MLB Player News

Nardi (back) began a throwing program Monday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

He'll likely gradually increase his throwing distance off flat ground over the next week or two before moving on to mound work. Nardi was shut down in early March due to lower back inflammation and was placed on the 60-day injured list, so he won't be eligible to make his 2025 debut with the Marlins until at least late May.

The Marlins announced Monday that Cronin (hip) has resumed throwing, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Cronin sustained a left hip strain late in spring training, resulting in him opening the season on the injured list. While the fact that he's no longer shut down from activity is encouraging, he'll likely need at least a few more weeks to complete his throwing progression, which will eventually include some minor-league rehab appearances.

Atlanta transferred Jimenez (knee) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

Jimenez is expected to be sidelined until the second half of the season while he remains on the mend from November surgery on his left knee, so his move to the 60-day IL won't affect his timeline for a return. The transaction will free up a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Stuart Fairchild, whom Atlanta acquired from Cincinnati on Monday.

Atlanta selected Chavez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Chavez has seen action with nine different teams over parts of 17 seasons in the big leagues, but Atlanta has been a familiar stop for the 41-year-old. Currently in the midst of his fourth stint in the Atlanta organization, Chavez didn't break camp with the big club but didn't have to wait long for an opening in the bullpen to emerge after right-hander Hector Neris was designated for assignment Monday. Chavez is likely to work in middle relief after he turned in a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB across 63.1 innings with Atlanta in 2024.

Atlanta designated Neris for assignment Monday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Neris had a disastrous first series of the season in San Diego, giving up five runs over two appearances while recording just three outs. The 35-year-old should get an opportunity in another organization, but he might have to go to the minor leagues first to get straightened out.

Bender (1-0) walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday to secure the win in a 3-2 victory over the Pirates.

The right-hander entered the game with the score tied 2-2, putting him in the right place at the right time when a David Bednar wild pitch brought home Derek Hill in the bottom of the frame. Calvin Faucher worked the eighth and is still the presumed favorite for saves, but Miami hasn't actually had a ninth-inning lead to protect yet this season -- all three of their wins have been walkoffs. With Jesus Tinoco (back) on the shelf until at least mid-April, there should at least be more high-leverage work available for Bender after he recorded five wins and 15 holds, both career highs, in 2024.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said the team is hoping to get 80 pitches out of Rodriguez during Monday's start against the Royals, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez got stretched out to 3.2 innings and 62 pitches during spring training and did not make an appearance during the Brewers' season-opening series against the Yankees, so around 80 pitches would seem to be attainable. He could be needed for additional starts as Milwaukee navigates a multitude of pitching injuries.

The Brewers recalled Anderson from Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

The Brewers are deploying Elvin Rodriguez as an opening pitcher in Monday's game against the Royals and aren't counting on him working deep into the contest, so Anderson will provide an extra option out of a bullpen that was worked heavily in the three-game series with the Yankees over the weekend. With the Rangers a season ago, Anderson made 23 appearances and turned in an 8.10 ERA and 1.61 WHIP over 26.2 innings.

Reds manager Terry Francona indicated recently that he prefers to use Santillan "when we need to put the fire out" earlier in games, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Santillan pitched a scoreless eighth inning on Opening Day versus the Giants and a scoreless seventh inning Saturday, protecting a one-run lead on both occasions. While the 27-year-old looks to be Francona's most trusted reliever right now, Santillan looks like a better bet for holds than saves. Emilio Pagan appears to be the top closer option while Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is shelved.

Pagan was warming up in the bullpen in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday's loss to the Giants and appeared poised for a save chance had the Reds taken the lead, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

The Reds did not take the lead and Pagan did not make an appearance. However, the fact that Pagan recorded a save Saturday and was warming for a potential save Sunday suggests he is currently at the top of the team's closer hierarchy while Alexis Diaz (hamstring) is out. Tony Santillan looks to be manager Terry Francona's most trusted reliever, but Francona prefers to use Santillan "when we need to put the fire out" earlier in games.