MLB Player News

Nelson was diagnosed Wednesday with a moderate left hamstring strain, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It doesn't sound like a huge long-term concern, but Nelson will be shut down for a bit and might run out of time to get fully ramped up for the beginning of the 2023 regular season. The 27-year-old right-hander had been projected for a swingman role out of the gate in Philly.

Helsley struck out all three batters he faced in a Grapefruit League appearance Wednesday against the Mets.

Helsley did the same in his previous Grapefruit League outing Sunday versus the Nationals. The hard-throwing 28-year-old carries top-tier fantasy closer upside into the 2023 campaign after dominating to the tune of a 1.25 ERA with 94 strikeouts over 64.2 regular-season innings for the Cardinals in 2022. He jammed his right middle finger just before the playoffs and aggravated it in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Phillies, but there has been no apparent carryover this spring.

Thompson has pitched six scoreless innings through six Grapefruit League appearances.

He's struck out six while allowing four hits and two walks. Thompson's strong pitching is solidifying his place in the Cardinals' bullpen, though his history as a starter in the minors makes it possible he ends up as a long-relief option. At this point, there's a wide range of outcomes for Thompson, who could ultimately end up as the Cardinals' top left-handed reliever. That could earn him some high-leverage looks thanks to manager Oliver Marmol's matchup-based approach when the Cardinals are protecting a lead.

Rogers has allowed two earned runs on four hits and four walks with two strikeouts over 3.2 innings across four Cactus League games.

Rogers doesn't strike out many batters with his sidearm delivery, so that's not a concern, but the increase in walks is a bit troublesome. He posted a 5.8 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 across 75.2 innings in a setup role last season, which also saw him earn 15 holds but no saves. The right-hander will compete with his twin brother, Taylor Rogers, for high-leverage spots, though Camilo Doval is locked in as the Giants' closer to begin the season.

Rogers has allowed one earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight over 4.1 innings across five Cactus League appearances.

Rogers had an elevated 2.7 BB/9 over 64.1 innings between the Brewers and the Padres last year, and walks appear to still be an issue for him. Everything else is in order though, and the southpaw should be ready to take on a setup role in his first year with the Giants. Manager Gabe Kapler is likely to roll with Camilo Doval as the closer, but Rogers has reached 30 saves twice in his career, so he will be a solid secondary option for games where Doval isn't available.

The Royals optioned Castillo to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Castillo had been struggling mightily in Cactus League action this spring and can now be ruled out for an Opening Day roster spot in Kansas City. He'll presumably work out of the rotation at Omaha.

The Royals placed Zerpa (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Zerpa hasn't thrown all spring due to the left shoulder issue, which the Royals are labeling as tendinopathy. He'll be out at least the first two months of the 2023 regular season and is likely to settle into the rotation at Triple-A Omaha once healthy.

The Royals optioned Kowar to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Kowar had surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and three walks through five innings this spring in the Cactus League. The 26-year-old carries a ghastly 10.76 ERA in 46 career frames at the MLB level.

Castillo has allowed seven earned runs over 5.2 innings across four Cactus League appearances this spring.

Castillo started spring training in the mix for a spot in the rotation, but it doesn't look like he's earned such a role through his performance. He allowed two runs on a hit and a walk over one innings in Tuesday's game versus the Mariners. Castillo is just 23 years old, so it's completely reasonable to assume he could use a little more time at the Triple-A level before making the jump full-time to the majors.

Lovelady has yet to allow an earned run over six innings across six Cactus League appearances.

Lovelady has allowed four hits and struck out eight without issuing a walk. The 27-year-old returned from Tommy John surgery late in the 2022 campaign, logging four scoreless outings between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha. He has 46 appearances in the majors during his career, and he should slot into a low-leverage role in the bullpen this season thanks to his strong play in spring.