MLB Player News

A torn UCL sustained by Diamondbacks relief pitcher David Hernandez will probably require season-ending Tommy John surgery, per FoxSports.com, which is further reporting that a second MRI that reveals the same problem will clinch the need for the procedure.

The loss of Hernandez, whose fastball was peaking at 95 mph recently, could severely impact the Arizona bullpen. He was slated to serve as the setup man for new closer Addison Reed. That job is now likely to be given to J.J. Putz.

Hernandez regressed in 2013 after two fine seasons as a short reliever and part-time closer the previous two years, during which he struck out 175 in 130 2/3 innings and posted a 2.94 ERA.

Diamondbacks pitcher David Hernandez has been diagnosed with a torn UCL, according to FoxSports.com.

Hernandez had a MRI on his arm, which revealed the injury. Hernandez will seek a second opinion. Hernandez posted a 4.48 ERA in 62 1/3 innings last year.

The fifth spot in the Marlins rotation has been handed to right-hander Tom Koehler, but left-hander Brad Hand should get a big hand as well. He made the team as a reliever.

Koehler earned the spot by yielding just three earned runs in 18 innings this spring. Hand clinched one Thursday by hurling four shutout innings against St. Louis. He surrendered just two hits and one walk while striking out two.

A disappointing spring has motivated the Mets to option right-handed reliever Vic Black to the minors.

Black earned minor league all-star spots in both of the last two seasons, during which time he struck out 148 batters in 106 2/3 innings. The Mets were hopeful that the 25-year-old Black would take the next step up this year, but he will not break camp with the team.

Even though no one of any real authority has confirmed it, J.J. Hoover appears to be the top choice for saves in Cincinnati with both Aroldis Chapman (head) and Jonathan Broxton (forearm) sidelined for the foreseeable future.

So just how much of a priority is he in Fantasy? In terms of ability, I think he's a good fit for the role. He throws hard, and it shows up in his strikeout and hit rates, which isn't true for every hard-throwing reliever. He also seemed to turn the corner after some early struggles last year, allowing just five earned runs over his final 41 appearances for a 1.14 ERA.

But again, the job isn't for sure his. The most manager Bryan Price has offered is that he'll be part of a committee to begin the season (which never lasts, but he may not be the one to emerge). Plus, it's not like Chapman is out forever. At worst, he'll probably return by the All-Star break.

For that reason, I'm ranking Hoover behind other first-year closers like Nate Jones and Tommy Hunter and even behind a non-closer in Rex Brothers, who should take the job and run with it sooner than later in Colorado. I like Hoover better than anything Houston's closer committee has to offer, though.

Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller gave up three earned runs on three hits and three walks in five innings and struck out four in his team's 5-3 loss to the Mets Monday.

Miller has dealt with control issues recently, walking three batters in each of his last two starts and giving up three earned runs in each. He owns a 5.93 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB ratio in 13 2/3 innings this spring.

The Nationals have reassigned pitcher Blake Treinen to minor-league camp. Treinen had a 4.66 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in six relief appearances this spring.

The Giants announced a pair of roster moves on Sunday.

The team optioned pitcher George Kontos to Triple-A Fresno. Kontos allowed two runs over six innings pitched this spring.

The Giants also re-assigned pitcher Dan Runzler down to minor-league camp. Runzler went 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA over 6 2/3 Cactus League innings.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny announced Sunday pitcher Joe Kelly has beaten out Carlos Martinez for the final spot in the team's rotation, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Martinez will now be moved to a setup role in front of closer Trevor Rosenthal.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, who is out 6-8 weeks after getting struck in the face by a line drive, said Sunday he can begin light cardio in a few days and begin to get his arm back in shape shortly after that, per the Cincinnati Enquirer.