MLB Player News

Hoffman pitched five innings in Tuesday's start against the Padres, allowing three runs (all in the first inning) while retiring 12 of his last 13 batters, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Nightengale suggests that Hoffman has a good chance of winning a spot in the Reds' rotation to begin the season, as he's apparently ahead of teammate Jose De Leon. The Reds like what Tejay Antone can do out of the bullpen, and Sonny Gray is likely to begin the season on the IL, so there are spots to be won.

Chapman (suspension) is slated to pitch every other day through the end of spring training, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports.

The veteran closer tossed a scoreless inning in Monday's Grapefruit League game against Philadelphia, allowing one walk while striking out a pair. He has not allowed a run or a hit while posting a 5:1 K:BB in spring play, though he has hurled only four innings. It appears Chapman will get more work going forward as he prepares for his 12th big-league campaign.

Hatch's elbow discomfort isn't tied to his UCL, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Elbow issues are always worrisome for a pitcher, but it looks as though Hatch has avoided the worst-case scenario. The Blue Jays remain hopeful that he won't miss too much time.

Pearson (groin) has resumed throwing and will throw a bullpen session within the next few days, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

While Pearson is making good progress, the Blue Jays are proceeding cautiously since he already had a setback last week. He doesn't appear to have time to make the Opening Day roster, but Pearson could join the rotation at some point early in the year.

Yates' elbow injury is serious enough to shut him down for the season and will probably lead to his second Tommy John surgery, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Previous reports indicated that Yates would miss multiple weeks with a flexor pronator strain in his right arm, but it appears as though the diagnosis is far more serious than that. It's not yet confirmed that he'll require Tommy John surgery, but there doesn't appear to be any hope of him pitching this season even if he avoids the procedure. He underwent the surgery once already back in 2006, prior to the start of his professional career, and it's tough to have much optimism for his future given that he'll be 35 years old when he eventually returns. Jordan Romano and Rafael Dolis are the leading candidates to close for the Blue Jays in his absence.

Antone (hip) threw off flat ground Tuesday and hopes to return to game action Sunday against the Brewers, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone has received plenty of hype this offseason thanks to his 2.80 ERA and 31.9 percent strikeout rate as a rookie last year. It hasn't been the smoothest spring for him, however, as he's dealt with both groin and hip issues. Neither injury has been particularly significant, though, and since he isn't experiencing any arm problems, there's seemingly no reason to fear for his long-term health.

Lopez will continue to stretch out as a starter at the team's alternate training site, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The desire to keep Lopez stretched out was part of the decision to send him to the alternate site rather than keep him with the big-league squad as a long reliever. That's probably just part of the story, however, as his 9.00 ERA in 11 spring innings didn't do anything to suggest that Lopez was suddenly becoming something other than the guy who struggled to a 5.52 ERA in 41 starts over the last two years. He'll serve as rotation depth in case the White Sox get hit by an injury crisis this season.

Pomeranz (forearm) is scheduled to pitch in Friday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz hasn't pitched in a game since March 9 due to left forearm inflammation, but the Padres remain hopeful that he'll be able to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season. If Pomeranz is able to rejoin the pitching schedule this weekend as expected, he'll improve his odds of being included on the Opening Day roster. What role Pomeranz might fill when healthy is more of a question, as manager Jayce Tingler hasn't yet committed to a closer. If Tingler elects to begin the season with a committee approach to closer or if a healthy Pomeranz is deployed in a more flexible late-inning role, Mark Melancon and Emilio Pagan could have clearer paths to save chances.

johnson (groin) completed a bullpen session Tuesday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The activity represents another step in the right direction for Johnson, whom the Padres are hoping can make a full recovery from his strained groin in advance of Opening Day. Johnson could be cleared to face hitters in live batting practice or a simulated game by the end of the week, though he appears unlikely to pitch again during the Padres' Cactus League schedule.

Antone (hip) is trending in the right direction and still appears set to make the Opening Day roster, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Antone has had a bit of a disrupted spring, dealing with a minor groin issue and now a minor hip problem. The Reds remain optimistic about his chances of avoiding the injured list, though it's still not clear exactly what role he'll serve. He's in the mix as both a starter and a high-leverage reliever.