MLB Player News

Gasser (elbow) has advanced his throwing program to flat-ground throws from 120 feet, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The next step for Gasser -- who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery -- could be to throw from the mound. Gasser is eyeing a return in August or September of this season.

The Diamondbacks reassigned Mancini to minor-league camp Wednesday.

The 33-year-old posted an impressive 1.121 OPS in 27 plate appearances in Cactus League play, but with Arizona already having Josh Naylor, Pavin Smith and Randal Grichuk (ankle) as options at first base or designated hitter, Mancini couldn't crack the Opening Day roster. Unless his minor-league contract contains an opt-out clause that enables him to pursue opportunities elsewhere, Mancini will likely begin the season at Triple-A Reno.

The Diamondbacks reassigned McGough to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Arizona declined McGough's $4 million team option for 2025 in November before bringing him back on a minor-league deal in February and allowing him to compete for an Opening Day roster spot. After turning in a 7.44 ERA over 26 appearances with the big club in 2024, McGough didn't do much this spring to demonstrate that his performance turned a corner, as he was lit up for six earned runs on 10 hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. The 35-year-old righty will likely open the season in the bullpen at Triple-A Reno.

The Diamondbacks optioned Jameson to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

After sitting out the entire 2024 season while recovering from his September 2023 Tommy John surgery, Jameson seemingly operated with no restrictions to begin camp, but having two minor-league options remaining likely worked against him in his bid for the Opening Day roster. Before getting demoted, Jameson made six relief appearances in Cactus League play, giving up one earned run on five hits and three walks while striking out four. He'll work out of the bullpen in Reno and should rank near the top of the list for a call-up early on in the season when Arizona requires an extra relief arm.

The Diamondbacks optioned Nelson to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Nelson is healthy again after missing most of the 2024 season while recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, but he had struggled with his command and control this spring, giving up nine runs (eight earned) on nine hits -- including three home runs -- and four walks over 5.2 innings in Cactus League play. He'll look to shake off the rust in Reno and put himself in consideration for a call-up later on this season.

Brzykcy (quad) is expected to begin the season on the injured list, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Brzykcy has made just one appearance this spring due to a right quad injury that appears to have lingered longer than expected. It's not clear how much time the reliever might miss.

Cavalli (elbow) is expected to start the season on the injured list, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Cavalli is considered healthy this spring after being limited to just 8.1 innings over the last two seasons following March 2023 Tommy John surgery. However, he has not made any Grapefruit League appearances and the Nationals plan to manage his workload in the first half of the season. Cavalli could be a factor with the big club after the All-Star break, but the club will bring him along slowly.

The Diamondbacks optioned Lawlar to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Lawlar was given the chance to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster during camp, but after thumb surgery and a pair of hamstring injuries limited him to just 23 total games across three minor-league stops in 2024, the expectation all along has been that the 22-year-old infielder would begin the season at Triple-A. He remains the organization's top prospect and had previously seen big-league action in 2023, so a hot start to the season in Reno could quickly put Lawlar in the mix for a promotion to the big club. Arizona has been giving Lawlar equal exposure to both third base and shortstop this spring, giving him a couple of pathways to earning playing time in the big leagues once he's deemed ready.

Chaparro (oblique) is slated to begin the season on the injured list, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

An MRI last week on Chaparro's left oblique confirmed a strain, which will knock the infielder out of commission for a few weeks. Chaparro had been competing for the final spot on the Nationals' bench.

The Nationals reassigned House to minor-league camp Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

House didn't get a ton of looks this spring but fared well when he played, going 7-for-21 with a 4:4 K:BB. The 21-year-old is highly thought of as a prospect but still needs seasoning in the minors after slashing just .241/.297/.402 with a 26.4 percent strikeout rate between Double-A Harrisburg and Rochester in 2024.