MLB Player News

While Finnegan has cleared waivers, the location of his assignment hasn't officially been decided, though it's unlikely to be to Triple-A Louisville, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Finnegan's most likely destination is Double-A Pensacola instead. "We're discussing options," Reds president of baseball operations Dick Williams said. "Right now, we don't think he'll go to Triple-A. It's possible he would go to Double-A, maybe in order to work out of a rotation and get more innings in a more conducive environment."

Urias will go back to the bullpen when either Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) or Rich Hill (knee) returns to the rotation, Alanna Rizzo of SportsNetLA reports.

Urias was excellent in his first start of the season, holding the Giants to no runs and striking out seven over five innings, but manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that the 22-year-old will be headed to a relief role when either of the club's injured veterans returns to action. This would put a significant damper on his value whenever it takes place, though Urias can continue to make a case to be the first choice to get back in the rotation in the event of another injury should he continue to pitch well in the absence of Kershaw and Hill.

Marquez agreed to a five-year, $43 million extension with the Rockies on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

The deal includes a club option which can convert to a mutual option if Marquez has a pair of top-three Cy Young finishes. Marquez fanned seven in a win over the Marlins in Miami in his 2019 debut. He lines up to face the Rays in Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Hill (knee) will throw a bullpen session Saturday in Denver, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

It's an expected development for the veteran left-hander, who told reporters Monday that he was feeling better after throwing off flat ground. With Saturday's bullpen session now officially on the docket, it will be the next step in determining a timeline for a return for Hill as he continues to work his way back from his strained left knee.

Finnegan cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Despite some prospect pedigree, no team wanted to take a chance on the 25-year-old lefty, whose 4.11 career ERA in 260.2 innings is not well supported by his 5.13 FIP. He'll fill an organizational depth role for the Reds.

Sanchez will be held back in extended spring training at the outset of the minor-league season in an effort to manage his 2019 workload, Sam Dykstra of MiLB.com reports.

He only made eight starts last year due to elbow inflammation and was unable to pitch in the Arizona Fall League due to right collarbone soreness, so the thinking is that the Marlins will have him work at their complex in Florida before he is sent out to an affiliate when the weather heats up. Of course, given his recent injury history and the fact that he has elite arm speed (the two top indicators of future arm injuries), it may be tough to buy that Sanchez is 100 percent healthy until he gets into game action with Double-A Jacksonville.

Parsons (1-0) was credited with the win Monday, working a perfect fifth inning in an 8-0 victory over the Cubs.

Starter Sean Newcomb ran up his pitch count and got the hook after four innings, and Parsons became the pitcher of record with the Braves already ahead 5-0. The 26-year-old had a great spring to win a spot on the 25-man roster, and while he has had one shaky outing so far, his 3:1 K:BB in 2.2 innings is solid. Given the turmoil in the Atlanta bullpen, if he continues to pitch effectively, Parsons should quickly work his way into a more high-leverage role.

Urena (knee) is listed as the Marlins' starter for Tuesday's game against the Mets.

Urena took a comebacker off his left knee during his first outing of the season last week against the Rockies, but he was apparently able to complete a between-starts bullpen session without incident. The right-hander shouldn't face any restrictions with his pitch count in his return to the mound.

Nix is hopeful to recover from the small UCL tear in his right elbow through rest and rehab rather than undergoing Tommy John surgery, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The procedure and its subsequent year-plus recovery timetable often makes it a last-ditch resort for pitchers, so Nix will unsurprisingly forgo surgery after he recently received a second opinion that suggested he could still pitch again this season. Pitching with a compromised elbow will still put Nix at risk of a setback that may ultimately make surgery a necessary outcome, but the 23-year-old is optimistic he can still be effective in spite of the injury. On an encouraging note, Nix said his velocity was up even while he pitched through tightness that led to him being shut down earlier in the spring.

Urias didn't factor into the decision against the Giants on Monday, despite a strong outing that saw him scatter three hits over five innings, strike out seven and walk none in a 4-2 defeat for the Dodgers.

Urias cruised through his five innings of work before exiting after 77 pitches, only to see Joe Kelly get blown up for four earned runs and force him to settle for the no-decision. Still, it was an encouraging first start of the season for the 22-year-old, who also dominated in spring training as he returns to action following 2017 shoulder surgery. Now healthy, Urias should have a healthy grasp on his rotation spot for the time being with Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) and Rich Hill (knee) both sidelined with injuries.