MLB Player News

Fields has seen his velocity dip to the 91-92 mph range after averaging 94.7 mph last season, the Los Angeles Times' Andy McCullough reports.

Manager Dave Roberts believes the lack of velocity could be the reason the veteran reliever has surrendered nine earned runs in four Cactus League innings. There is no report of an injury or a case of Fields experiencing a dead arm. It is still early in the spring campaign, so there is time for the 31-year-old to figure out his power issues. If he doesn't, Fields' roster spot could be in jeopardy, considering he relies on his fastball (64 percent) as his primary weapon on the mound.

Adleman gave up five runs in 3.1 innings of work Tuesday, allowing five hits and two walks while also striking out two.

Adleman struggled in his return after being struck by a batted ball, and it now marks the second consecutive outing where he has conceded at least five runs. With DeSclafani on the DL to start the season, Adleman is in the heart of a rotation race in Cincinnati that likely won't be resolved until the final days of spring. The 29-year-old has now allowed 12 runs across 9.2 innings (11.74 ERA) in five games this spring, a trend he'll have to quickly reverse if he wants to claim one of the final rotation spots.

Snow has pitched 2.1 scoreless innings so far this spring, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out two.

The 28-year-old was held out of early spring games with a back/hip issue, but it seems he is back to normal now that he has three game appearances under his belt. He's spent his career in the minors, and posted a combined 2.83 ERA in 54 innings between Double-A and Triple-A last season. Snow is competing for a spot in the Brewers bullpen, but he'll likely find himself back in the minors to start the season.

Morris allowed one run off two hits and a walk over the weekend in his first game after battling the flu.

It was first reported that Morris was dealing with flu-like symptoms on March 2, but he finally returned to action after more than a week of rest. It's likely that Atlanta will gradually increase his usage for the remainder of the spring before assigning him to Triple-A Gwinnett at the start of the 2017 season.

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.