MLB Player News

Nelson (elbow) threw a scoreless inning with a strikeout during Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The strikeout was the first that Nelson has picked up this spring. The right-hander is going to open the 2023 season on the injured list, but it's encouraging to see him pitch well after struggling for most of the Cactus League. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters they'll evaluate Nelson on a week-to-week basis, so there's no timetable for when he'll be ready to contribute to the Dodgers' bullpen.

Thompson did not allow a run across seven Cactus League innings. He gave up two hits and two walks while striking out seven.

Thompson looked good this spring as he geared up for a role in Chicago's bullpen this season. The righty made 17 starts for the Cubs in 2022, but the team will use him as a reliever after adding Jameson Taillon in the offseason and inserting Hayden Wesneski into the rotation to start the year as well. Thompson may pick up some spot starts here and there, though his fantasy value is limited for now in a long-relief role.

Montes de Oca will undergo arthroscopic surgery Wednesday to remove bone fragments from his right elbow, Russell Dorsey of Bally Sports reports.

Dorsey hears that the 26-year-old right-hander is looking at around four months of rest and rehab "with a possible return to action in mid-August." Montes de Oca made his MLB debut in 2022 and almost certainly would have been given another shot at some point in the first half of the 2023 campaign. He spent the majority of last season in the upper minors, pitching to a 3.33 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 51.1 innings between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse.

Nelson will have the final spot in the Diamondbacks' bullpen to begin the 2023 season, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Joe Mantiply is headed for a season-opening stint on the 15-day IL because of shoulder fatigue, and Nelson will essentially fill the vacancy. The 26-year-old left-hander registered a strong 2.19 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 37 innings for the Diamondbacks in 2022.

Mantiply will begin the season on the injured list with left shoulder fatigue, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

While shoulder issues are always concerning for pitchers, nothing yet suggests Mantiply is dealing with a major issue. The 2022 All Star is coming off a 2.85-ERA season and should see plenty of opportunities for holds -- and maybe even saves -- once healthy.

Vargas won the final spot in the Diamondbacks' bullpen, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reports.

Vargas put his stamp on the job with a sharp 2.61 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 10.1 innings this spring in the Cactus League. Acquired from the Guardians in November, the 23-year-old right-hander could quickly work his way up the patchwork bullpen depth chart in Arizona. He might even be a sleeper for saves.

The Pirates optioned De Los Santos to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

De Los Santos made his MLB debut last year in Pittsburgh and showed some promise before a lat strain shut him down in August. The 25-year-old has posted stellar minor-league numbers when healthy and figures to get another shot with the Pirates in 2023.

Williams tossed a scoreless inning of relief in Monday's spring game.

After a stellar WBC showing in which he allowed just two runners to reach base over 3.1 innings, Williams rejoined the Brewers and made two appearances over the past four days. He will open the regular season as the Brewers' closer and will attempt to build on a 2022 campaign that he finished with a 1.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 96:30 K:BB over 60.2 innings.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday that Rainey (elbow) will continue his rehab at the team's spring training complex, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Rainey is with the Nats in D.C. ahead of Opening Day on Thursday, but he'll head back to Florida on Friday. The 30-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery last August and should not be counted on for any sort of fantasy production in 2023, even if he achieves his goal of making it back before September.

Harris had his contract selected by the Nationals on Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

It's a cool story, as the 29-year-old Harris will be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game following eight years in the minors with four different organization. He earned the bullpen spot by allowing just one run with a 7:2 K:BB over 10 Grapefruit League innings.