MLB Player News

Barraclough was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Barraclough signed with the Padres in December and had a chance to earn a spot in the big-league bullpen, but he struggled with a 13.50 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in Cactus League play. Once a promising high-leverage reliever with the Marlins, Barraclough will start the season in the minors and attempt to earn his way back to the major-league level.

Lambert will miss significant time with a forearm strain, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

The team is awaiting more results from tests and scans for a more definitive diagnosis, but this is certainly a situation that could lead to Tommy John surgery. Lambert should be considered out indefinitely and there is a chance he won't pitch at all this season.

Garcia could begin the regular season in a high-leverage role, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Ryne Stanek (back) is hurt and Drew Steckenrider is having a terrible spring so far, leaving the question of who will set up for presumed closer Brandon Kintzler unsettled. Garcia's claim to eighth-inning work is due to more than just attrition in the rest of the bullpen, however -- the former Dodger has yet to give up a run through seven spring innings with an 8:1 K:BB. Garcia hasn't reached double-digit holds since he notched 11 in 2015, but he could become a useful contributor in fantasy leagues that utilize the category.

Stanek's availability for Opening Day is in jeopardy due to a lower back injury, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald reports.

It's not clear when the right-hander sustained the injury, but the Marlins are being cautious with him. "Stanek, he's getting better," manager Don Mattingly said. "He's in the mode of we've got to get him stronger and get back on the mound. Of course, we've got to get him good. That lower back is something obviously for a pitcher or anyone." Stanek has a 0.00 ERA and 4:1 K:BB through four innings this spring, and when healthy is expected to handle a high-leverage role in the Miami bullpen.

Bolanos (undisclosed) was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Bolanos never ended up making his Cactus League debut due to an unspecified minor injury, sinking any aspirations for an Opening Day roster spot. The right-hander made his big-league debut in 2019 and had a 5.95 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 19.2 innings.

Morejon was optioned to minor-league camp Wednesday.

Morejon was attempting to earn a spot on the Friars' Opening Day roster, but he'll end up beginning the season in the minors. The left-hander made his major-league debut last season with five appearances, but he spent most of 2019 at Double-A Amarillo with a 4.25 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 44:15 K:BB across 36 frames.

Alexander (hand) has made three Cactus League appearances, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two batters in three innings.

Alexander's 2019 campaign ended early due to a nerve issue in his left hand, but he appears healthy this spring as he attempts to nail down a spot in the big-league bullpen. He gave up a home run to Nolan Arenado in his last outing but has otherwise held opponents without a hit. The southpaw was a workhorse for the Dodgers two seasons ago -- leading the team with 73 appearances in relief -- and he could fill a prominent role this season as a groundball specialist.

Lambert underwent tests on his tight right forearm Wednesday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Lambert left Tuesday's game against the Reds due to the injury. His expected return date should become clearer once the results of the tests are known.

Boxberger is expected to break camp with the Marlins, Craig Mish of SportsGrid reports.

The veteran is in camp as a non-roster invitee, but he's shown increased velocity and owns a strong 6:0 K:BB in 5.1 innings this spring while allowing just a single hit and a single run. With 77 career saves to his name, he has a shot to earn high-leverage work in Miami this season, though Brandon Kintzler is expected to open the year as the closer.

Dominguez has suffered a setback in his recovery from the elbow injury that prematurely ended his 2019 campaign back in June, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

The exact nature and severity of the setback is not yet clear, but there's a good chance he's forced to open the season on the injured list. He's been able to throw a pair of scoreless innings this spring, but he apparently felt something was amiss during his most recent appearance Sunday against the Blue Jays. Dominguez was considered likely to require Tommy John surgery at one point last summer, but it's not clear if that scenario is on the table this time around.