MLB Player News

Smith is expected to move to a setup role after Atlanta signed Kenley Jansen to a one-year, $16 million contract.

This is a big blow to those who drafted Smith as a source of saves. We knew Jansen had to sign somewhere, but Atlanta didn't seem like a likely landing spot. If Jansen gets hurt or struggles, Smith could be back in the ninth inning, but it seems unlikely the team would have brought Jansen in to be a setup man given his long track record of success as a closer with the Dodgers.

Jansen signed a one-year, $16 million contract with Atlanta on Friday.

This is a big wave in the reliever landscape, as it likely means Jansen will displace Will Smith as the closer and and it leaves Blake Treinen as the Dodgers' potential top source of saves. Jansen, 34, logged a 2.22 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 86 strikeouts in 69 innings last season. He has 350 career saves.

Beede will start Saturday's Cactus League game against the Rockies, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Beede finished the 2021 campaign on the 60-day injured list, but he'll make a start for the Giants early in spring training. The right-hander should be healthy for camp as he competes for a major-league roster spot ahead of the regular season.

Reyes was diagnosed with a frayed labrum in his right shoulder Friday and is expected to be sidelined until at least late May, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Reyes will be shut down from throwing for at least the next two weeks after receiving an injection of stem cells, and he's set to work out at the Cardinals' extending spring training once cleared to start his throwing program. The 27-year-old was expected to be a piece of St. Louis' closer committee to open 2022, but he'll instead start out on the injured list. Giovanny Gallegos and Genesis Cabrera should split save opportunities in his absence.

Alzolay (lat) landed on the 60-day injured list Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay was diagnosed with a right lat strain earlier in the week that is expected to keep him out for at least two months. That lines up nicely with a 60-day injured list stint, allowing the Cubs to open up an extra 40-man roster spot until he heals. He's ineligible to return until early June.

Beeks (elbow) had his fastball clocked at 93-94 mph during a recent bullpen session, MLB.com reports.

Beeks missed last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in September 2020. He's said to be throwing well in early workouts, so it's possible he could contend for a bullpen spot to begin the season. However, it seems more likely the Rays would want him to get back up to speed in the minors first.

Hernandez (elbow) is trending toward a return in mid-to-late June, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports.

Hernandez was thought to have a chance to close last season before a preseason elbow injury wound up requiring Tommy John surgery in April. He's said to be slightly behind teammate Jose Leclerc, who underwent the same procedure in late March. Either pitcher could push for the closer role in the second half, as presumptive favorite Joe Barlow is hardly an inner-circle option for the spot, though that would require them pitching at close to full strength immediately after returning to action.

Leclerc (elbow) is trending towards a return in mid-to-late June, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports.

Leclerc underwent Tommy John surgery in late March of last year. He remains on a fairly standard timeline and should have the chance to be available for just over half the season. Once he returns, it's possible he pushes for the closer job, given that preseason favorite Joe Barlow doesn't seem to be anything special. Jonathan Hernandez will also return from Tommy John surgery around that time and could also challenge for the role.

Nelson (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Friday.

Nelson joined the Dodgers on a major-league deal Tuesday despite the fact that he's working his way back from Tommy John surgery last August. If he makes it back this season, it will be only for a brief stint at the end of the year. The move makes way for the Dodgers to add Danny Duffy, who's making his way back from a forearm injury of his own.

Naughton was designated for assignment by the Angels on Friday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Naughton made his MLB debut last season but failed to impress. In 22.2 innings, he struggled to a 6.35 ERA, walking 14 batters while striking out just 12.