MLB Player News

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.

Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly worked around some control issues in his fourth spring start Sunday against the Astros. Kelly walked a spring-high four batters, but he allowed just two runs on two hits in five-plus innings, while striking out five.

Kelly tossed five scoreless innings before the Astros scored twice in the sixth inning. Kelly gave up a leadoff triple in the sixth inning, then an RBI single and a walk before being pulled with no outs.

Kelly has allowed two or fewer runs in three of his four spring starts. He has a 6.28 ERA.

Marlins left-hander Brad Hand failed in what could have been a last-ditch shot at a rotation spot on Saturday.

Hand likely fell out of the competition by yielding five earned runs on five hits in just four innings against the Mets. Included in the mauling were home runs by Travis d'Arnaud and Wilmer Flores. He walked three and fanned three.

It remains to be seen if Hand can stick in the bullpen. He had performed well this spring until Saturday.

The loss of Aroldis Chapman and injuries to Jonathan Broxton and Sean Marshall that could land both on the disabled list to start the season has J.J. Hoover as the top internal candidate to serve as Reds closer, FoxSports.com has speculated.

Hoover boasts the best resume of those left standing in the Cincinnati bullpen. He has a 2.61 ERA with four saves in the last two seasons combined as the setup man.

Dodgers right-hander Kenley Jansen showed Saturday why he is now considered one of the premier closers in baseball. He just showed it thousands of miles away from home.

Jansen shut down the Diamondbacks in the ninth inning to secure a 3-1 victory over the Diamondbacks at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Australia. Only a two-out walk to Chris Owings prevented him setting Arizona down in order. He started his season by striking out Mark Trumbo and nailed down the save by throwing out Gerardo Parra after a comebacker.

He threw 15 pitches, 10 for strikes. Jansen should be good to go if called upon again for the second game of the brief series.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman underwent successful surgery to repair a fracture above his left eye Thursday, just a day after being hit by a line drive.

Chapman had a metal plate placed on the bone above his eye meant to stabilize the fracture, following a two-and-a-half-hour surgery in Phoenix, according to MLB.com. He will remain hospitalized for the next day or so, and now has a bit of a clearer view of when he will be able to return to some baseball activities.

Chapman could be cleared to work out within the next two weeks, with a possible return to game conditions in four to six weeks, assuming no setbacks.

Chapman was also diagnosed with a fracture to his nose and a "very mild concussion," according to Dr. Ed Joganic. He is not having vision problems, and is expected to pitch in the majors this season despite the gruesome nature of the injury. 

Esmil Rogers took a step forward in his quest to land a roster spot Thursday with a strong performance as a starter against a Phillies lineup boasting several starters.

Rogers lowered his spring ERA to 5.27 by pitching 4 2/3 innings and giving up just one run on five hits. He walked one and fanned six. He has had his strikeout pitches working throughout the spring, but has struggled to keep runs off the board.

So we have a prognosis now for Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, who took a liner off the face and was carted off the field Wednesday. He'll need 6-8 weeks just for the fracture to heal, and then of course, he'll have to build up his arm strength again.

Optimistically, I could see him closing again in mid-June. Realistically, I think the Reds will hold him out until the All-Star break, giving him extra time at every step of his rehabilitation.

So basically, you're looking at less than half a season from Chapman. How much is that little of a closer his caliber worth?

More than anything, you want saves from closers. I understand Chapman is one of the few who could deliver 100 strikeouts over a full season and that those are more valuable in a Rotisserie league, but if saves are in short supply in your league, you can't pass up a surefire saves guy like Casey Janssen or Fernando Rodney for him.

Chapman goes to the back of the closer line for me, about in Rex Brothers territory. He's worth a late-round stash in leagues that offer a DL spot, but you can't afford to fall behind in saves waiting around for him.

If anyone is lucky to be out just 6-8 weeks, it is Reds closer Aroldis Chapman after he was struck in the head by a line drive Wednesday night.

That is the prognosis for Chapman, MLB.com has reported. He will undergo surgery to repair a fracture above his left eye, but could work his way back by as early as the end of May. Asked if Chapman will pitch again this season, Dr. Timothy Kemchek replied, "absolutely." 

Chapman is arguably the best and most dominant closer in baseball. He saved 38 games in 43 opportunities in each of the last two years with 234 strikeouts in 135 1/3 innings.

What befell Chapman has renewed calls for protection for pitchers on the mound.

Bryan Price said Thursday that Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is believed not to have suffered brain damage from the line drive he took above the left eye Wednesday night, per FOXSports.com. Doctors are optimistic he will experience a full recovery.

It remains to be seen how long he is sidelined from game action.