MLB Player News

Francis pitched 2.2 innings in a Grapefruit League contest against the Phillies on Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four batters.

Francis made two previous appearances this spring, but this was his first start after the initial scheduled one was rained out. Spring training has not been kind to Francis through 6.2 innings of work, as he sports an ugly 12.15 ERA. He's allowed 11 hits, including three home runs, and five walks while striking out seven. Francis gave up a ton of hard contact versus Philadelphia, including a third-inning homer to Alec Bohm. Francis is currently slots in at the back end of Toronto's starting rotation.

Reynolds (foot) isn't expected to be on the Padres' Opening Day roster, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan reports.

Reynolds is dealing with a stress reaction in his right foot and hasn't yet been able to pitch this spring. He was expected to compete for a spot in the Padres' Opening Day bullpen coming into camp, but it appears the injury will prevent him from having that opportunity. It's not yet clear when Reynolds will be able to get back on a mound.

Cano picked up a hold in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays, allowing one walk in a scoreless inning.

The 31-year-old right-hander is off a solid start this spring, carrying a 3.00 ERA and 0.67 WHIP with one strikeout over three frames. Closer Felix Bautista (elbow) will have his workload managed to begin the season, which could lead to the occasional save chance for Cano in the early going. However, Cano has converted just 13 of his 22 career save opportunities, so it wouldn't be surprising to see manager Brandon Hyde turn to Seranthony Dominguez more frequently for ninth-inning work on days where Bautista is unavailable.

Hoeing (shoulder) isn't expected to break camp with the Padres, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan reports.

Hoeing has dealt with a sore right shoulder throughout camp and hasn't yet pitched in a spring game. The right-hander began playing catch near the end of February, but it appears he won't have enough ramp-up time to be ready for Opening Day. Hoeing is expected to work in long relief when he's healthy after coming out of the bullpen in 32 of 34 regular-season appearances last season.

Bernardino threw one scoreless inning against the Rays in Wednesday's spring game, during which he allowed one run while striking out a batter.

Bernardino ended the 2024 regular season on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow soreness. He was able to recover from the injury over the offseason and has not allowed a run across three spring training appearances. Bernardino will look to get his ERA and WHIP numbers back down to where they were in 2023 (3.20 ERA, 1.30 WHIP across 50.2 innings).

The Phillies optioned Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Lazar was in the running for a spot in Philadelphia's Opening Day bullpen after registering a 4.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 13.2 innings with the big club last season. However, he will ultimately miss the cut after surrendering seven runs over 3.2 innings this spring. The 25-year-old could still return to Philadelphia sometime this season if/when the Phillies' bullpen depth is tested.

The Marlins optioned Arias to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Arias spent all of last year in Jacksonville, turning in a 3.04 ERA and 1.19 WHIP alongside a 75:27 K:BB over 68 innings. He was hit around quite a bit this spring, allowing nine earned runs over 3.1 frames, but he should still have a good chance to make his MLB debut in 2025 if he can return to form in Triple-A.

Zerpa threw a scoreless inning in Friday's spring training win over the Angels. He's thrown four scoreless innings with five strikeouts and no walks this spring.

Zerpa became a high-leverage weapon last season thanks to a sinker with high velocity (it reached 99 mph last year, according to MLB.com) that helped lead to a 58.4% groundball rate. He'll be a key lefty in the late innings and could be a good source of holds (12 last season).

Topa is dealing with right shoulder tightness, but he has not needed an MRI, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Topa left Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Orioles due to right shoulder tightness. This doesn't sound like a serious injury, but it could land him on the injured list to begin the season as he works his way back into regular season form.

Paddack left Saturday's spring start with a head contusion after a line drive deflected off his glove and hit his head, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports. He is not in the concussion protocol.

Paddack was pitching well before he left and was able to leave under his own power. He threw 2.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts prior to exiting. The right-hander is seen as the leading candidates for the No. 4 starter role but is having an uneven spring (three strikeouts and two homers allowed in 5.2 total innings).