MLB Player News

Pomeranz (elbow) has tossed eight bullpen sessions this spring and is aiming to be ready to pitch in games by late March, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Pomeranz didn't pitch at all in the majors last season, hurling just 4.2 minor-league innings before being shut down while attempting to rehab from flexor tendon surgery. The Padres have him on a gradual progression with his recent injury history in mind, but he still has a chance to see some spring action and be available out of the bullpen on Opening Day. Despite Pomeranz's struggles to stay healthy, he could be a major part of San Diego's bullpen if he avoids arm trouble this season. He was very effective in 2021, posting a 1.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 30:10 K:BB over 25.2 innings while recording 13 holds in 27 appearances.

Junis is considered the Giants' seventh starter this spring, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Junis doesn't have a clearly defined role yet -- he could be a starter when injuries arise, a piggyback reliever or a more traditional multi-inning option out of the bullpen. The right-hander added 10-15 pounds of muscle in the offseason after battling shoulder and hamstring issues in 2022. Junis' best path to fantasy relevance is in the rotation, but he's never posted an ERA lower than 4.30 in any of his six seasons, so his appeal at age 30 is limited.

Llovera (elbow) is set to pitch in Monday's Cactus League game versus the Angels, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Llovera is in Giants camp on a non-roster invitation after signing a minor-league contract in November. He was injured in mid-July and remained out for the rest of the 2022 season with a Grade 3 right flexor strain. The right-hander appears set to ramp up in line with the rest of the Giants' relief candidates, though he'll likely need an impressive spring to work his way back onto the 40-man roster.

Harvey signed a minor-league contract with Atlanta on Feb. 18.

Harvey hasn't appeared in any major-league games over the last two seasons but will have a chance to compete for a role with Atlanta during camp. The right-hander will likely begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Jameson allowed a hit and a walk over two scoreless innings in Saturday's spring game against Oakland.

Jameson and Ryne Nelson, the two leading candidates for Arizona's fifth-starter job, started split-squad contests Saturday. After round one, Jameson has the edge, as Nelson was knocked around by the Rockies for four runs in one-plus innings.

Pacheco is dealing with elbow tightness and won't throw for the next couple weeks, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Pacheco experienced the issue during a live batting practice session. While tests reportedly revealed nothing particularly concerning, he'll nonetheless back off from throwing for now. The 24-year-old right-hander reached Triple-A Memphis for the first time last season, posting a 2.27 ERA and 32.6 percent strikeout rate in 35.2 innings.

The Diamondbacks were awarded a fourth option for Martin, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

That means Martin can be sent down to the minors this season without the need to pass through waivers. Teams are sometimes given a fourth year for players who have missed large chunks of time due to injury. Martin is in the mix for a bullpen spot this year after pitching mostly as a starter during his career.

Rolison (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday, Danielle Allentuck of the Denver Gazette reports.

It's an important milestone for Rolison, who had left shoulder surgery last June. The 2018 first-round pick is expected to be game-ready around late May or early June, but it will probably be after the All-Star break before he might be considered for his first big-league promotion.

Waites (lat) will be re-evaluated Sunday and hopes to be cleared to resume throwing Monday, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Waites strained his right lat prior to camp and has been shut down since then, but he could still have enough time to get ready for Opening Day if he gains clearance to throw soon. If healthy, Waites has the potential to work his way into a high-leverage bullpen role.

Brazoban is still without a visa and remains away from the Marlins as spring training gets started, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

Brazoban has had a tough time getting back to the States for the start of the 2023 season. If the 33-year-old cannot make it to camp relatively soon, he could lose his spot in the Marlins' bullpen this season. The right-hander appeared in 27 games with the team last season, producing a serviceable 3.09 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 40 strikeouts over 32 innings as a reliever.