MLB Player News

Hernandez (triceps) pitched one inning in a minor league game Tuesday, CSN Philadelphia reports.

Hernandez allowed three runs on three hits and walk while also striking out two. The results were poor, but Hernandez was happy just to be back in action. He said after that he didn't feel any of the soreness in his triceps while throwing. He expects to be ready for Opening Day and remains the favorite to close for the Phillies.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez suggested Tuesday that he could use Vizcaino in a combination of closers with Jason Grilli (Achilles) and Jim Johnson, at least initially, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. "It will be probably the same situation (as last year)," Gonzalez said. "I can use all three. Mix-and-match. Absolutely."

Grilli is still a question mark for Opening Day. If Grilli's unavailable to start the year, Vizcaino and Johnson will likely split closer duties, and Gonzalez added that he could deploy some sort of committee once he has all three at his disposal. "I feel that way now," Gonzalez said, "that if the matchup comes up, say in the seventh inning there's two or three guys the scouting reports say can't hit high velocity, maybe we run Vizcaino against those guys. That might be the biggest inning."

Bard threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn a save against the Red Sox on Monday.

The 2006 first-round draft choice last pitched in the majors in 2013 (one inning). Bard underwent thoracic outlet syndrome in January of 2014 and is looking to find his way back to the big leagues. The 29-year-old is a longshot but could sign a minor-league deal and make a midseason return if he pitches well.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker said he has plans for Treinen to be a big part of the bullpen, the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes reports.

Baker also said that Treinen is not a starter, which comes as no surprise after the right-hander exclusively worked out of the bullpen last season. Treinen is probably headed for a middle relief role.

Hernandez (triceps) is scheduled to pitch an inning in a minor league game Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of The News Journal reports.

Though he hasn't pitched in the Grapefruit League since March 1, Hernandez should still have plenty of time to get ready for Opening Day. He's expected to start the season as Philadelphia's closer, as none of the team's other relievers has a similarly impressive track record.

Johnson took the loss Monday when he gave up five runs (four earned) and four hits in just two innings.

Johnson has struggled his last two times out, walking three and giving up three home runs in just three innings. He's not long for the major league camp.

Iglesias (shoulder) made his spring training debut Monday, throwing one inning against the Angels. He allowed a run on two hits, striking out one.

Iglesias will make five spring training starts and will be at the back of the Reds' rotation to make up for some of his lost spring training time. "I felt really good today," Iglesias said via translator Tomas Vera. "I tried to jump in real quick to the game plan with what I was doing, but you saw what hitters did with me, so I had to make the adjustment. And after I made that adjustment, things went really well."

Hader was reassigned to minor-league camp Monday.

Hader saw action in just two games with the Brewers this spring, but he held his own, giving up just one earned run and posting a 4:1 K:BB ratio over four innings. He is considered one of the Brewers' best pitching prospects after posting a 3.03 ERA and striking out 119 batters over 104 innings in 24 Double-A outings last season. Hader will turn 22 in early April, and having shown what he can do against Double-A hitters, the Brewers may provide him with an early present -- a promotion to Triple-A.

Smith tossed a scoreless inning in Monday's exhibition game for the fourth time in four appearances this spring.

Smith did not allow a baserunner Monday; and in fact, he has allowed just one runner to reach base all spring. It's not yet clear if he will open the season as the Brewers' closer, but his primary competition for the ninth inning role, Jeremy Jeffress (hamstring), who has not appeared in a game this spring, is set to make his debut soon. That will allow the Brewers to fully evaluate their options and decide if one pitcher or the other will open the season with the closer's job, or if Smith and Jeffress will share the duties.

Manager Joe Maddon said that Underwood, who was reassigned to minor league camp Monday, has been held back during spring training due to stiffness in his right elbow, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

It doesn't sound like too much of an issue, but throwing elbow issues are never good to hear. He could continue to be held back for a few more days to ensure proper healing, but his status should become clearer in the coming days whether he sits out or not.