MLB Player News

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.

Okert will compete for a spot on the 25-man roster this spring, CSN Bay Area reports.

Okert received a cup of coffee last September, striking out 14 batters over 14 innings. With Javier Lopez retiring Wednesday, there is one spot open for a left-handed specialist on the 25-man roster. Okert figures to compete with Josh Osich (knee) for that spot. The latter has more of a major league track record, but is also coming off of minor knee surgery. How they perform this spring should ultimately decide who wins the vacant job.

Law is expected to fall in either a seventh or eighth inning role to start the season, CSN Bay Area reports.

After posting an impressive 2.13 ERA in 55 innings as a rookie, Law is ready to compete for the setup role behind new closer Mark Melancon. He will compete with Hunter Strickland, who also had a strong campaign in 2016 (3.10 ERA in 61 innings). The latter has the ability to hit triple digits on the radar gun, while the former has better secondary pitchers to compliment his mid-to-high 90s fastball. Whoever wins the job out of spring will be the best source of holds in San Francisco and should get first crack at closing games should anything happen to Melancon.

De La Rosa (elbow) underwent a second injection of stem-cell therapy this December and is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

General manager Mike Hazen says the second injection was precautionary as De La Rosa attempts to avoid a second Tommy John surgery. The tentative plan is to ease the 22-year-old back as a reliever. De La Rosa is coming off an injury-plagued 2016 season, in which he posted a 4.26 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 54:20 K:BB in 50.2 innings.

Ellington will compete for a spot in the Marlins' bullpen during spring training.

Miami added plenty of right-handed relief depth this offseason, bringing in Brad Ziegler and Junichi Tazawa, so despite the fact that Ellington posted solid numbers in the majors last year and averages 98 mph with his fastball, he could find himself back at Triple-A New Orleans to begin 2017. The 26-year-old could force his way onto the 25-man roster with a big spring, though, especially if he shows signs of improving on his career 4.5 BB/9 rate.