MLB Player News

Toussaint was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, as the right-hander appeared to have the inside track at a rotation spot following injuries to Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) and Mike Soroka (shoulder). Toussaint posted an unsightly 8.62 ERA through six spring appearances (15.2 innings), but his 20:3 K:BB over that stretch is a better reflection of how he pitched. The young right-hander figures to join the big-league rotation at some point in 2019, though he'll head to the minors to work some kinks for the time being.

Taillon allowed four earned runs on eight hits in four innings Saturday. He struck out three batters without issuing a walk.

Poor defense contributed to his lackluster final spring tuneup, but he hasn't been particularly sharp. The righty pitched in three simulated games before making his Grapefruit League debut. Since then, Taillon has thrown in three spring contests, compiling a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings. On the positive side, he's crafted an 11:0 K:BB. He's set to start Thursday on Opening Day against the Reds in Cincinnati

Ray allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out 11 over 5.1 innings Saturday against the Giants.

Ray has been a strikeout machine this spring, fanning 32 over 16.1 innings. The Diamondbacks are hoping they get the 2017 version of Ray (2.89 ERA, 12.1 K/9). In 2018, he struggled with an oblique injury and inconsistency. "This year, he's a different guy," manager Torey Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. "His stuff is really standing out, it's coming out hot and I know he worked hard to make that happen. So we're looking for him to have a big year." The Diamondbacks are pleased with the increase in Ray's fastball velocity, which is back to where it was in 2017. The left-hander is expected to start the second game of the season, March 29, against the Dodgers.

Senzatela (foot) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Senzatela has been battling an infected blister on his right heel, casting his availability for Opening Day in serious doubt. With him just getting back on a mound five days before the start of the season, a trip to the injured list seems likely.

Alvarez was reassigned to minor-league camp on Saturday, Byron Kerr of MASN Sports reports.

Alvarez was in camp as a non-roster invitee but was never likely to make the team. He's made just seven big-league starts over the last four seasons, so his chances of making a significant impact this year are low.

The Phillies optioned Eickhoff to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Eickhoff's spring training debut was delayed by a recurrence of symptoms relating to the carpal tunnel surgery he required in January, but he returned to action March 11 and looked good over three Grapefruit League appearances, giving up four runs across nine innings while striking out 12. Because Eickhoff had missed the majority of the 2018 campaign while recovering from a lat strain, the Phillies likely want to see him pitch on a regular basis in the minors before giving him an extended look at the major-league level. Eickhoff could be the top choice for a callup in the event either Zach Eflin and/or Vince Velasquez flop as the Phillies' back-end starters.

General manager Neal Huntington said prior to Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles that Lyles (side) still has the "inside track" on the final opening in Pittsburgh's rotation, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Lyles likely strengthened his hold on the No. 5 gig by turning in a solid, if unspectacular showing Saturday, scattering three runs on seven hits over five innings while walking none and striking out five. Assuming Lyles reports no renewed pain in his side coming out of the outing, he should enter the season with no pitch-count limitations after working deep into Saturday's start. One of Steven Brault and Nick Kingham, the other competitors for the final rotation spot, will likely handle a long-relief role if Lyles' health isn't a concern.

Nuno was told Saturday that he won't make the Opening Day roster, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Nuno was in the mix for a bullpen spot but will lose out despite a solid spring in which he recorded a 3.18 ERA with a 6:1 K:BB in 5.2 innings. The veteran can elect to opt out rather than head to the minors, so his destination for the start of the season remains unknown.

Quintana tossed six innings of one-run ball and picked up the win in Friday's Cactus League game against the Rangers. He allowed four hits and no walks, while striking out six.

The strong outing lowered Quintana's spring ERA to a sparkling 1.80 through 15 innings. The lefty has been a bit uneven since joining the Cubs midway through the 2017 season, but he certainly has the talent to produce good numbers with a strong lineup around him.

Alcantara threw 88 pitches in a minor-league game Friday, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins' rotation remains a mystery. Alcantara is one of six candidates for four open spots, with only Jose Urena officially locked into a spot as the Opening Day starter. The organization remains on high on Alcantara, but while it continues to stretch him out as a starter, it's not yet clear whether he'll be taking the mound for Miami or Triple-A New Orleans to begin the season. A long relief/swing starter role in the big-league bullpen is also on the table.