MLB Player News

Smith is scheduled to pitch Monday after being out of camp for several days to attend the birth of his son, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Smith has thrown just two innings this spring and hasn't been on the mound in a week. He was acquired by the Rangers as insurance after projected closer Jose Leclerc was shut down briefly due to neck spasms. Leclerc is pitching again, meaning Smith is expected to be part of the setup crew.

McGough allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's spring game against the Royals.

The runs were the first allowed during the Cactus League by McGough, whose work included seven swinging strikes, including three each on his splitter and slider, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. The right-hander figures to be a strong candidate for save opportunities early in the season.

Martin (shoulder) is likely to miss the entire 2023 season.

Martin suffered the injury March 15, and he has opted for surgery, according to Arizona manager Torey Lovullo. The manager added Martin is doubtful to return in 2023 while noting it's uncertain when the pitcher will undergo the procedure.

Martinez has returned to the Padres after playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, 97.3 The Fan San Diego reports.

Though Team USA remains alive in the tournament and is set to face Japan or Mexico in the final Tuesday, Martinez has opted to return to Padres camp to prepare for the regular season. The right-handed hurler pitched in one WBC game, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out two batters over 2.2 innings against Mexico. Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Martinez's decision to rejoin San Diego stems from the fact that he wasn't scheduled to pitch again for Team USA. He's slated to fill a spot at the back end of the Padres' rotation this season.

Duran sustained a leg contusion after being struck by a line drive during a backfield game Sunday, and manager Rocco Baldelli said the right-hander was "moving pretty well," Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

There doesn't seem to be much concern regarding the incident, so it appears Duran escaped with only a minor injury. The 25-year-old may be held out for a couple days but should return to the mound relatively quickly. Duran had eight saves and 18 holds with a 1.86 ERA over 67.2 innings as a rookie last season, and he may not see consistent saves this year since Baldelli prioritizes late-inning matchups over the usage of a traditional closer.

Cabrera has allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out four and issuing no walks over four innings across four Grapefruit League appearances.

Cabrera also logged 1.1 scoreless innings for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. The southpaw had an up-and-down 2022 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.32 WHIP over 44.2 innings, but he still managed to pick up 13 holds. He's likely to make the Cardinals out of camp as a lefty reliever with experience in mid-to-high-leverage usage.

Biddle was reassigned to minor-league camp Sunday.

Biddle joined the Diamondbacks as a non-roster invitee and allowed two runs over 4.1 innings during spring action. He spent last season playing in Japan and had a 2.83 ERA across 57.1 innings.

Perez has allowed one earned run on six hits and two walks over five innings in five Grapefruit League appearances.

Perez was initially viewed as an option for saves, but with Felix Bautista recovered from his shoulder and knee issues, it looks like that won't be necessary to start the year. What holds true is Perez's status as the Orioles' top lefty reliever, with strong results in spring games coming off of last year's 1.40 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 55:21 K:BB over 57.2 innings. He had 24 holds a year ago, so he should have every opportunity to remain in a setup role to begin 2023.

Saucedo was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

Saucedo was claimed off waivers by the Mariners in January but won't crack the club's Opening Day roster. The 29-year-old made four big-league appearances for Toronto last season and spent most of the campaign at the Triple-A level, where he had a 2.37 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 28:10 K:BB across 19 innings.

Pomeranz (elbow) threw 25 pitches in a simulated inning Thursday, per MLB.com.

This was Pomeranz's second sim game of the spring, and it's possible that he'll get into a Cactus League contest in the coming week. The right-hander missed all of last season after undergoing flexor tendon surgery in his left elbow, but he's expected to be a big part of San Diego's bullpen in 2023. Pomeranz is tentatively on track to be ready to go for Opening Day.