MLB Player News

Kelly allowed two runs on three hits and one walk over 1.1 innings of relief in Wednesday's game against Oakland.

Kelly, who made 32 starts for the Diamondbacks in 2019, came out of the bullpen for the first time since 2015 when he pitched in Korea. He's a candidate for Arizona's rotation, but whether there's a spot for him is uncertain, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

Rea is competing for the Cubs' fifth and final rotation spot in spring training, Russell Dorsey of MLB.com reports.

Rea is competing with the likes of Tyler Chatwood, Adbert Alzolay and Alec Mills. Chatwood has the most MLB experience of the group and is considered the favorite, but Rea could surge ahead with a strong spring showing, though he didn't help his cause by allowing four earned runs in an inning of work Thursday. The 29-year-old last appeared in the majors in 2016 and is probably more of a longshot at this point to have significant fantasy value this season.

Urias will make his first spring training appearance on the mound Monday against the Reds, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Manager Dave Robers recently confirmed that Urias will begin the season in the starting rotation. The young left-hander finished the 2019 season with a 2.49 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 85:27 K:BB across 79.2 innings (eights starts). Urias' road splits last year featured a 1.86 ERA, making it clear that the 23-year-old isn't afraid of the big moment and should fit nicely toward the bottom of a star-studded Dodgers pitching staff.

Freeland was removed from Thursday's Cactus League game against the Athletics due to back spasms, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

Freeland allowed one run -- a solo home run to Chad Pinder -- across two innings before exiting. Bryan Shaw took over at pitcher for Freeland, who should be considered day-to-day.

Marquez is scheduled to start Sunday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

Marquez will be making his debut in the Rockies' ninth game of spring training after the club elected to slow play him due to his 2019 season ending early due to a case of right arm inflammation. By all accounts, the injury didn't impact Marquez's training over the offseason, so he should be on track to handle a normal starter's workload once Opening Day arrives. A hot finish to the 2018 campaign escalated Marquez's draft price last spring, but he'll come at more of a discount in 2020 after seeing his ERA increase by nearly a run (to 4.76) from the year prior before finishing last season on the shelf.

Lugo (toe) is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Lugo, who has been slowed to start camp due to a broken pinky toe, is on track to face live hitters for the first time this spring since suffering the injury. If all goes well, the right-hander should be cleared for game action shortly thereafter.

Cabrera threw 19 of 32 pitches for strikes while consistently working in the high 90s with his fastball during his spring debut Wednesday against the Cardinals, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The 21-year-old right-hander also flashed a changeup that topped out at 94 mph as well as a slow curve that he had a little trouble locating. Cabrera is coming off a breakout campaign at High-A and Double-A, and while he may not make his big-league debut until 2021, the Marlins' No. 3 fantasy prospect could force the team's hand this summer with another strong season in the high minors.

Syndergaard needed only 18 pitches (14 strikes) to breeze through two innings against the Astros on Wednesday, and his fastball was topping out at 99 mph, Kevin Kernan of The New York Post reports.

The right-hander has made an effort in the early part of spring to improve his flexibility and smooth out his mechanics, and so far the program appears to be working. "I'm trying to lead with my hips to get some leverage and momentum down the mound," Syndergaard said of the drills he's been doing with new pitching coaches Jeremy Hefner and Jeremy Accardo. "There are different ways to attack it.'' Thor was also pleased with the velocity and action on his slider during Wednesday's outing. Syndergaard's numbers took a step backward last season, although he did throw a career-high 197.2 innings, and if he can combine his 2019 workload with his 2016 ratios (2.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 10.7 K/9, 5.1 K/BB) he could put himself in the running for a Cy Young.

Keller allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in 1.2 innings against Boston on Wednesday. He struck out three batters.

He gave up an opposite-field homer to Jarren Duran but otherwise pitched well. Keller was removed from the game after reaching his 33-count pitch limit. So far the righty is making a strong case for opening the season in Pittsburgh's starting rotation.

Gray gave up one hit in one inning in his first Cactus League outing against the Angels on Wednesday.

Gray allowed a bloop single to Angels top prospect Jo Adell but otherwise hurled a clean 24-pitch inning. Among the Dodgers' top pitching prospects, Gray is expected to begin the campaign in the minors, but he could conceivably work his way up to the big leagues at some point this season.