MLB Player News

Manager Andy Green said Tuesday that Maurer will move back to a bullpen role, Dennis Lin of the Union-Tribune reports.

Maurer came into spring training with a chance to land a spot in the back end of the Padres' rotation, but a series of poor outings have taken him out of the running. He has given up five home runs and five walks over 5.2 innings of work this spring, helping to balloon his ERA to 25.41. Maurer does offer upside out of the bullpen thanks to the mid-to-high 90s velocity on his fastball, but he may have trouble landing a fantasy-relevant role in the pen immediately. Kevin Quackenbush and Fernando Rodney remain the front-runners for the Padres' closing role while the competition for a final rotation spot is boiling down to Robbie Erlin, Colin Rea, and Drew Pomeranz.

Hernandez said he felt good after throwing an inning in a Grapefruit League game Monday, CSN Philadelphia reports.

Hernandez allowed a double and a triple in his inning of work as he struggled with his fastball command. He is on track to open the regular season on the active roster, but it remains to be seen if he will be the closer or if the Phillies will go with Andrew Bailey.

The Phillies optioned Murray to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Monday.

Murray gave up just one earned run over 5.1 innings with the big club this spring, but he did not do enough to break camp with the big club. He figures to be an option for the big league club at some point this season after posting a 2.67 ERA and striking out 77 batters in 77.2 minor league innings in 2015.

Treinen pitched four shutout innings Sunday after Joe Ross was struck in the heel by a comebacker, allowing two hits and striking out three.

He's now sporting an 0.00 ERA and 8:1 K:BB ratio through eight spring innings. Treinen appears ticketed for long relief to begin the season, but if Ross' injury proves to be more serious than originally thought, it's possible Treinen could get a turn or two in the rotation in early April.

Neris allowed four runs on two hits, including a home run, in one inning against the Astros on Sunday. He struck out one and walked two.

Neris, who is competing for a bullpen job, has struggled this spring. He has an 8.53 ERA and a 10:5 K:BB ratio in 6.1 innings of work.

Maurer (illness) will likely have his next turn in the rotation skipped in favor of Drew Pomeranz, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

In the mix for a spot in the Padres' rotation, Maurer was lit up for 10 runs in 1.1 innings Friday, but it was revealed afterward that he pitched through a serious stomach bug. He's expected to miss a scheduled side session and may sit out his next spring nod, which could impact manager Andy Green's decision-making process in advance of Opening Day.

Edgin (elbow) will pitch in a minor league game Sunday, the NY Post reports.

Edgin is being eased back into action and is not expected to be ready to return from March 2015 Tommy John surgery until early May.

Johnson threw four scoreless innings against the Indians on Saturday.

Too little, too late. Johnson was officially cut from the big league roster Friday after a couple of poor appearances, but Saturday's performance reminded the brass that he still has a bright future. He should be one of the first options for a spot start this year if the Cubs have to pluck someone out of the minors for the honor.

Biddle was claimed by the Braves on Saturday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

After being designated for assignment by the Pirates last week, Biddle was claimed off waivers by the Braves, who wanted to add a southpaw to their roster. The former first rounder has never advanced beyond Triple-A and underwent Tommy John surgery in October, meaning that Atlanta will have to be patient with him as he'll likely be on the shelf for the 2016 season. Still, if Biddle can tap into the talent that warranted a first-round selection in 2010, this could prove to be a savvy addition for the rebuilding Braves.

Moll was reassigned to minor league camp Friday, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Moll had a nice showing in major league camp, only allowing one run and striking out three in 3.1 innings. He'll head back to Double-A Hartford to get more experience against upper-level hitters.