MLB Player News

Wilson (shoulder) won't throw "for at least a few days," Max Goodman of Sports Illustrated reports.

This likely puts Wilson out of the running for Opening Day, though an official timeline for his return has yet to be announced. The left-hander is nonetheless believed to have avoided serious injury and isn't expected to miss extensive time.

Armstrong is a candidate for save chances early in the season, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Hunter Harvey (oblique) was expected to open the season in the closer role, but he'll be out until at least late May. That has opened up save opportunities in Baltimore, though manager Brandon Hyde has refused to name an official closer. Armstrong is a candidate based on his strong 2020 season -- he posted a 1.80 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with a 14:3 K:BB across 15 innings -- though he had a 2019 campaign and will need to prove his consistency. Tanner Scott and Cesar Valdez are also candidates to see save opportunities.

Valdez is being stretched out and could serve as a multi-inning reliever, but he also remains a possible closing option, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Valdez pitched three innings in his last Grapefruit League appearance, lending some insight into his potential role with the team to begin the season. However, because Hunter Harvey (oblique) will be sidelined until at least May, Valdez could factor into the saves picture for the team as well. He played a valuable role as a reliever for the team in 2020, posting a 1.26 ERA and 0.70 WHIP with a 12:3 K:BB while recording three saves across 14.1 innings.

Scott is a candidate to see save opportunities to begin the season, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

The absence of Hunter Harvey (oblique) until at least late May has opened the door for early-season saves in Baltimore. Manager Brandon Hyde has already stated that he won't name a closer, though Scott is seemingly a leading candidate for the role. As a lefty with 96.5 mph velocity, he certainly has the potential to succeed but will need to improve his control to perform at a consistently high level.

Thompson was reassigned to minor-league camp Thursday.

Thompson hasn't pitched above High-A in formal game action, so his chances of making the big-league team were exceptionally low. He's projected to start the season at Double-A Springfield, where he'll continue develop as one of the Cardinals' top prospects.

Miller is a possibility for a rotation spot due to his strong spring performance, Tim Stebbins of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta and Zach Davies will be the team's top three starters to begin the season, and it's been assumed that Trevor Williams and Alec Mills will round out the rotation, but manager David Ross has not confirmed that notion. Miller's strong spring performance (1.00 ERA and 12 strikeouts across nine innings) has kept him in the mix for the back of the rotation. Even if Miller doesn't make the cut as a starter, he could be a versatile bullpen option.

Manaea was credited with his third win of spring in Wednesday's Cactus League victory over the White Sox, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, two walks and two hit batsmen across 5.1 innings. He struck out three.

The left-hander worked up to just under 80 pitches while facing a dangerous White Sox lineup that boasted plenty of regulars. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports both Manaea and manager Bob Melvin came away pleased with both the veteran's ability to consistently pound his fastball inside and the movement on his slider. "He was good again," Melvin said. "He used all his pitches. We're just trying to get his pitch count up, and he continues to improve and pitch better."

Alzolay is a candidate to begin the regular season at the Cubs' alternate training site, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

The team learned on Tuesday that it will have a fourth option year on Alzolay, meaning he can be moved to the minors or the alternate site without passing through waivers. If Alzolay starts at the alternate site, it gives the Cubs an easy way to manage the 26-year-old's innings this year. Alzolay hasn't topped 100 innings in a season since 2017, so it makes sense that the organization wants to build him up carefully. From a fantasy standpoint, Alzolay might be a more interesting option later in the season if he's been able to secure a more prominent role.

Kahnle (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Kahnle underwent Tommy John surgery last August and is likely to miss most -- if not all -- of the 2021 season. The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for Jimmy Nelson.

Nelson was added to the team's 40-man roster Thursday.

Nelson was in camp as a non-roster invitee, but he's seemingly done enough to make the Opening Day roster. He's thrown seven innings across four appearances, surrendering no earned runs while striking out nine and walking only one. Nelson figures to pitch out of the bullpen, potentially in a multi-inning role.