MLB Player News

Moore tossed three shutout innings Tuesday, walking two and striking out five in a win over the Dodgers.

Moore bounced back in a big way after allowing four runs in his last spring appearance. The lefty's last two outings are a perfect representation of the Jekyll and Hyde results Moore can provide as a starter. There are times when he is unhittable, and others when he can't make it out of the early innings. He is by no means a safe option, but there is value in his arm as a mid-tier pitcher with strikeout potential.

Biddle was optioned to Double-A Mississippi on Wednesday, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The embattled hurler pitched well in his spring debut Saturday, striking out a batter in a lone scoreless frame, but given that he hasn't appeared in a regular season game since 2015, it comes as no surprise that he'll head to the minors for more seasoning. However, Biddle very well could compete for a spot in the major league bullpen sometime during the season if he performs well in the minors.

Williams underwent tests on his right elbow Wednesday after experiencing some pain, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

General manager David Stearns said he "has no idea whether this is nothing at all, or something more than that," which certainly doesn't instill much confidence in any of Williams' dynasty league owners. The pitching prospect was examined by Brewers head physician William Raasch and could head in for an MRI if Raasch recommends it. For now, consider the right-hander day-to-day until a more firm diagnosis comes forth.

Guerra (undisclosed) is hitless in nine at-bats so far this spring.

The young infielder does have three runs to his credit thanks to some pinch running appearances, but this poor showing at the plate comes as no surprise given his struggles at High-A Lake Elsinore last season. Barring any extraneous circumstances, Guerra will return to the low minor leagues to begin the 2017 campaign for further seasoning.

Stoffel (shoulder) started playing catch earlier in March, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The non-roster invitee was experiencing some shoulder discomfort toward the end of February, but it seems like the pain is beginning to subside. However, the Pirates may opt to take things slowly in his recovery process given the extended length of spring training, so don't be surprised if Stoffel doesn't find his way into spring games for a while longer.

Rodriguez (shoulder) was reassigned to minor league camp Tuesday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Manager Joe Maddon's reasoning behind the move was simply to get him more work, and given that Rodriguez is still working through a modified throwing program following surgery on his lat in September, this isn't too surprising. It's unclear how close the right-hander is to returning to game action, but that should become clearer as spring training progresses.

Blach continued his strong spring with 2.2 innings of shutout ball and two strikeouts in Monday's win over the Indians.

Blach lowered his Cactus League ERA to 1.35 over 6.2 innings, putting himself in the conversation for the Giants fifth starter job. He is outperforming veteran frontrunner Matt Cain, but it is early and the latter will likely be given first crack regardless of their final spring training ERAs. Manager Bruce Bochy may have tipped his hand when he had Cain start the game, and then brought Blach out of the bullpen in what should be considered a long-relief situation. After the game, Bochy even said that "[long relief] could be his role" when speaking about the usage of his young southpaw in Monday's game. Things could change, but Blach looks to be the underdog in the race for the fifth starter spot.

Smith (elbow) is throwing without pain and expects to return to throwing off of a mound next week, according to The Mercury News.

Smith's elbow injury was never considered serious, so the club has simply been taking it slow with the left-handed setup man during an extended spring training. Barring a setback, he should be a go for Opening Day.

Treinen remains among the favorites to win the Nationals closer job this spring, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.

The righty with the bowling-ball sinker has looked very good through his first two Grapefruit League appearances, striking out four in two innings without allowing a baserunner. If Treinen does emerge with the job, he won't have to share it -- manager Dusty Baker made it clear Monday that he won't be using a committee to close games. Treinen's main competition comes from Shawn Kelley, although recent signee Joe Blanton and young Koda Glover may also get a look, and a trade to bring in a name-brand closer before Opening Day is also possible. Don't expect much clarity on the Nats closer situation until near the end of spring training, though.

Although Jansen is listed on the Netherlands' roster, he won't participate in the World Baseball Classic due to concerns regarding his workload, MLB.com reports.

Jansen threw 80.1 innings between the regular season and postseason last year, so he doesn't want to push himself this spring. That's probably a good development for his 2017 fantasy value.