MLB Player News

Smith has "concerning" swelling in his right knee and will be examined, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

Smith has so far appeared in line to take at least a share of the Milwaukee closer job, but he will need a clean bill of health before hitting the field. If Smith has to miss any time, Jeremy Jeffress would be the favorite to land the closer job. Check back later for an update.

Rusin (finger) has an outside chance to be the Rockies' No. 5 starter now that Jon Gray (abdomen) will not be ready for the start of the season, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Other candidates for the job include left-hander Yohan Flande and right-hander Christian Bergman. Rusin has already confirmed that he will not be ready for the start of the season, but the Rockies do have two off days during the first week of the season, which would allow them to use a four-man rotation until the second half of the month. This could allow Rusin to garner the rotation spot at that time if Colorado decides to go in that direction. The left-hander appears to be progressing well in his injury rehab, as he is now expected to pitch his first spring game this weekend, manager Walt Weiss said. It's a pretty small chance, but Rusin could force the Rockies to let him in the rotation later in April if he pitches well in his limited spring outings.

Edgin threw a scorless inning in a minor-league game Thursday, the NY Post reports.

Edgin is slowly working his way back from Tommy John surgery. If all goes well, he could be an option for the Mets by May 1.

Martin could make San Diego's bullpen despite a 7.36 ERA this spring, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. He has a 10:3 K:BB ration in 7.1 innings.

San Diego may elect to keep Martin on the 25-man roster with an eye toward the future since he's a Rule 5 pick. Martin began the season strong, but struggled in his last outing. His strong strikeout rate may be enough to keep him in the bullpen.

Pomeranz gave up one run over four innings with four strikeouts in his first spring start Thursday and has put himself in position to make a case for a spot in the rotation. "He's making a very strong one right now," said Padres manager Andy Green told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Pomeranz had made four appearances as a reliever this spring, but Thursday's start could indicate his status in the rotation. He has a 5.73 ERA this spring but with 11 strikeouts and four walks in 11 innings. He'll be an intriguing end game pick if he makes the rotation given his high strikeout rates (8.6 K/9 last season) and home park.

Rusin (finger) won't be ready for the start of the season, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

Rusin has yet to pitch in a game since injuring his left middle finger in early March, and while he should be available before the end of April, he's unlikely to be an option for the first turn or two through the rotation. With Jon Gray (abdomen) also unavailable, the Rockies could go with a four-man rotation, or else look to David Hale, Yohan Flande and/or Christian Bergman. As the schedule lines up, Colorado won't need a fifth starter until Apr. 18.

Castro could close some games toward the end of this season, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Jake McGee and Jason Motte are the two most likely candidates to open the season as the Rockies closer, creating a roadblock to any save opportunities in the earlier part of the season for the young fireballer. However, Castro has proven that he can pitch well against major league hitters this spring, and if he can translate it to the regular season, he could work his way into higher-leverage innings and possibly even some save situations if McGee or Motte get hurt or falter.

Garcia, likely competing with the likes of Pedro Baez for a roster spot, has a 2.45 ERA through 7.1 innings this spring.

Garcia showed flashes of dominance last year in posting a 10.8 K/9 and 1.6 BB/9 at the big league level. Home runs were an issue at times, but Garcia should have a good shot at sticking this year.

Barraclough was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday.

Barraclough was seen as a possibility to earn a spot in the back end of Miami's bullpen for the start of the season, but he struggled in the spring to the tune of a 4.26 ERA with as many walks (eight) as strikeouts. The move down to the minors still comes as a bit of a surprise, but the 25-year-old should work his way into the major league mix at some point.

Nolin may not be ready for Opening Day due to an elbow injury, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Elbow injuries are always concerning, but at this point it remains unclear exactly what Nolin is dealing with. The lefty, who was competing for a spot in the big league bullpen, hasn't pitched in a spring game in over a week. It's possible that he gets sent back down to the minors once healthy, in order to get back into game shape.