MLB Player News

Cardinals rotation candidate Joe Kelly turned in a solid performance Thursday afternoon against the Braves. Kelly, who made his third Grapefruit League start, went past two innings of work for the first time this spring. He cruised through four innings, allowing just three hits and an earned run in a 5-4 victory. He stuck out one and did not walk a batter.

Kelly, who walked five combined in his first two appearances, chose to work on his tempo against the Braves, which had been a bit slower in his first two appearances. He is competing with Shelby Miller for the final spot in the rotation.

Manager Mike Matheny told MLB.com Thursday that he is not ready to announce the fifth starter and could allow Miller and Kelly to pitch again before he makes his decision.

"Today wasn't a drop-dead, have-to-make-a-decision day," Matheny said. "Just take in more information and another opportunity to go out there. I thought they both did the most with it."

Cardinals rotation candidate Shelby Miller endured a rough outing in Thursday's contest against the Braves. Miller, who was making his third Grapefruit League appearance, followed up his competitor Joe Kelly in the fifth inning as he allowed three runs on six hits over 2 2/3 innings of work. He also struck out four and issued a walk in a 5-4 victory. Miller upped his strikeout total to eight in 7 2/3 innings this spring.

Manager Mike Matheny told MLB.com on Thursday that he is not ready to announce the fifth starter and could allow Miller and Kelly to pitch again before he makes his decision.

"Today wasn't a drop-dead, have-to-make-a-decision day," Matheny said. "Just take in more information and another opportunity to go out there. I thought they both did the most with it."

Dodgers pitcher Kenley Jansen received his third-party medical clearance, due to his heart condition, and will join the Netherlands team in the semifinal round of the World Baseball Classic, according to the Orange County Register. Jansen will stay with the Dodgers for his scheduled outing Friday before flying to San Francisco to join the Netherlands on Sunday. 

MLB.com reports Dodgers reliever Kenley Jansen said he's "95 percent" sure he will join the Netherlands World Baseball Classic roster, if the team reaches the WBC final. "He's not missing anything and, actually, we think this will be good for him," manager Don Mattingly said. "He'll get into competition and it will be a good scenario, as far as the competition and energy level, and the fact it will only be a couple of days."

On Wednesday, Reds pitching coach Bryan Price refuted earlier reports that he prefers Aroldis Chapman as a closer, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I've been clear that I like the idea of Aroldis getting ready as a starter," Price said. "But, at the same time, we've got to look at what is best for the team. I've never said [that I prefer him to close]. I'd be disappointed if I was characterized as saying that."

Scott White evaluates the reliever position and puts Craig Kimbrel as the only relief pitcher in his "Elite" tier. His "Near Elite" guys include Jonathan Papelbon, Jason Motte, Fernando Rodney, Mariano Rivera, Joe Nathan and Rafael Soriano.