MLB Player News

Martinez allowed five earned runs on five hits and two walks across three innings in a Grapefruit League loss to the Mets on Friday. He struck out one.

Martinez had allowed just two earned runs across the seven innings covering his previous pair of spring starts, so Friday's outing was unquestionably a step back. However, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports the veteran right-hander was satisfied with his reincorporation of a sinker that worked particularly well for him as both a starter and closer back in 2018. "All my two-seamers today were like I wanted," Martinez said. "That was a real two-seamer and a big two-seamer. ... I want to stay there, because for the season, it's going to help me a lot."

Gray (1-0) allowed three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out six over five innings as he earned the win in Friday's spring game against Cleveland.

Gray encountered some trouble during the third and fourth innings Friday, but he was still relatively sharp and earned the win during the Cactus League start. The right-hander's fastball hit 96 mph during the outing, and he didn't feel tired after throwing 71 pitches in his longest outing of the spring, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. Gray missed the final month of the 2020 season due to a shoulder issue but appears to be fully healthy ahead of Opening Day in 2021.

Mikolas (shoulder) looked good playing catch Wednesday, Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Any news of Mikolas' ailing shoulder responding well to physical activity is welcome at this point, but the right-hander will continue to be treated with caution. Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports Mikolas will play catch at least once more in the coming days before a more concrete plan for his next steps is developed, but the 32-year-old has already been ruled out for his first regular-season turn through the rotation.

Castillo will start Opening Day against the Cardinals on April 1, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Castillo had a brief delay this spring due to visa issues, but he's had plenty of time to build up during Cactus League games. Manager David Bell confirmed Friday that Castillo will take the mound for the Reds during the first game of the season after posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over 70 innings during 12 starts last season.

Strasburg (calf) threw 74 pitches across five simulated innings Friday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Strasburg was initially scheduled to throw 60 pitches Friday, but he was able to extend his throwing session and said that he would have felt comfortable throwing more. The right-hander has been dealing with a calf strain over the past week, but it appears as though he's on the right track for Opening Day as long as he doesn't experience any setbacks.

Wood (back) played catch Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Wood underwent a minor procedure on his back Tuesday, but it apparently didn't throw his schedule off too much, as he's already throwing again. While that's certainly a positive sign, there's no guarantee he'll be ready to pitch by Opening Day and no guarantee he'll start the year in the rotation even if healthy.

Eflin (back) may be ready to throw a bullpen session Sunday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Eflin was scratched from his scheduled Friday start against the Yankees with back issues, but the team is hoping he can get back on the mound soon. Spencer Howard (back) and Vince Velasquez (oblique) are also dealing with injuries, so the Phillies are getting short on rotation options and would certainly like to have Eflin back as soon as possible. They won't want to rush their No. 3 starter, however, so it's possible non-roster invitee Ivan Nova could take a turn in the rotation if none of the preferred choices are ready to go.

Velasquez is dealing with an oblique injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It's not clear exactly what the issue or is when he'll be able to return. Velasquez had been looking like an underdog to open the year in the rotation, though Zach Eflin and Spencer Howard are both dealing with back issues, which could have given him at least a temporary opening. If all three pitchers need to miss time, non-roster invitee Ivan Nova could make a spot start or two to open the year.

Lauer was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The 25-year-old gave up eight earned runs and had a 3:7 K:BB over five innings across three appearances in spring training, so it's hardly a surprise he didn't earn a rotation spot. Lauer figures to be in the mix for a promotion when the Brewers need a spot starter this season.

Soroka (Achilles) will throw a simulated game Friday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Soroka continues to build up carefully as he makes his way back from a torn Achilles tendon. His expected return date remains unclear, but given where he is in his recovery, a return in late April or early May seems likely.