MLB Player News

Strop pitched for the second day in a row Saturday, getting the Giants in order in the seventh inning.

Strop has only made four appearances this month, but no one has reached base against him yet. Saturday also marked the first time he's pitched in back-to-back games this spring. He appears to be ready for the regular season as the top setup man in the Cubs' bullpen.

Manager Craig Counsell announced Saturday that Smith (knee) will miss "significant" time regardless of whether he undergoes surgery on his torn LCL, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

It was announced earlier Saturday that Smith had suffered a torn LCL in his right knee after something of a freak accident. There is still no word on whether surgery is required, but Counsell's comments suggest that Smith will miss a significant portion of the season. Expect him to start the season on the disabled list while Jeremy Jeffress is the odds-on favorite to be the Brewers' closer.

The Braves optioned Weber to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Weber gave up five earned runs and 10 runs in 6.1 innings this spring. He started five games for the Braves last season, so the team could call him up at some point in 2016.

Smith said Saturday that he is dealing with a torn LCL in his right knee, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Smith reportedly suffered the injury while attempting to take a shoe off in the clubhouse this week. It has not yet been determined if he will need surgery to repair the tear, but he was spotted on crutches Saturday and had his leg immobilized, so it would appear he is dealing with a setback that could sideline him for a while. The Brewers figure to provide more details on Smith's status in the near future, but it does not seem likely he will be ready for Opening Day. If that indeed is the case, Jeremy Jeffress would be the favorite to open the season as the Brewers' closer.

Miller had his best outing of the spring on Friday, going 6.2 innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits.

Miller struck out four and threw 88 pitches. The righty's spring ERA now sits at 2.16. Miller will slot in as Arizona's No. 2 starter behind Zack Greinke. He posted a stellar 3.02 ERA last year but only picked up six wins on a subpar Braves team. Expect the win total to increase now that Miller has a better offense backing him, but the ERA could also go up, given the switch in home ballparks and the 4.07 xFIP he recorded in 2015.

Nelson was scratched from his Friday start due to an illness, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Manager Craig Counsell said this wouldn't affect Nelson's spot in the regular season rotation, so expect Nelson back as soon as he is feeling better. Michael Blazek will get the start for Milwaukee instead.

Smith has "concerning" swelling in his right knee and will be examined, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

Smith has so far appeared in line to take at least a share of the Milwaukee closer job, but he will need a clean bill of health before hitting the field. If Smith has to miss any time, Jeremy Jeffress would be the favorite to land the closer job. Check back later for an update.

Rusin (finger) has an outside chance to be the Rockies' No. 5 starter now that Jon Gray (abdomen) will not be ready for the start of the season, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.

Other candidates for the job include left-hander Yohan Flande and right-hander Christian Bergman. Rusin has already confirmed that he will not be ready for the start of the season, but the Rockies do have two off days during the first week of the season, which would allow them to use a four-man rotation until the second half of the month. This could allow Rusin to garner the rotation spot at that time if Colorado decides to go in that direction. The left-hander appears to be progressing well in his injury rehab, as he is now expected to pitch his first spring game this weekend, manager Walt Weiss said. It's a pretty small chance, but Rusin could force the Rockies to let him in the rotation later in April if he pitches well in his limited spring outings.

Edgin threw a scorless inning in a minor-league game Thursday, the NY Post reports.

Edgin is slowly working his way back from Tommy John surgery. If all goes well, he could be an option for the Mets by May 1.

Martin could make San Diego's bullpen despite a 7.36 ERA this spring, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. He has a 10:3 K:BB ration in 7.1 innings.

San Diego may elect to keep Martin on the 25-man roster with an eye toward the future since he's a Rule 5 pick. Martin began the season strong, but struggled in his last outing. His strong strikeout rate may be enough to keep him in the bullpen.