MLB Player News

Hicks allowed an unearned run on two walks and a hit batsman over two-thirds of an inning in a Grapefruit League tie with the Astros on Wednesday.

Making his second appearance of spring after a 22-pitch battle of wills against the Mets' Luis Guillorme encompassed the first Sunday, Hicks once again put together a rather unusual performance. The flamethrowing right-hander worked himself into trouble with an error on a comebacker and some notable control issues, but manager Mike Shildt kept things in perspective when evaluating Hicks' second taste of game action in 21 months. "I think it's just getting back into competition in over a year," Shildt said. "I thought it was a fantastic outing. Ton of soft contact, around the plate again. I was really, really, really pleased with Jordan."

Manaea did not suffer an injury after being struck by a line drive during his start Thursday, Alex Coffey of The Athletic reports.

Manaea was hit on his throwing elbow by a line drive off the bat of Eric Hosmer. However, he continued to pitch after being checked on by the trainer and told the media after the game there is no injury besides a bruise. Manaea recorded five strikeouts across 3.2 innings Thursday and owns a 9:3 K:BB in his first two spring starts (6.2 innings).

Herget was reassigned to minor-league camp Thursday.

Herget passed through waivers unclaimed in February and served as a non-roster invitee to begin spring training. The right-hander allowed five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four over three innings during three spring appearances (one start). He'll likely start the season with Triple-A Round Rock.

Mariners manager Scott Servais said Thursday that Munoz (elbow) hasn't been throwing much recently following a setback in his recovery, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Munoz was already slated to miss significant time to begin the regular season following Tommy John surgery in March 2020, but he's been limited over the past few weeks due to a minor setback. Servais didn't sound too concerned, but it's not yet clear when the right-hander will be able to resume throwing.

Sims (elbow) is confident that he'll be ready to pitch by Opening Day, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Sims threw a live batting practice session Wednesday and felt good Thursday. Assuming that remains the case, the next step in his recovery could be to make his Cactus League debut. The right-hander is optimistic that he'll be healthy enough to pitch to begin the regular season, and he should serve as a high-leverage reliever for Cincinnati.

Lamet (elbow) threw two innings during a simulated game Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet had some issues with command during his second inning Thursday, but he was in good spirits as he came off the mound. The right-hander threw 29 pitches during his outing and appeared to utilize all of his pitches. Lamet has now thrown three straight sim games, but it's not yet clear when he could make an appearance in a Cactus League game. Although he appears to be making progress in his recovery and should be a key part of San Diego's rotation once he's healthy, it's unclear whether Lamet will be able to build up in time for Opening Day.

Rainey (collarbone) threw 22 pitches in a simulated game Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rainey has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut this spring as he works through a muscle strain near his right collarbone. He continues to progress in his recovery, however, and he still has time to make the Opening Day roster. Rainey flashed high-leverage upside last year, striking out an incredible 42.7 percent of opposing batters en route to a 2.66 ERA, making him one of the top candidates for saves should Brad Hand struggle or get injured.

Puk, who made his Cactus League debut in a win over the Royals on Wednesday, came away satisifed with his two-inning outing despite his velocity topping out at 92-93 mph, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "I'm just getting back into it," Puk said. "Maybe I'll get the velocity fully back. Maybe not. I'm more concerned about just going out there and feeling good, which I am. My shoulder is feeling strong and healthy."

The big left-hander allowed a two-run homer in the first inning. However, Puk also recorded four strikeouts -- three of them on swinging third strikes -- while utilizing his two-seam fastball, slider and curveball. Manager Bob Melvin echoed his pitcher by putting the the low-90s velocity in perspective, noting that Puk's 6-foot-7 frame makes his power pitch intimidating even at reduced speed because how close he gets to the plate by the end of his delivery.

Jansen has thrown five scoreless innings this spring, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out nine.

The veteran closer faded during the playoffs last season and watched Julio Urias record the save in the clinching game of the World Series. However, the Dodgers appear committed to allowing Jansen to reprise his role as the team's closer this season, and the right-hander has justified the organization's confidence in him with a shutdown spring. Jansen ranked in the 90th percentile or higher in a variety of Statcast metrics last season, including xERA, xBA, xSLG, exit velocity and hard-hit rate, so he could be a value for fantasy managers who draft him with the belief that he still has something left in the tank.

Ferguson (elbow) doubts that he'll pitch this season, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The southpaw explained Wednesday that he enquired about returning in 2021 but was turned down due to the fact that he is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. Ferguson also indicated that he has begun throwing from as far as 60 feet, so he should be fully recovered by the start of the 2022 campaign.