (oblique) threw from 70 feet in exercises Monday, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

According to manager Bud Black, Rusin's availability to join the starting rotation to begin the season is "in doubt," but he could avoid a trip to the disabled list by heading to the bullpen from the get-go. Black also commented that the left-hander is "pain-free" and simply hasn't had the opportunity to ramp up his workload enough to be considered for a multi-inning role yet. This is a good development for Rusin moving forward, although his upside is limited until he can work his way into a starting role.

There is no timetable for Stewart (shoulder) to begin throwing, SB Nation's Eric Stephen reports.

He is currently working on strength and conditioning exercises, and at this point it seems highly likely that he will open the year on the minor league DL at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Stewart is just one of several young arms that the Dodgers plan on relying on for rotation depth this season, as many of the big league starters have a tendency to miss time with arm injuries.

Smith (elbow) is progressing well from the elbow inflammation he experienced earlier in camp. He threw to hitters Monday, and could make his Cactus League debut as early as Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manager Bruce Bochy said that he wanted to give Smith six spring training appearances, and there is still plenty of time left for him to stick to his original plan. Assuming he doesn't suffer a setback, the southpaw will open the year as the Giants left-handed setup man.

Pivetta was optioned to minor league camp on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Pivetta allowed two runs, struck out seven and walked two in eight innings this spring. He also pitched four innings for Canada against Columbia in the World Baseball Classic, allowing one run on five hits with a strikeout. He will open the season in the rotation at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and should get a look with the Phillies later this year.

Ellington could win a spot as a long reliever to begin the season if Jeff Locke (biceps) winds up on the DL, The Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins plan to carry an extra bullpen arm this season, but even so Ellington seemed ticketed for Triple-A New Orleans until Locke's arm became an issue. Ellington is likely battling Nick Wittgren for the open spot, as both have experience in a variety of bullpen roles, but neither has pulled away from the other so far this spring.

Wittgren could win a spot as a long reliever to begin the season if Jeff Locke (biceps) winds up on the DL, The Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins plan to carry an extra bullpen arm this season, but even so Wittgren seemed ticketed for Triple-A New Orleans until Locke's arm became an issue. Wittgren is likely battling Brian Ellington for the open spot, as both have experience in a variety of bullpen roles, but neither has pulled away from the other so far this spring.

Gsellman gave up one hit and struck out one in three shutout innings during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

He continues to put together a solid spring, posting a 2.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 4:1 K:BB through seven innings. At the moment Gsellman is considered the favorite for the Mets fifth starter spot coming out of camp, but Seth Lugo may have something to say about that when he returns from the WBC.