MLB Player News

Chavez's contract was selected by the Cubs on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The 38-year-old looked like he might be toast following the 2020 season, as he struggled to a 6.88 ERA that year while posting a 16.9 percent strikeout rate. He bounced back in a big way last season, however, posting a career-best 2.14 ERA in 33.2 innings for Atlanta as his strikeout rate jumped all the way up to a career-high 27.1 percent.

Gilbert was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Gilbert pitched a no-hitter and finished with a 3.15 ERA in 40 innings as a 27-year-old rookie last year, but he won't get the chance to reprise that performance right away. He should be one of Arizona's top options when the team needs more pitching depth, though his 15.9 percent strikeout rate suggests he's unlikely to repeat his strong ERA in his next MLB opportunity.

Medina was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Medina is just 25 years old and was an interesting prospect in the lower minors, but his star has faded to the point that he was designated for assignment by the Phillies over the winter. The Pirates don't have a particularly tough rotation to break into, but his 5.05 ERA in 17 Triple-A starts last year suggests he has more work to do before making a push for a starting role in the majors.

Edwards was reassigned to minor-league camp Saturday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Edwards served as a non-roster invitee this spring after landing a minor-league deal with the Nationals in late February. However, he'll begin the season at Triple-A Rochester after he gave up five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out one in five innings across five appearances (one start) during Grapefruit League play.

Garcia allowed one hit and one walk with one strikeout in 1.2 innings versus Texas on Friday.

Garcia had allowed five runs across his first 1.2 innings in spring training, but he settled down Friday. The southpaw saw a versatile role last year as a multi-inning reliever. He posted a 6-3 record, 2.62 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 68:18 K:BB in 68.2 innings across 58 appearances. He added a save and 11 holds with the occasional look in high-leverage moments. Garcia probably won't factor into the closer conversation much -- Jake McGee, Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval are set to get the save chances early on. Garcia could still be an option if some of those late-inning candidates falter early in the season.

Hand has sat around 90 to 91 mph with his fastball this spring, below his average of 93 mph last season, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It's possible this is nothing to worry about, as pitchers are frequently below their usual velocity numbers in spring, due either to their lack of adrenaline in exhibition contests or to the fact that they're still building up to full strength. This year's shortened spring training could make that an even more common problem. Still, the Phillies would certainly prefer to see Hand at his usual velocity as soon as possible. His chances of overtaking Corey Knebel on the closer depth chart would take a hit if he's unable to get back to the 93 mph range.

Blach looks like he's won an Opening Day roster spot, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Blach is in camp as a non-roster invitee, so the Rockies will have to clear a spot on the 40-man roster to add him. The 31-year-old lefty owns a 4.99 ERA in 326.1 career major-league innings, striking out just 12.7 percent of opposing batters. He missed the last two seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Jackson (forearm) recently underwent an MRI that revealed damage to his UCL.

Jackson dealt with forearm tightness this week and was initially labeled as day-to-day, but it appears as though he'll be forced to miss significant time. UCL damage can often lead to Tommy John surgery, and the right-hander is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation process to determine his recovery process. It's possible that he'll be unavailable for most or all of the 2022 campaign following his diagnosis.

Gilbreath has allowed a run on six hits and no walks while striking out four in four innings across four relief appearances this spring.

Gilbreath made his major-league debut in 2021 and logged a 3.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 42.2 innings across 47 appearances (one start). In spite of his encouraging results during Cactus League play, he's a lackluster fantasy option due to his likely role as a middle reliever in 2022.

VerHagen allowed seven runs on seven his and three walks while striking out four in three innings in Thursday's loss to the Marlins.

VerHagen is looking to make his major-league comeback after two years in Japan. Prior to Thursday, he had allowed just two runs in five innings, but his latest outing was a setback in his quest to be the Cardinals' fifth starter. He'll likely get one more spring start to make his case, though Jake Woodford and Aaron Brooks are also in the mix to make the rotation while Jack Flaherty (shoulder) is sidelined into mid-May.