MLB Player News

Dusty Baker's comments Wednesday -- essentially, that the Reds' fifth-starter competition is an actual competition, and not Aroldis Chapman's job to lose -- came as a bit of a surprise to many of us.

It seemed like it was all but assured that Chapman would be the team's fifth starter this season, with Mike Leake going to the bullpen and Jonathan Broxton closing. But now, there's some doubt, with this alternate universe that has Chapman closing, Leake starting and Broxton bumped to middle relief. The good news is that Chapman as a closer will still have a good value. And Leake, who was drafted just a few spots behind Stephen Strasburg, has more skill than a typical starter-who's-been-bumped-to-the-bullpen.

But Chapman seems like he would be happiest as a starter, and the team invested in Broxton to close. Leake makes stellar rotation insurance (or even attractive trade bait, seeing as super-prospect Tony Cingrani could slide into the rotation if an injury occurs), so the idea that Chapman will start seems the most likely way for this to play out.

Chapman will be solid no matter where he lands, but exercise a wee bit of caution with Broxton, who stands to lose the most if this unlikely scenario comes to fruition. 

The New York Mets continued trimming their roster Friday by sending infielder Wilmer Flores, first baseman Josh Satin and pitcher Carlos Torres to their minor-league camp. Flores, one of the team's top prospects, is the only player among the group on the 40-man roster. Flores, 21, spent most of the spring playing second base as he continued his transition from third base.

Cardinals top prospect Shelby Miller and his primary competition for the fifth starter role, Joe Kelly, both pitched in the same game Thursday. Kelly allowed just one earned run in four strong innings. Miller gave up three on six hits in 2 2/3.

And then came this fun quote from manager Mike Matheny after the game: "You have a hard time really ignoring what Joe did," Matheny told MLB.com, referring to Kelly's 16 starts last year. "He came in and gave us a great opportunity to win every time he started. He gave us quality starts."

Hmm. Sounds to me like he's leaning toward Kelly, and based on spring performance, you really can't blame him. Miller was looking like a terrific late-round sleeper in head-to-head leagues because of his RP eligibility, but now I'm a little wary of drafting him.

Craig Kimbrel, the closer who blew only three saves for the Braves during what was arguably the most dominant season ever for a reliever, blew one with national pride on the line Thurday. But from a Fantasy perspective, it doesn't mean much. The most unfortunate part about it was the stage.

Those who care about the World Baseball Classic -- and no doubt, a contingent of Fantasy-playing types do -- had their hearts broken by it when, if it happened in Grapefruit League play, they wouldn't have even noticed. It really shouldn't change your opinion of Kimbrel on draft day.

Of course, seeing how early you'd have to take him relative to other closers, you're better off letting someone else form an opinion on him.

After not allowing more than one hit in any of his outings last season, Braves closer Craig Kimbrel could not close out the side in the ninth inning and was pegged with the loss for Team USA on Thursday night against the Dominican Republic.

With the score tied at a run apiece, Kimbrel allowed a leadoff double to Nelson Cruz. Erick Aybar then singled in the go-ahead run and stole second base. Jose Reyes then slapped a single off Kimbrel to seal the game. Kimbrel allowed two runs on three hits in two-thirds of an inning. He also struck out one and did not issue a walk in a 3-1 defeat. It was the first time Kimbrel has allowed more than a run in an outing since Sept. 19, 2011. 

"That's just the way it went today," Kimbrel said. "They got the momentum. Cruz got on with the double to start it off. Any time that happens, it's tough to rebound and get back. We had a chance against Aybar to possibly get the strikeout. It didn't happen."

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."