MLB Player News

Though it appears as if Dillon Gee is destined to take Zack Wheeler's spot in the starting rotation, Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen told reporters the final spot is still up for grabs between Gee and Rafael Montero, according to NJ.com.

"I think it's still a competition between Montero and Gee," Warthen said. "They're both quality pitchers, I don't think we're going to hamstrung by either one of them."

Gee threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a split-squad game against the Astros. He has a 3.38 ERA through four spring outings (two starts). Montero allowed one run on two hits over 3 2/3 innings of work against Houston on Thursday. He has a 5.40 ERA through two outings (five innings) this spring.

The Nationals trimmed down their big-league roster on Thursday, optioning left-hander Matt Grace and catcher Dan Butler to Triple-A Syracuse and infielder Wilmer Difo to Class A Potomac, per the team's official website.

After experiencing soreness in his shoulder after throwing off a flat surface Tuesday, the Mets decided to give reliever Vic Black a few days off from his rehab, per the Daily News. 

Black has been experiencing weakness in his shoulder, but an MRI revealed no structural damage. Black said he thinks he'll be able to resume throwing after his anti-inflammatory medicines are completed.

"Everything's good, though. They’re just wanting to make sure I run the course with the meds before I do," said Black, who has not pitched in a game since March 9.

Mets pitcher Josh Edgin underwent Tommy John surgery on Tuesday, and is expected to miss the entire 2015 season. He rejoined the clubhouse on Thursday with a bandage on his elbow.

Edgin registered a 1.32 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and 28:6 K:BB ratio over 27 1/3 innings last season. He's expected to be fully recovered for the start of the 2016 season.

Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson threw two scoreless innings against minor league hitters Wednesday. Just another phase of Hudson's rehab from multiple Tommy John surgeries, reports MLB.com.

"Arm feels good," Hudson said. "We'll see how it feels the next couple of days and go from there."

Hudson has made two appearance in Cactus League play before Wednesday's outing and is hoping to be ready before the start of the regular season.

"I've got plenty of time, I think," Hudson said. "Probably three or four more outings."

Padres pitcher Brandon Maurer allowed one hit and one walk Wednesday but tossed a scoreless inning in his return from a back injury.

Maurer was making just his second appearance of the spring due to a sore back.

"It was good to see him out there and turning the ball loose," manager Bud Black said after the game, per MLB.com. "He was a little rusty and not dotting the ball like he can. But he's healthy."

Black noted earlier in March that he could get a look as a starting pitcher at some point. Maurer went 1-4 with a 4.65 ERA and 55:19 K:BB ratio in 69 2/3 innings with Seattle last season.

Braves pitcher Shelby Miller tossed four scoreless innings Tuesday, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out three in his team's 11-3 win against the Red Sox.

"I feel good," Miller said after the start, per MLB.com. "My stuff still needs to get there -- it's not as sharp as it can be, but at the same time, my arm feels good. I've got a good idea of what we need to do going forward."

Miller allowed five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings over his first two spring starts before bouncing back Tuesday. He's set to open his first season in Atlanta after posting a 3.33 ERA and 312:134 K:BB ratio in 370 innings with the Cardinals in his first three seasons.

Dodgers pitcher Kenley Jansen (foot) began playing catch from 60 feet Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Jansen underwent surgery to remove a growth from a bone in his left foot in mid-February and has been throwing with his knee off a chair. However, he is now able to shed his crutches and able to progress in his rehab.

"I was able to land on the foot and there was no pain," Jansen said. "I just have to take is slowly. It's still healing, but I didn't feel anything wrong."

Jansen was projected to miss 8-12 weeks after undergoing the procedure, which would keep him out until at least the second half of April.

Padres pitcher Brandon Maurer (back) had a successful side session Monday, according to U-T San Diego. He is scheduled to get back into a spring game Wednesday.

Maurer has made just one appearance this spring. He's allowed two hits in one scoreless inning and has one strikeout.

The Mets announced Tuesday they reassigned pitchers Matt Bowman, Tyler Pill, Hansel Robles, Cody Satterwhite and Gabriel Ynoa.

They join outfielder Brandon Nimmo, infielder Gavin Cecchini and catcher Xorge Carrillo, who were reassigned last week.