MLB Player News

Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said Wednesday that Chargois is scheduled to visit with a neck specialist, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Chargois' spring debut was delayed until Tuesday while he contended with neck spasms early in camp, and he apparently didn't respond as well as hoped during his one-inning appearance out of the bullpen. Once Chargois meets with a specialist, the Marlins should be able to map out a treatment plan for the reliever. If Chargois is shut down from activity for any period of time at this stage of spring training, he could be at risk of missing Opening Day.

Chargois (neck) struck out a batter and gave up one run on two hits over one inning of relief Tuesday in the Marlins' 9-1 loss to the Astros in Grapefruit League play.

Chargois made his spring debut Tuesday after he was slowed by neck spasms in the early part of camp. Though he's still behind the Marlins' other healthy relievers for the moment, Chargois should be ready to go for Opening Day once he gets a couple more Grapefruit League appearances under his belt. The right-hander posted a 3.61 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 42.1 innings out of the Miami bullpen in 2023.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Bednar (lat) will throw off a mound in the coming days, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bednar has progressed to 120 feet with his flat-ground throwing and is almost ready to get back on the mound as he works his way back from right lat tightness. He doesn't have much time to get ready for Opening Day, but working in his favor is the fact that as a one-inning reliever, he requires a shorter ramp-up period than others. If Bednar needs time on the injured list to begin the season, Aroldis Chapman would fill in as the Pirates' closer.

Moreta (elbow) will meet with Dr. Keith Meister next week to discuss treatment options, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Moreta is dealing with ligament damage in his right elbow and might require surgery, but that determination hasn't been made yet. Even if the rest-and-rehab route is chosen, Moreta will be sidelined for a significant period of time.

Thompson, who logged a scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers, has yet to allow a run this spring.

Thompson has only tossed three innings across three Cactus League appearances, so it's a small sample size, but he's looked good so far. After making 17 starts for the Cubs in 2022, the righty worked entirely in relief last season, and he struggled with a 4.71 ERA across 28.2 innings. Now that Thompson has settled in a bit more as a reliever, he'll look for better results in 2024, though it likely will be in a lower-leverage role.

Cuas allowed a run on three hits in Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Brewers, pushing his spring ERA to 1.50.

Cuas came into the game having logged five straight scoreless appearances this spring, and he's struck out eight batters in six innings overall. The righty is trying to build on an effective 2023 campaign, when he posted a 3.99 ERA and struck out 71 across 65.1 total innings with the Cubs and Royals. Cuas will likely work in middle relief, however, which limits his fantasy appeal.

Matsui (back) will pitch in the Padres' Cactus League finale against the A's on Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Back tightness cost Matsui several weeks of his first major-league spring training after he signed a five-year, $28 million contract with the Padres in December. However, the lefty made it through an intrasquad game over the weekend and his imminent return to exhibition play bodes well for his chances of making the trip to South Korea for the Seoul Series against the Dodgers. Matsui was a top closer in Japan and could eventually find his way into the ninth inning, though MLB.com is projecting him to to open the season as one of the team's primary setup men.

Martin (lat) allowed one hit and struck one over one scoreless inning in Tuesday's spring game against the Padres.

Martin pitched in a game for the first time since last spring. He missed the entire 2023 season due to a tear in the lat tendon of his right shoulder. The right-hander may not have enough time to be ready for the start of the season, but Martin's performance Tuesday suggests he'll get an opportunity to contribute for the Diamondbacks at some point in 2024.

The Nationals optioned Brzykcy (elbow) to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday.

Brzykcy will head back to the minors after surrendering nine runs across 18 innings during spring training while striking out 18 batters and walking nine. The 24-year-old righty was dominant in Double-A in 2022 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.05 WHIP across 38 frames and didn't allow a run in two Triple-A appearances upon being promoted at the end of the year. However, a forearm strain cost him the entire 2023 campaign, and Brzykcy underwent Tommy John surgery in June to address the issue. If Brzykcy is able to return to his 2022 form at Rochester once he fully recovers from his procedure, he could be a candidate to join Washington's bullpen at some point this season.

The Pirates optioned Selby to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Selby was roughed up for five runs on seven hits and four walks over four innings this spring. The 26-year-old reliever should spend some time in the Pirates' bullpen this season but will open the year at Indianapolis.