MLB Player News

Chafin allowed three runs on three hits across one inning in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Giants.

A Wilmer Flores two-run home run was the key blow against Chafin. The southpaw won't be counted on to face too many righties like Flores during the regular season, though Chafin actually held that handedness to a .228 batting average the past three seasons, compared to the .261 average he allowed to lefties. Chafin could see an expanded role in 2021 if he continues to have some success against opposite-handed batters, but he still figures to primarily be used in same-handed matchups.

Marlins general manager Kim Ng said Wednesday that Guzman is "out for a bit" due to right elbow inflammation, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Guzman hasn't yet appeared in a Grapefruit League game this year, but he's apparently been unavailable due to a right elbow issue. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return, but Guzman will likely begin the season in the minors once he's fully healthy.

Dillard announced his retirement via his personal Twitter feed Wednesday.

Dillard was released by the Rangers at the end of February after signing a minor-league contract during the offseason, and he'll elect to hang up his cleats instead of searching for another deal. The 37-year-old mainly pitched in the minors during his career but spent four seasons in the majors with the Brewers between 2008 and 2012. During that time, the right-hander posted a 4.70 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 62:29 K:BB over 73 relief appearances.

Yates is expected to make his spring debut against the Tigers on Thursday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Yates missed most of the 2020 season due to bone chips in his right elbow, but he signed with Toronto in January and feels fully healthy early in spring training. "I feel like it's behind me. I feel like it's ready to move on. It's full go," Yates told Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. Although the Blue Jays haven't yet named a closer for the 2021 campaign, Yates is the favorite for the role given his past success in the ninth inning.

Rodriguez (biceps) is listed among the available relievers for Wednesday's spring game against the Giants, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez suffered a right biceps strain in March 2020 that forced him to miss all of last season, but he's now healthy and could make his spring debut Wednesday. The right-hander could contend for a major-league bullpen spot after posting a 3.45 ERA and 65:17 K:BB over 47 innings with High-A Myrtle Beach in 2019.

Bickford threw his third scoreless inning of the spring in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Giants.

Bickford was tagged for four earned runs in the first big-league appearance of his career last September, but he has put that behind him and is off to a good start this spring. Bickford was once considered one of the better prospects in baseball, and although he no longer carries that tag, he does still possess the arm talent to contend for a spot in the Brewers' bullpen.

Pivetta allowed one run on three hits and struck out three over three innings in Tuesday's spring game against the Rays.

Pivetta, the frontrunner for the No. 5 spot in the rotation, has allowed two runs in five innings over two Grapefruit League starts. He lamented the inconsistency of his curveball to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, but he was able to get himself back into counts and didn't allow much hard contact. Boston manager Alex Cora described the right-hander's outing as a positive in a game the Red Sox lost 11-3.

Nelson completed two perfect innings in Tuesday's Cactus League contest against the Reds, striking out three batters.

Nelson needed a mere 20 pitches to retire all six batters he faced, racking up three strikeouts in the process. The veteran has impressed in his two spring starts, allowing only an unearned run and one hit while striking out four over three frames. He appears healthy and could be making a push for a roster spot, though he could start in a relief role if he makes the team. Per Eric Stephen of SBNation.com, Nelson would be open to such a scenario.

Garcia pitched three scoreless innings against Detroit in a Grapefruit League game Tuesday, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out five.

The performance was a significant step up from Garcia's spring debut, when he allowed a pair of runs in two innings against Philadelphia. The young right-hander has now struck out eight batters across five spring frames as he seeks to cement his place as New York's fifth starter to begin the campaign.

Luetge has pitched three scoreless innings thus far in Grapefruit League action, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out eight.

No Yankees pitcher has been more dominant than Luetge, who has picked up eight of his nine outs via strikeout. The veteran southpaw is not on the 40-man roster and hasn't pitched in the majors since a one-outing stint with Seattle in 2015, so he remains a longshot to break camp with New York. However, Luetge is at least giving the club a reason to keep his name in mind while proving that he still has something left in the tank as he approaches his 34th birthday.