MLB Player News

Mears was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Tuesday.

Mears was claimed off waivers by the Rockies from the Rangers in January. The right-hander turned in a 1.27 ERA in seven innings during Cactus League play with 11 strikeouts, but he also walked six while allowing four hits in those contests. Mears will likely be an up-and-down option for the Colorado bullpen through the 2023 season.

Padres manager Bob Melvin told reporters that Pomeranz (elbow) has suffered a mild setback that will keep him from making the Opening Day roster, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz has had his progression slowed by inflammation in his left elbow, and he's now a lock to begin the season on the injured list. The southpaw has battled injuries over the last few seasons, including missing all of the 2022 campaign while recovering from flexor tendon surgery. When Pomeranz does return, he's expected to serve as a middle-innings option and a bridge to stopper Josh Hader.

Kolarek was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Dodgers camp, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kolarek inked a minor-league contract with Los Angeles this winter after posting a 4.58 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 9:8 K:BB in 17.2 major-league innings last season with the Athletics. The 34-year-old will begin the 2023 campaign at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Reed was reassigned Tuesday to the minor-league side of Dodgers camp, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Reed struggled to a 7.02 ERA in 16.2 major-league innings last season between the Dodgers, Mets and Orioles. He'll have to fight his way back to the big leagues from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters that Hudson was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday in part to help build back his velocity, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Marmol notes that Hudson has been working at 89-90 mph, and that isn't going to work at the highest level. "We believe there's a path forward, but the big leagues isn't the level to build that [velocity] up," Marmol said. Hudson has a good chance to make starts for the Cardinals in 2023, but he can safely be avoided in redraft formats at this point and profiles as more of a streaming option once with St. Louis.

Cardinals manager Oli Marmol told reporters after Tuesday's game that Suarez has a chance to make the Opening Day roster after a strong showing in spring training, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Suarez threw 1.1 innings of scoreless baseball during Tuesday's Grapefruit League appearance, and he hasn't given up a run in his eight innings of work in Florida. Marmol notes that Suarez's velocity has ticked up in relief, and that he's getting hitters to make "defensive swings" on his fastball and breaking ball. The Cardinals will need to add Suarez to the 40-man roster in order to include him on the Opening Day roster, but it sounds like his work in the exhibition games has given St. Louis something to think about.

The Pirates reassigned Mlodzinski to minor-league camp Tuesday.

Mlodzinski struggled last season with Double-A Altoona, putting up a 4.78 ERA and 1.42 WHIP, but a 9.5 K/9 and 3.45 FIP suggest there is more under the surface with the 24-year-old righty. He's had a solid spring thus far and will likely return to Double-A to start the year, but there's a good chance he reaches Triple-A before the end of the season.

Bolton was reassigned to minor-league camp by Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

In his first full season since 2019, Bolton spent all of 2022 in Triple-A and put up a solid 3.09 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 82 strikeouts through 75.2 frames. If the 24-year-old reliever is able to maintain those numbers, there's a chance he makes his major-league debut at some point this year.

Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Ramirez pitched 27 innings for Pittsburgh last season, posting a 3.67 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. He's struggled this spring, however, allowing 10 earned runs through 5.1 frames, so the Pirates will give him a chance to settle in with Triple-A Indianapolis. If he's able to bring his numbers back down, he could rejoin the Pirates' bullpen during the season.

Gilbreath (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Gilbreath underwent Tommy John surgery last week, so a move to the 60-day IL was inevitable. He's been dealing with issues in his left elbow since August and likely won't be able to return until 2024 at the earliest. Gilbreath's placement on the injured list also frees up a spot for Jurickson Profar, who signed with Colorado on Sunday.