MLB Player News

Alvarado fired a scoreless sixth inning during which he struck out the side and hit a batter in a Grapefruit League loss to the Braves on Saturday.

The reliever had endured a rough landing in his spring debut Wednesday against the Twins, retiring just one batter. That made Saturday's dominant outing, one of the few bright spots in a 12-0 loss for the Rays, a particularly welcome sight. Alvarado threw 18 pitches overall, with 11 finding the strike zone, and Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports the left-hander featured his cutter, sinker and curveball during his one frame. Alvarado's control was appreciably better against Atlanta as well, an important area of focus for him after he posted an 8.1 BB/9 across 35 appearances in 2019.

Swanson (back) is expected to make his Cactus League debut Monday against the Rockies, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Swanson has been able to throw multiple live batting practice sessions in recent days without issue, setting the stage for his spring debut against Colorado. The 25-year-old struggled in his first taste of big-league action last season (5.74 ERA, 2.6 HR/9 across 27 appearances), but with plenty of starting experience under his belt during his time in the minors, he's viewed as a potential multi-inning option out of the bullpen.

Junis will not start Tuesday because of a minor lower back strain, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Junis pitched a scoreless frame and notched two strikeouts during Thursday's 4-2 loss against the Brewers. The 27-year-old led the Royals with nine wins last season and will look to improve on a career major-league 4.69 ERA during his fourth campaign in Kansas City.

Wells (oblique) was assigned to minor-league camp Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Wells earned the invited to big-league camp after posting a 2.95 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 105:24 K:BB in 24 starts at Double-A Bowie last season, but he was unable to see any Grapefruit League action while battling a sore right oblique. The 23-year-old has resumed bullpen sessions and appears to be progressing toward a return, and he's set to begin the season with Bowie or at Triple-A Norfolk.

Hernandez allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out two in Saturday's Cactus Leage game against the White Sox.

Hernandez hit 100 mph on the gun against his first batter and retired the side quickly before faltering in the second inning. He was predominantly a starter last season at Double-A Frisco, but the 23-year-old threw nine games, mostly in relief, for the Rangers in 2019. A spot in the Rangers' rotation is unlikely, but Hernandez could fill a long-relief role in 2020.

Littell struck out three batters in two scoreless innings in Saturday's spring training loss to Pittsburgh. He has eight strikeouts in five innings this spring with no walks and one earned run allowed.

Littell improved in his second season in the majors last year (2.68 ERA) due to increased velocity (93.8 mph average fastball), reduced walks (6.2%) and keeping the ball in the park (0.97 HR/9). He looks set to secure a role in middle relief.

Chapman will make his spring debut Wednesday against the Phillies, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Chapman hasn't reportedly been battling any injuries, so his delayed start to Grapefruit League action seems to be little more than a 10-year veteran knowing just how many innings he needs to get ready for the regular season. Chapman's 7.7-point drop in strikeout rate last season would be concerning for many pitchers, but when that number still comes in at an excellent 36.2 percent, there's little reason to worry.

Swanson (back) is expected to make his Cactus League debut in the next few days, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

A back strain popped up several weeks before camp, so he is behind schedule. He worked as a starter and a reliever last year, and according to Johns, the Mariners were more impressed with his potential out of the bullpen. Swanson profiles as more of a multi-inning option, although his fastball/splitter combo gives him a chance to get high-leverage outs.

Hernandez will start Saturday's game against the White Sox, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez will be making his third spring appearance but first start. He's allowed one run on two hits while striking out four in two innings of Cactus League work.

Garcia pitched two innings against Atlanta on Friday, allowing two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out three.

Garcia breezed through a scoreless first inning, whiffing Ronald Acuna and Marcell Ozuna looking. However, he gave up a two-run shot to Johan Camargo following a walk in the second frame. Overall, Garcia threw 38 pitches (27 for strikes) and made a positive impression, though the 20-year-old remains likely to begin the season in the minors.