MLB Player News

Reyes has not yet been cleared to throw following a physical Tuesday morning, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports.

He skipped his scheduled throwing session Tuesday, and the Cardinals are awaiting more information before commenting. This is certainly noteworthy, and if medical tests did not come back clean, Reyes would be unlikely to pitch in the World Baseball Classic as planned.

Blach is one of several arms competing for the fifth starter job out of spring training, CSN Bay Area reports.

Blach had a brief but successful run as the Giants' long man last September, notably tossing a complete-game shutout in a must-win spot start against the Dodgers. While the 1.06 ERA may open some eyes, that was clearly a mirage when you observe his unreal 94.8% strand rate and pedestrian 5.3 K/9. That's not to say that he isn't a good pitcher, just that his ERA would likely land somewhere between his 3.62 FIP and 4.32 xFIP over the course of a whole season. While he is technically "in the mix," Matt Cain is fully expected to win the fifth starter role barring any health issues. If that holds true, Blach will have to find his way on the roster in a long relief role.

Rodney will not be in spring training until later this week due to visa issues, Nick Piecoro of AZCentral Sports reports.

This is a minor hiccup in the veteran's offseason procedure, and he'll likely get back on track once he arrives in Arizona later in the week. Rodney is in line to be the closer for the Diamondbacks this season, and this delay should do nothing to change that.

Bowman is expected to reprise the middle relief role that he thrived in during his 2016 rookie campaign, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old, who was added to the roster as a Rule 5 pick, surpassed Seth Maness as the ground-ball specialist of the bullpen last season, finishing sixth among NL relievers with a 62.1 groundball percentage. His 17 multi-inning appearances were a team high, while he ranked sixth among rookie relievers with 67.2 innings. Along the way, Bowman compiled 13 holds, a 1.17 WHIP and outstanding 4.00 GB/FB ratio across 59 appearances, rendering him one of the more valuable components of the Cardinals relief corps, particularly for the purposes of keeping the ball in the park.

Gsellman will likely begin the season as the Mets' fifth starter, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Zack Wheeler should eventually get a shot at the rotation, but after losing almost two entire seasons to Tommy John surgery, the Mets are going to treat him with kid gloves until he proves his arm can hold up. That leaves the door open for Gsellman to claim the fifth starter role after he impressed in seven starts last year, although Seth Lugo will also be in the running for the job this spring. Given the shaky medical histories of the rest of New York's rotation, even if Wheeler works his way back into a starting role, Gsellman could still see plenty of action for the Mets in 2017.

Strop agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Cubs on Saturday, avoiding arbitration, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Relievers are known for their volatility from year-to-year but Strop has been extremely consistent since joining Chicago, posting sub-3.00 ERAs and 20-plus holds in each of the past three seasons. He has posted double-digit K/9 rates four years running and trimmed his walk rate last year to a career-low 2.9 BB/9. The 31-year-old should once again provide useful ratios and holds in 2017, but Strop will be a long shot to see regular save chances at any point with three arms ahead of him in the pecking order.

Stewart will compete for either a rotation or bullpen spot this spring.

The Dodgers have the fifth spot in their rotation up for grabs this spring. With several veteran arms on the roster (Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Scott Kazmir), Stewart would need to impress this spring to surpass them for first shot at the spot. Alternatively, the back end of the Dodgers' bullpen is far from being set, so Stewart could potentially fill a long-relief role as well. Even if he doesn't make the 25-man roster, the 25-year-old righty would be one of the first arms called up if injury strikes the big league rotation.

Reyes will pitch for Team Dominican in this year's World Baseball Classic, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

The emerging prospect will join a talent-laden roster that will be looking to defend the 2013 WBC title. Reyes will join a talented pitching staff that will be spearheaded by teammate Carlos Martinez and the Giants' Johnny Cueto. After posting a 4-1 record and 1.57 ERA over 46.0 innings in 12 appearances last season, the 22-year-old right-hander is also slated to be a part of the Cardinals' starting rotation to open the 2017 campaign.

Gomez will pitch for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic next month, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Manager Pete Mackanin said last month that Gomez will get the opportunity to earn his closing gig back this spring. He collected 37 saves last season before struggling in September and losing his job. He will likely pitch in a setup role for Venezuela in the WBC.

Neris will pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic next month, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Jeurys Familia and Dellin Betances are also in the bullpen for the Dominican Republic, so it is likely Neris will be used in a setup role. He will get a chance to compete for the closing gig in Philly this spring, but he enters camp behind Jeanmar Gomez, who has the edge for the job according to comments from manager Pete Mackanin last month.