MLB Player News

Kelly struck out three over two scoreless, no-hit innings in Friday's start against the Cubs.

Kelly was making his first Cactus League appearance this spring. He's coming off a career-high 201.1 innings in 2023, including the postseason, so the Diamondbacks held him back for a bit to begin camp. The right-hander will get in at least another three spring outings, before he's expected to start the second game of the regular season, Mar. 29, at home against Colorado.

The Pirates optioned Burrows (elbow) to the minor leagues Friday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Burrows had his 2023 season cut short when he underwent Tommy John surgery in late April. The right-hander will start the 2024 season in the minors and look to work his way up to the majors.

Waldrep was reassigned to minor-league camp by Atlanta on Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Waldrep had an impressive spring debut March 3, when he pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The 24th overall pick in the 2023 Draft could make his major-league debut this season if he pitches well in the minors.

Kloffenstein was optioned to Triple-A Memphis by the Cardinals on Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Kloffenstein earned a spot on the Cardinals' 40-man roster after registering an impressive 3.16 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 140:55 K:BB over 128 innings in 2023 between Double-A and Triple-A. If Kloffenstein is effective with Memphis early in the season, he could see some time in the majors in 2024.

Teng (oblique) will throw a live batting practice session Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Teng is working his way back from a left oblique strain suffered early in camp. The 25-year-old is pegged to open the season in Triple-A Sacramento's rotation.

Cobb (hip) will throw a live batting practice session Monday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Cobb continues to make good progress from last October's left hip surgery and is now expected back much sooner than initially anticipated. The Giants have not yet offered a clear timeline for Cobb's season debut, but president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi did say last weekend that the righty could be back "relatively soon into the year."

Walker (knee) will see his first Grapefruit League action of the spring Saturday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Walker was away from the Phillies early on in camp for personal reasons and has dealt with a sore right knee over the past week. However, he got through his last bullpen session with no problems and has been cleared for his first spring start. He should still have enough time to ramp up prior to Opening Day.

The Rockies optioned Davis to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Davis was competing for a spot at the back end of Colorado's Opening Day rotation but allowed three earned runs on 10 hits and three walks over six innings during spring training, striking out five. The 26-year-old struggled to an 8.70 ERA over 30 frames in his first taste of the majors last season but is a decent bet to receive another look with the Rockies at some point in 2024.

Hodge was optioned to Double-A Tennessee by the Cubs on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hodge put up an uninspiring posting a 5.13 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 80.2 frames with Tennessee last season, although he did fan 103 batters. He pitched as both a starter and reliever last season and it's not clear what role the Cubs have planned for him this season.

Arias was optioned to Double-A Tennessee by the Cubs on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Arias netted a 40-man roster spot this offseason but didn't have a real chance of breaking camp with the big club. The 22-year-old has yet to advance past A-ball but should open 2024 in Tennessee's rotation.