MLB Player News

Romano has a 2.25 ERA and dominant 9:1 K:BB through four Grapefruit League innings.

The right-hander was enjoying a breakout 2020 before suffering a finger injury, but Romano is healthy again this spring and appears to have picked up where he left off. With Kirby Yates in town, Romano will begin the season in a setup role, but if he can replicate his 36.8 percent strikeout rate over a longer stretch, he'll still have deep-league fantasy value even in formats that don't reward holds.

Wilson allowed one run on five hits and three walks over 4.2 innings while striking out three during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.

The right-hander took a line drive off the calf from the first batter of the game, Enrique Hernandez, but Wilson stayed on the mound and was able to regain his focus. Atlanta will need someone to fill a rotation spot to begin the season with Mike Soroka (Achilles) still in the final stages of his recovery, and Wilson's resilience Saturday almost certainly helped his case. He has a 1.98 ERA and 9:4 K:BB through 13.2 innings this spring, but his main competition, Kyle Wright (4.09 ERA, 10:5 K:BB through 11 innings) has also been solid.

Rainey (collarbone) is scheduled to pitch during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

The 28-year-old has yet to see game action in spring training due to a minor muscle strain near his right collarbone, but he's set to take the mound during Sunday's contest. Rainey completed a couple simulated games throughout the past week, and he should have enough time to get fully ramped up for Opening Day.

Diaz has given up only two hits and no earned runs over four Grapefruit League innings with a 6:0 K:BB.

The right-hander has looked sharp this spring, and while Mets manager Luis Rojas has played coy when it comes to naming his closer, it's hard to imagine anyone other than Diaz handling ninth-inning duties to begin the season. He's posted a strikeout rate of at least 39.0 percent each of the last three years, and even when Diaz struggled in 2019, his issue was keeping the ball in the park, not striking batters out. MLB's switch to a slightly deader ball should help ensure the 26-year-old doesn't have that problem again.

Vizcaino has been shut down for about a week due to soreness in his elbow, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

It's a tough break for the oft-injured right-hander as he attempts to make a comeback. Vizcaino was showing good velocity this spring but had pitched only one inning in Grapefruit League action, and the late shutdown likely ends any chance the 30-year-old might have had of winning a spot in the Mets' bullpen. If the non-roster invitee sticks with the organization, he could head to the team's alternate training site to begin the season.

Sims (elbow) is scheduled to pitch Tuesday against the Padres, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. "I felt really sharp," Sims said. "I was making the right adjustments that I wanted to. I was getting the right action. I'm ready to roll."

Sims pitched in an intrasquad game Saturday. Amir Garrett, his competition for the closer's job, pitched in a "B" game Saturday. The job battle could extend into the start of the regular season as both pitchers get up to speed.

Stanek allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two over one inning in Saturday's spring game against St. Louis.

Stanek has made three spring appearances, giving up one run on three hits and two walks with four strikeouts over three innings. He had a minor role in the Marlins' bullpen in 2020 and is projected to be part of the Astros' bullpen this season, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Beyond closer Ryan Pressly, the pecking order in the bullpen has not received much press and is not well defined. Joe Smith could serve as a setup man while perceived high-leverage options Josh James (hip) and Pedro Baez (not injury related) have not pitched yet this spring.

Arizona coaches watched Young during a simulated game Saturday and appeared to be discussing the possibility he's tipping pitches, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. "That's the stuff we're keyed in on and we always want to make sure we're doing our job as a coach to prevent those types of things," manage Torey Lovullo said.

Young was roughed up in his last outing March 14, when the Giants tagged him for five runs and eight hits over three innings. While the coaches did not confirm if Young has a tell in his delivery, it is something they are monitoring. The left-hander is being stretched out during spring training, but he's not expected to be part of the rotation to start the 2021 season.

Pomeranz is not throwing while waiting for inflammation in his forearm to lessen, Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz has been dealing with tightness in his left forearm, and the injury is accompanied by some inflammation. Though tests revealed no structural damage to the forearm, the southpaw's status for Opening Day remains in question. Pomeranz has not pitched in a game since March 9.

Naughton (elbow) is slated for a bullpen session Saturday and has been playing catch at 150 feet, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.comreports.

Naughton has been sidelined with a Grade 1 flexor pronator strain in his left elbow since late February, but he has been throwing for over a week and will take the next step in his recovery with Saturday's bullpen. The left-hander is expected to open the campaign in the minors.