MLB Player News

Webb, who fired a scoreless ninth inning during which he allowed one hit and recorded two strikeouts in a Grapefruit League loss to the Red Sox on Tuesday, maintains a perfect ERA through five spring appearances.

The 29-year-old southpaw also has a sparkling 8:0 K:BB through the five spring frames he's logged thus far, giving him some solid momentum as the regular season draws nearer. Webb was a valued left-handed option out of the bullpen for manager Mike Shildt last season, posting a 2-1 record, eight holds, a 3.76 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP across a career-high 65 appearances. If his work in Grapefruit League play is any indication, Webb could be in for even better numbers and a heftier workload in 2020.

Davidson was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old boosted his standing as a prospect after a dominant 2019 split between Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. Over the two stops, Davidson posted a 2.15 ERA and 134:54 K:BB in 129.2 innings. In another organization, Davidson might have gotten a look in the big leagues already, but with a number of young, high-upside arms ahead of him in the Braves' system, the southpaw looks poised to spend the bulk of the 2020 season at Triple-A.

Clarke allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six over three innings in Tuesday's spring game against the Reds.

Clarke was touched for a two-run home run by Mike Moustakas in the first inning, but settled in nicely after that. "I feel like the past two outings, I'm finally where I need to be mechanically," Clarke told Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. "Pitches are starting to take shape compared to earlier in the spring." It's unclear how the organization wants to use Clarke in 2020. He's stretched out as a starter during the spring after both starting and relieving for the Diamondbacks in 2019. He's not expected to be part of the rotation to start the MLB season, so Arizona's decision makers need to determine if he is more valuable now as a reliever in MLB or starting depth at Triple-A Reno.

Ginkel (arm) allowed one hit in a shutout inning of a controlled game on the back fields Tuesday, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports.

Ginkel, who had been experiencing arm fatigue, threw for the first time in a week. After a successful introduction to MLB in 2019, a season in which he had a 1.48 ERA and two saves over 25 appearances, Ginkel is expected to serve in a setup role in 2020.

Howard allowed two hits and struck out one in his one inning of work in his spring debut Tuesday.

A minor knee injury kept Howard on the sidelines for the early part of the spring, but a healthy Howard figures to see time in the majors later this season. He'll likely get a few more chances to face major-league hitters this spring.

Smith was among the Reds' first spring training cuts Tuesday.

A 30-year-old waiver claim off the Marlins' roster in October, Smith is unlikely to remain on the Reds' 40-man roster by the start of the season.

Antone was among the Reds' first 11 spring training cuts Tuesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Others sent to the Reds' minor-league camp include David Carpenter, Ryan Hendrix, Nick Lodolo, Tony Santillan, Josh Smith, Chris Okey, Jonathan India, Blake Trahan, Stuart Fairchild and Boog Powell.

None of these cuts qualify as a surprise, though there was a smidgen of a chance that Antone or Smith could have won the last bullpen spot. But this is one of the annual landmarks of spring training -- players getting sent down that don't have much of a chance of making the Opening Day roster. Antone could still be in line for a midseason callup after getting promoted to the 40-man roster in November.

Ponce de Leon fired five scoreless innings in a Grapefruit League win over the Twins on Monday, allowing two hits and two walks while recording two strikeouts.

The right-hander was credited with a hold for his stellar multi-inning outing, which lowered his spring ERA to 0.69. The appearance was the embodiment of the versatility that makes Ponce de Leon so valuable to the Cardinals, and it also underscored the fact he's certainly stretched out sufficiently to open the season in a temporary rotation role and/or make the occasional spot start as the campaign unfolds.

Reyes was credited with a save in a Grapefruit League win over the Twins on Monday, firing a scoreless ninth inning during which he allowed two hits and recorded two strikeouts.

Reyes' outing wasn't without some adversity, as he worked around a pair of singles. However, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports manager Mike Shildt came away impressed with the oft-injured right-hander's work, remarking that Reyes looked "uninhibited" on the mound after dealing with numerous physical issues the last several years.

Lambert was pulled from Tuesday's Cactus League game against the Reds after experiencing forearm tightness, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander figures to undergo additional testing, but for now he remains without a timetable for his return. Lambert struggled before leaving the game, allowing four hits and one walk over 1.1 innings.