MLB Player News

Jansen made his Cactus League debut in Thursday's 4-2 matchup with the Indians. He threw one inning, allowing a run on two hits while striking out one in a 4-2 win.

Fresh off a monster contract renewal, Jansen is looking to repeat his elite closer numbers from 2016. He was the only full-time closer who was able to reach the 100-strikeout mark last year. Jansen should be considered the consensus top closer in most fantasy formats due to his track record, job security and durability.

Gearrin made his third Cactus League appearance Thursday, giving up two runs on two hits in his lone inning of work.

Gearrin hasn't gotten off to a great start this spring, giving up three runs over three innings. Despite the slow start, there isn't much competition for his bullpen spot and he should make the Opening Day roster. The veteran righty nailed down a few saves last season when the Giants' bullpen was in flux, but the addition of Mark Melancon will keep Gearrin in middle relief for the majority of the season.

Moore gave up four runs on five hits while walking two and striking out two over 2.2 innings in Thursday's split-squad contest against the White Sox.

The stat line looks ugly, but a young defense behind Moore cost him several runs. Rookie outfield Steve Duggar misplayed two separate hits in center field that allowed four White Sox baserunners to advance and score without making the runs unearned. Results aside, Moore has a rotation spot locked up and will use spring training as a way to prepare for the regular season. The 27-year-old southpaw is a volatile mid-tier pitcher with high strikeout potential.

Gsellman is expected to be the fifth starter to begin the 2017 season, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Zack Wheeler, on the other hand, probably will start the year at extended spring training as he continues to endure a long recovery from 2015 Tommy John surgery. Gsellman delivered a promising 2016 stint (2.42 ERA, 8.46 K/9, 3.02 BB/9 in 44.2 innings), but this early news of him likely occupying a rotation spot may spill the beans on the deep-league sleeper value he might've had on fantasy draft day. Even with his secret out, the right-hander can stand out in the back end of a mixed-league rotation for as long as he holds the job.

Morris has been battling a case of the flu in recent days, David O'Brien of the AJC reports.

The right-hander is one of a few Braves players currently dealing with flu-like symptoms. Morris has made one appearance this spring, striking out three batters over 2.0 scoreless innings. He's one of several hurlers vying for a spot in the bullpen on the Opening Day roster.

Maurer -- who is going to make his spring training debut Friday -- will compete with Carter Capps for the closer role in San Diego.

While his 4.52 ERA looks poor on paper, Maurer settled in nicely as closer in the second half last season, posting a respectable 3.09 ERA after taking over the role. Still, the 26-year-old didn't build enough goodwill to simply have the job handed to him. A healthy Capps will give him more than enough competition, so how Maurer performs in Cactus League action could dictate which reliever manager Andy Green decides to roll with come Opening Day. The former is dealing with a comeback from Tommy John surgery as well as a potential change in delivery due to new MLB rules, so Maurer should be considered the early favorite to win the job.

Floro (arm) has yet to allow a run in three spring appearances.

Including Thursday's scoreless frame against the Reds, the right-hander also has been displaying excellent control with 10 of his 16 pitches going for strikes and only two batters reaching base against him. Floro is a long-shot to earn a roster spot given he's not even on the 40-man roster, but could be headed for Chicago later in the season if he continues to find success in the bullpen at Triple-A Iowa.

Smith (elbow) has been throwing and is on track with his recovery from minor elbow inflammation, according to Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area.

Smith had been shut down earlier this spring after he experienced some inflammation in his left elbow. It was more of a case of the Giants taking extra precaution during a longer spring training than usual rather than a sign of a serious injury. It is unclear when the Giants' left-handed setup man will make his Cactus League debut, but the team still plans on getting him in six games before the regular season kicks off.

Robles struck out two in two shutout innings during Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

The 26-year-old with the career 10.0 K/9 in the majors is expected to fill a setup role for the Mets this season, which could mean regular eighth-inning duty early in the year while Jeurys Familia serves his expected suspension. Robles stands an excellent chance of topping the 13 holds he recorded in 2016, giving him value in formats that use the category.

Montero threw two perfect innings of relief in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros, striking out four.

He's now struck out six batters over four shutout innings to begin his spring. Montero's role is still uncertain heading into the 2017 season, and indeed there's no guarantee he's even on the Opening Day 25-man roster, but if he continues pitching like this he could force his way into the fifth starter battle between Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo.