MLB Player News

Rodney (hamstring) will likely throw off a mound Friday or Saturday for the first time this spring, MLB.com's Corey Brock reports.

Rodney is a bit behind schedule after suffering a minor left hamstring injury in early February at the Caribbean Series. He's expected to compete for the closer's role against Kevin Quackenbush (hamstring), who is also on track to throw off a mound this weekend.

Robles has had his suspension reduced from three games to two, The Record reports.

Robles received the suspension for what the MLB deemed intentionally throwing at the head of Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp, but he appealed on the basis that he was instead throwing a quick pitch. He's now settled on two games, meaning he'll be ready for the club's first home game (ironically against the Phillies). The 25-year-old reliever can throw fire out of the bullpen (averaging 95-96 on the fastball), and had 61 strikeouts over 57 frames last season, but his role as a middle reliever doesn't provide much fantasy appeal even when he's available.

The Brewers have a bullpen role in mind for Nolin in 2016, MLB.com reports.

Nolin is out of options, so while he may be stretched out in spring training in case one of the Brewers' starters suffers an injury, the plan will be for him to serve as the second lefty in the bullpen, occasionally pitching in multi-inning stints. Once a somewhat promising starting pitching prospect, this new expected role will sap most of Nolin's fantasy potential for 2016.

Nolin was claimed off waivers by the Brewers on Monday.

Nolin was designated for assignment by the Athletics earlier this month, and with the Brewers parting ways with left-handed pitcher Pat Misch, it makes sense to fill that 40-man roster spot with another left-handed pitcher. The 26-year-old hasn't had much success as a starter in the majors, but he did have an solid season at Triple-A last season, where he finished the season with a 2.66 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. It'll be tough to crack the Brewers rotation this spring, so there's a good chance he'll start the season in the bullpen or in the minors.

Manager Chip Hale indicated Saturday that De La Rosa will be part of the starting rotation, the Arizona Republic reports.

While the 26-year-old's 4.67 ERA and 1.36 WHIP don't jump off the page, Hale is reportedly awarding him for tossing 188.2 innings despite the struggles. He'll need to improve his numbers to become fantasy-relevant in anything other than deep leagues, and his issues with the long ball (1.5 HR/9 allowed) may continue to be accentuated by pitching at Chase Field.

Manager Pete Mackanin said that Hernandez's guaranteed contract gives him an edge in the competition for the Phillies' closer role this spring, the team's official site reports.

Hernandez is one of two relievers the Phillies have in camp on a guaranteed contract. He was signed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract in the offseason. He will be competing with Luis Garcia, Ernesto Frieri, Edward Mujica, and Andrew Bailey for the closing gig.

Waldron (shoulder impingement) has been shut down indefinitely, Barry Bloom of MLB.com reports.

Waldron was shut down for his scheduled bullpen session Saturday due to a shoulder issue, and now it has been announced that the 26-year-old right-hander is dealing with a shoulder impingement. He will be on the shelf indefinitely, which almost assuredly negates his chances of making the Opening Day roster.

Manager Craig Counsell announced Sunday that Smith will compete with Jeremy Jeffress in spring training for the Brewers' closer role, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Smith dominated opponents early in the season, posting a 1.87 ERA and accumulating 44 strikeouts over 33.2 innings prior to the 2015 All-Star break. He wore down a bit in the second half, but the strikeout totals (47 over 29.2 innings) remained. The fact that he's left-handed actually works as a bit of a disadvantage for his chances of becoming the closer, but he certainly has the stuff to earn the role. Even if Smith does take the job out of camp, the Brewers figure to be among the league's worst teams in 2016, which could limit his save opportunities.

The Padres are not yet ready to allow Rodney (hamstring) to throw a bullpen session, MLB.com's Corey Brock reports.

Rodney appears eager to get back to the mound, but the Padres continue to take a conservative approach with the 38-year-old. He remains the favorite to lock down the closer's role in San Diego, so manager Andy Green doesn't seem keen to push the veteran too much, too early in an effort to preserve his longevity.

Waldron did not throw his scheduled bullpen session Saturday due to a setback with his shoulder, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Waldron joined the Cardinals organization last season, making 46 appearances at Triple-A Memphis and finishing the season with a 4.74 ERA and a mere 4.7 K/9 mark. He has apparently aggravated a shoulder injury and will miss at least Saturday's bullpen session. As a non-roster invitee, setbacks such as Saturday's could hurt his chances at sticking in the Cardinals' major league camp.