MLB Player News

Antone stopped a side bullpen session Saturday due to irritation to his hip flexor, but it's not going to shut him down from his throwing program, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "We're going to work with him as tolerated and keep strengthening and progress as we can," GM Nick Krall said.

While it may not shut down Antone's throwing program, it may slow down his chances of winning a spot in the Reds' rotation, at least to begin the season. Nonetheless, he can still be of value in an ace reliever role, especially with the uncertainty at the back end of the Reds' bullpen.

Treinen has allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out seven across five innings in Cactus League play.

The veteran reliever has looked good thus far and appears to have locked down the role as LA's top setup man. Should closer Kenley Jansen falter or get hurt, Treinen figures to be first in line to take over ninth-inning duties.

Cleavinger pitched two-thirds of an inning against San Francisco in a Cactus League contest Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out one.

This was easily the worst outing of the spring for Cleavinger, who entered the contest having given up only one earned run across six frames. Despite the rough appearance, he has still impressed with a 12:3 K:BB and figures to have a role in the Dodgers' Opening Day bullpen.

Alexander has allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk in Cactus League play while striking out three.

The left-hander is slated for a middle-relief role in the Dodgers' bullpen this season. He doesn't strike out many batters or get many holds, so he's a non-factor in fantasy leagues.

Bednar has yet to allow an earned run in seven spring innings, yielding two hits and one walk while striking out 13.

The 26-year-old, acquired in the Joe Musgrove trade, has seen a tick up in his fastball velocity and hit 99 mph in his last outing. He could move into a high-leverage situation if he continues to execute at his current level, but the team has several other relievers out of options. As a result, it's possible that Bednar could be optioned to Triple-A at the beginning of 2021, even though he's throwing as well as anyone in the bullpen.

Crowe limited Boston to one earned run in 3.2 innings Sunday, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out two, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

The start was Crowe's first of the spring after three relief outings. He's given up just one run in 9.1 innings as the team considers whether the righty fits on the Opening Day roster. "He's done a nice job," manager Derek Shelton said before the game. "I think it's continuing to get more looks and continue to see more innings, so gain more information." The 26-year-old, acquired in the Josh Bell deal, is likely fighting a crowded roster but figures to find his way onto the roster sometime this summer. Crowe made his debut with Washington in 2020, registering an 11.88 ERA in 8.1 innings.

Kimbrel hit 98 mph with his fastball in his most recent Cactus League outing Saturday, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Kimbrel said he was pleasantly surprised by the high number on the radar gun, and he retired his three batters in order with two strikeouts. "My ball had some zip on it, had a little more life than it's had so far this spring training," Kimbrel said. "When you can be nice and smooth and easy and try not to do too much, everything works out." The veteran reliever averaged 98.3 mph on his fastball back in 2017, but he's been below 97 mph in his two seasons with the Cubs. He has a 6.00 ERA since coming to Chicago, so the diminished velocity has seemingly had a direct impact on his effectiveness. If Kimbrel has a little more zip in 2021, he could turn things around, but fantasy managers will want to see him string together a handful of good outings before getting too excited.

Johnson (groin) began playing long toss Sunday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The right-hander exited Thursday's contest with a Grade 1 groin strain but made a quick return to throwing after taking it easy for a few days. Johnson may have a tough time ramping back up to game readiness with less than two weeks before Opening Day.

Pomeranz (forearm) is playing catching from about 100 feet Sunday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 32-year-old wasn't throwing over the past few days while waiting for inflammation to subside, but he's resumed playing catch Sunday. Pomeranz avoided any structural damage to his left forearm, but he has less than two weeks to ramp back up in time for Opening Day.

De Leon gave up four runs over 4.2 innings against the Brewers on Saturday, allowing three hits (including a homer to Omar Narvaez) and three walks while striking out three.

De Leon, who is battling for the fifth-starter job for the Reds and might be out of options, pending an arbitrator's decision, now has a 6.39 ERA over 12.2 innings this spring, albeit with 17 strikeouts.