MLB Player News

Grove was optioned to the minors on Saturday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

Grove reached Double-A in 2021 with a 7.86 ERA and 1.79 WHIP in 71 innings. Amongst the four pitchers optioned Saturday, Grove was the only one that wasn't a non-roster invitee.

Gomber pitched three innings, allowing two hits, a walk and striking out one during Saturday's game against the Rangers.

Gomber was sharp in his debut as he returned from a stress fracture that kept him out of the final month of 2021. Gomber is a lock for the Rockies' rotation if healthy after posting a 4.53 ERA in 115.1 innings across 23 starts a season ago.

Snell worked the equivalent of two innings in live batting practice Saturday.

This marks the first time this spring the left-hander has faced hitters as he works his way into form following a groin injury suffered in September. Following the successful session, Snell is expected to make his first Cactus League start Thursday and pitch up to three innings.

Wheeler (shoulder) pitched a simulated inning against two hitters Saturday.

This was a positive step for the right-hander as he looks to return from a shoulder injury that has prevented him from making a start so far this spring. Wheeler also said he "hasn't felt a trace of soreness" in his right shoulder and hopes to be ready to start the season on time.

Eflin recorded six outs on 24 pitches during Saturday's start against Detroit.

Eflin was making his first start of the spring after returning from patellar tendon surgery in September. The right-hander lasted two innings, throwing 24 pitches and successfully fielded his position on his surgically repaired knee. Eflin will likely make two more starts before facing Oakland at home April 10.

Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Contreras made two Grapefruit League appearances early in camp and allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two in three innings. He spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona but should begin the 2022 campaign at the Triple-A level.

Davis was optioned to the Rockies' minor-league camp Saturday.

Davis was added to Colorado's 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, and he allowed no hits and a walk while striking out four in two relief innings this spring. He'll likely begin the 2022 campaign at High-A Spokane.

Eflin (knee) is starting Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Tigers.

This outing will mark Eflin's spring debut, his first outing since undergoing surgery on his knee in early September. It's unclear how deep into the game he will pitch, though he threw a couple simulated innings March 15. Assuming he suffers no setbacks, Eflin could ready to start the season in the rotation.

Cavalli gave up three runs on five hits over three-plus innings in Friday's Grapefruit League start against the Cardinals, striking out three without walking a batter. After the game, Nationals manager Dave Martinez didn't rule out the possibility of Cavalli being part of the Opening Day rotation, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports. "I like it. Let's just say that: I like it," Martinez said. "You know, he'll get another start down here [in five days] or pitch in another game, and then we'll see."

The 23-year-old right-hander breezed through the first inning before running into trouble in the second after Nolan Arenado led off the frame with a double. Cavalli eventually squelched that St. Louis rally by picking Harrison Bader off second base then inducing two weak grounders, before rebounding for a 1-2-3 third that included a strikeout of Paul Goldschmidt. Starting the season at Triple-A Rochester remains the most likely path for Washington's top prospect, but the Nats lost Max Scherzer in the offseason and Stephen Strasburg (neck) may not return until mid-May, so the team has plenty of innings up for grabs. If Cavalli impresses Martinez again in his next outing, the decision on sending him back to the minors could get a lot tougher.

Gallen (shoulder) threw two simulated innings Friday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Gallen reportedly felt good following the session, and his next step may be appearing in a Cactus League game. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo intimated that the right-hander is unlikely to be ready to take the ball for the second game of the regular season.