MLB Player News

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.

The Nationals optioned Lipscomb to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Lipscomb was competing for a reserve role with the Nationals but came up short. He'll play multiple infield positions at Rochester while he waits for another opportunity at the big-league level.

The Nationals optioned Hassell to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Hassell has had a great Grapefruit League showing, batting .370 with one home run and two stolen bases. However, the 23-year-old has failed to put up even a .650 OPS each of the last two seasons in the minors, so he needs further refinement.

Diaz has posted a 4:3 K:BB through 2.1 innings over three Grapefruit League innings this spring, allowing two runs on three hits.

While the small-sample ratios aren't pretty, the fact that four of Diaz's seven outs this spring have come via strikeout should be reassuring to potential fantasy investors. The veteran closer had an erratic 2024 as well -- his seven blown saves tied his career high -- but being one year further removed from the ACL surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2023 campaign should help him regain his elite form.

Canning gave up a run on three hits and a walk over 4.2 innings in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays. He struck out nine.

The right-hander built up to 71 pitches (45 strikes) in a dominant outing that was blemished only by a Josh Lowe solo shot in the first inning. Canning was never able to reach his potential with the Angels, but he may have figured something out with the help of the Mets' coaching staff. Over 10 Grapefruit League innings he's delivered a stunning 16:2 K:BB, and Lowe's homer marked the first run he's allowed this spring.