MLB Player News

Chafin (groin) threw a live batting practice session Saturday.

Chafin was shut down for several days with a groin injury. The Diamondbacks are expected to take a cautious approach with the reliever, who opened the 2022 season on the injured list with a similar injury.

Oller has generated a 1.86 ERA and 10:4 K:BB across 9.2 innings in three Cactus League appearances (two starts).

Oller has pitched to some contact -- he's allowed eight hits, including a solo home run -- but his most recent appearance saw him shut out the Dodgers on two hits over four innings while racking up seven strikeouts. The right-hander was frequently hit hard as a 27-year-old rookie last season, posting a 2-8 record, 6.30 ERA and 1.63 WHIP across 74.1 innings over 19 appearances (14 starts). However, with the starting rotation seemingly set, Oller appears ticketed for a long-relief role if he does open the season with the big-league club.

Mlodzinski has thrown 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing one hit, striking out five and walking two in Grapefruit League action.

Mlodzinski struggled on the surface to a 4.78 ERA across 105.1 innings with Double-A Altoona in 2022, but his 24.1 percent strikeout rate and 0.9 HR/9 were more impressive. He's in camp as a non-roster invitee and won't break camp with the Pirates, though he could start the campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis. Regardless of where he begins the regular season, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Mlodzinski make his big-league debut at some point in 2023.

Faucher (oblique) is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Faucher has been sidelined since late February but has been throwing live batting practice for the last seven days. He'll be set for his first game action against the Twins after posting a 5.48 ERA and 1.69 WHIP across 21.1 innings in 2022.

Patino has thrown 5.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and three walks in three appearances in the Grapefruit League.

Patino is in consideration for a rotation spot with Tyler Glasnow (oblique) sidelined, and he's pitched well early on. He threw 2.2 scoreless innings against the Mets on Sunday, an outing highlighted by strikeouts of Francisco Alvarez, Tommy Pham and Danny Mendick. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that manager Kevin Cash voiced concern over Patino consistently falling behind in the count, though he also noted that Patino made several strong pitches to work out of trouble. Josh Fleming and Yonny Chirinos are also in consideration for the fifth starter role.

Fleming is in contention for the fifth spot in the Rays' starting rotation while Tyler Glasnow (oblique) is sidelined, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Fleming struggled in his spring training debut, surrendering six earned runs on six hits across only one inning. Since then, he hasn't allowed an earned run across six innings, maintaining a 3:0 K:BB in that span. Fleming also stretched out to three frames in his last outing, so he should be able to handle a normal starter's workload by the time the regular season begins. Luis Patino and Yonny Chirinos are also in consideration for the rotation while Glasnow remains sidelined.

Morejon left Sunday's game against the Athletics with discomfort in the back of his arm, above his elbow, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

This is unfortunately all too familiar for Morejon, who has never topped 65.1 innings in a season despite the fact the Padres have continued to try developing him as a starting pitcher. He should be considered out indefinitely and any hopes of him breaking camp in the big-league rotation are likely dashed.

The Giants optioned Cruz to minor-league camp Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

It appears Cruz was sent to Triple-A Sacramento despite the fact he spent last season at the Single-A level. The 22-year-old produced a 2.06 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 86:23 K:BB over 52.1 innings for San Jose last season, which was his first action above rookie ball.

Mata was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Manager Alex Cora said in February that Mata could make his MLB debut this season, though it's still not a surprise the right-hander won't be on the Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old finished the 2022 campaign with Worcester after he was promoted in August, and he could see the majors before too long if he can replicate the 3.47 ERA he posted at Triple-A last season.

Beck exited Sunday's spring game against the A's after being hit in the left ankle with a comebacker, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Beck came out of the bullpen Sunday and delivered 2.2 scoreless frames before exiting the contest. It's unclear if the 26-year-old will be available for his next turn through the rotation, and he should be considered day-to-day until his status is updated.