MLB Player News

Rusin (oblique) is doubtful for the Rockies' Opening Day roster, the Denver Post's Nick Groke reports.

He threw a live bullpen session Tuesday, but it sounds like he is likely to start the season on the disabled list. Even if he were healthy, it seems like the Rockies are confident enough in some of their young starters that Rusin would have been destined for a middle relief role.

De La Rosa (elbow) was reassigned to the Diamondbacks' minor-league camp Monday, MLB.com's Owen Perkins reports.

De La Rosa hasn't pitched all spring while he receives alternative treatments to Tommy John surgery to address the ailing elbow on his throwing arm. Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that De La Rosa, who threw a bullpen session Monday, would continue his progression in the minors, so expect him to spend time at multiple affiliates as he looks to work his way back into consideration for a role with the big club later in the season.

Ellington was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports.

He notched a 4.35 ERA, 2.03 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 10.1 innings this spring. Ellington will serve as organizational right-handed relief depth at Triple-A.

Sewald was reassigned to the Mets' minor-league camp Tuesday, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

Sewald's removal from the bullpen competition should aid right-hander Josh Edgin's chances of making the Opening Day roster. It's expected that Sewald, who impressed in spring training with a 2.51 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and a .143 batting average against over 14.1 innings, will report to Triple-A Las Vegas once camp draws to a close.

Mayers was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Mayers finished with a sharp 1.64 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 11 spring innings, and the 25-year-old likely made an impression on Cardinals brass. That said, with options remaining and a solid veteran bullpen in place in St. Louis, Mayers' chances of making the team out of spring training were slim to none to begin with. If he can carry his strong performance into the regular season, he'll be a top call-up option when the Cardinals need reinforcements.

Iglesias (elbow) said Monday that he thinks he has a good chance of being ready to go for Opening Day, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Iglesias suffered a bone bruise on his right elbow back on March 14 and has not seen action in a game since. However, the 27-year-old is slated to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday and pitch in a minor-league exhibition game prior to Opening Day. If all goes well with the next steps in his recovery, Iglesias will be in place as the Reds' closer to open the season.

Bracho (hamstring) struck out two batters on his way to a perfect inning Saturday.

It was Bracho's first spring game since injuring his hamstring during the World Baseball Classic a couple weeks ago, and the 24-year-old picked up right where he left off. He has now tossed four scoreless innings this spring, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out three.

Bowman was credited with his third save of spring in Sunday's 3-0 Grapefruit League win over the Marlins, surrendering only one hit over two scoreless innings and recording a strikeout.

Following the Friday announcement that he'll make the 25-man roster, Bowman closed out another spring victory for the Cardinals with two masterful innings. The 26-year-old righty has yet to allow an earned run this spring over 10 innings while generating a 1.10 WHIP and .238 BAA.

Gsellman is expected to begin the season as the Mets' fourth starter, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

Another scoreless outing last week brought Gsellman's spring ERA and WHIP down to 1.56 and 1.10, respectively, and effectively cemented the right-hander into the Opening Day rotation. With Steven Matz battling an elbow injury, Zack Wheeler and Seth Lugo are the top candidates to serve as the No. 5 starter to begin the year, according to Heyman. Now that he has a job locked up, Gsellman will likely gain some helium in drafts, but there's still a lot to like even at an increased cost.

Neris tossed a scoreless inning of relief Sunday and picked up his first save of the spring in the Phillies' 6-3 win over the Pirates.

Neris will open the regular season in a setup role behind closer Jeanmar Gomez. However, Gomez should have a short leash this year after he struggled late last season and lost his closing gig. Neris is likely next in line for save chances in the event that Gomez falters again.