MLB Player News

Smyly pitched two scoreless innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Padres. He allowed one hit and struck out two.

This was Smyly's first game action of the spring after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Cubs a week ago. The lefty started 23 games for Atlanta last season, registering a 4.48 ERA and 1.37 WHIP across 126.2 innings of work. He'll likely slot in at the back of Chicago's rotation to begin the year, particularly with Adbert Alzolay (lat) currently on the 60-day injured list.

Rogers allowed one run on two hits and a walk over three innings in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals. He struck out one.

Making his spring debut, the southpaw got tagged for a solo home run by Paul Goldschmidt in the third inning but otherwise had little trouble with a St. Louis lineup that featured a number of regulars. Rogers broke out in 2021 with a 2.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 28.5 percent strikeout rate over 133 innings and 25 starts, and if he can maintain or even build on the control gains he showed last year, he may not have reached his ceiling yet in the majors.

Anderson gave up two hits and a walk over three scoreless innings while striking out four in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

Making his first outing of the spring, Anderson had little trouble against a Boston lineup mostly made up of utility players and fringe major-leaguers. The 23-year-old right-hander is coming off a solid first full season in the Atlanta rotation, but his 23.2 percent strikeout rate was a step backwards from the 29.7 percent rate he posted over six starts in 2020, not to mention his minor-league numbers. If Anderson can regain some dominance while taking on a bigger workload, he could emerge as a bona fide ace.

Walker allowed one hit over two scoreless innings without walking or striking out a batter in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals.

The one hit Walker gave up came on a sun-aided popup that didn't leave the infield. The veteran right-hander came into camp behind the rest of the Mets starting pitchers after undergoing knee surgery in January, but he appeared healthy Saturday and Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that Walker believes there's still enough time left in the spring for him to build up to five innings for his first regular-season outing. While he'd likely be on an early pitch count, Walker may be able to slot into the fifth starter spot in the Opening Day rotation rather than having to skip a turn or two.

The Dodgers sent down Pepiot to minor-league camp Saturday, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

At Triple-A in 2021, Pepiot posted a 7.13 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 41.2 innings. In spring training, Pepiot allowed four hits, six earned runs and four walks with four strikeouts in four innings.

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.