MLB Player News

Rusin has a "mild strain" of his right oblique, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Rusin was forced to exit Friday's game with the soreness and there doesn't appear to be any definitive timetable for his return. The southpaw is in competition for a starting spot, a position which could be in jeopardy due to the injury. Consider him day-to-day until more information becomes available.

Snow has not been pitching in spring games because of a lower back/hip issue, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The good news here is that Snow is close to pitching again, but he may not see game action for quite some time. The right-hander posted a combined 2.83 ERA over 54 innings in the minors last season.

Vizcaino hit 98 mph with his fastball while striking out two in an inning of work during Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

He did give up a solo home run to Andrew Benintendi, but otherwise it's been a great start to the spring for Vizcaino, who's whiffed five batters in his first two appearances. The shoulder injury that derailed his second half last year doesn't appear to be an issue for him heading into 2017, and Vizcaino should begin the season as the Braves' primary setup man.

Adleman threw three scoreless, hitless innings against the Cubs in Friday's spring training win.

Adleman remains in competition for a rotation spot, and he's not the only competitor that's had a good week. Amir Garrett had a good outing Thursday, and Robert Stephenson pitched well against the Cubs as well on Friday.

Stephenson threw two perfect innings against the Cubs on Friday, striking out four of the six batters he faced. All four of Stephenson's strikeouts came on curveballs, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Stephenson wanted to work on two things this spring -- using his curveball and throwing inside more. At least in this outing, he accomplished that. Given how poorly his previous start went, giving up four runs in one inning, he needed this outcome.

Rusin left Friday's game after feeling soreness in his right side, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Things didn't look good for Rusin when he walked off the mound with the team trainer, but it does not sound like the injury is too serious. Rusin will be hoping for a quick recovery so that he can get back to competing for Colorado's fifth starter spot.

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.