MLB Player News

Stephenson allowed six runs (five earned) over 2.1 innings against Cleveland on Thursday, giving up six hits, a walk and a hit batter. Stephenson didn't command his fastball well in the outing.

The acquisition of Alfredo Simon affords the Reds the chance to have Stephenson begin the year at Triple-A Louisville. Thursday's outing demonstrated that a minor league stint is probably a good idea.

Hernandez is scheduled to pitch in a Grapefruit League game Saturday, the PhillyVoice reports.

Hernandez pitched one inning in a minor league game earlier this week as he works his way back from triceps tendinitis. The injury may have cost Hernandez his shot at opening the year as the Phillies' closer. Pitching coach Bob McClure said he is leaning toward Andrew Bailey as the choice for closing duties. Manager Pete Mackanin has yet to settle on a closer, however, so Hernandez may have time yet to earn the job.

De Leon was reassigned to minor league camp Thursday.

Julio Urias was reassigned as well, leaving Michael Bolsinger, Brandon Beachy, and Zach Lee to compete for the final spot in the Dodgers' rotation. De Leon struck out five batters without issuing a walk in six innings with the big club this spring, but also surrendered three homers, including two in his last appearance. He had a 105:29 K:BB with 11 homers allowed in 76.2 innings with Double-A Tulsa after making the jump from High-A last season.

Pomeranz remains in the mix for one of San Diego's final two rotation spots and has added a cutter to his usual two-pitch arsenal which could help him win the job, MLB.com reports.

Pomeranz has given up two runs in 4.2 innings this spring with four strikeouts and one walk. He'll be an intriguing end game pick if he makes the rotation given his high strikeout rates (8.6 K/9 last season) and home park. He'll work out of the bullpen if he losses out on a rotation spot and could be part of the setup corps.

Coleman is looking more and more likely to be a part of the Opening Day roster, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

Coleman has allowed just one hit in four shutout inning with a 6:0 K:BB so far this spring. He's out of options, so having him make the roster over one of Yimi Garcia or Pedro Baez is looking likely.

Edwards gave up three runs - all coming on a home run by Reymond Fuentes - in one inning Wednesday.

The dangers of small sample sizes are on display on Edwards' line this spring, as he took a 0.00 ERA and 0.75 WHIP into Wednesday's game and left with a 5.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Wednesday's performance notwithstanding, Edwards has probably pitched well enough this spring to make the team.

Garcia has allowed four runs on four hits over 4.1 innings this spring. He has struck out six and walked four.

Garcia looked like a lock for a bullpen spot after a solid 2015 with the Phillies. His struggles this spring and the solid performances by non-roster invitees Andrew Bailey and Edward Mujica could force Garcia back to the minors to start the season.

Hudson is working on a quicker delivery tempo, the Diamondbacks' official site reports.

After giving up a run on two hits and hitting a batter in a spring game on March 8, Hudson worked with pitching coach Mike Butcher to speed up his leg kick. His next time out, Hudson worked a 1-2-3 inning and struck out two. He said the adjusted mechanics "clicked and worked well." Hudson should be a key contributor to Arizona's bullpen this season, although Brad Ziegler and Tyler Clippard appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order for saves.

Gomez looks like a lock to open the year in the Phillies' bullpen, the team's official site reports.

Gomez signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract this offseason making him one of just two relievers in camp with a guaranteed deal. He has allowed one run in three innings of work this spring. He figures to work in a long relief role again this season.

Salcedo has been suspended for 144 games after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, Eric Stephen of SB Nation reports.

According to Stephen, Salcedo tested positive for a substance called Boldenone. The 144 games levied on this suspension are in addition to a 100-game suspension Salcedo was served in November of 2015, meaning that his 2016 campaign is effectively over. Salcedo, a 25-year-old right-hander, has now been suspended three times and will face a lifetime ban for one more positive test.