MLB Player News

Lamet (elbow) threw 20-25 pitches, including some sliders, and hit 98 mph in a simulated game Sunday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

This was Lamet's first time throwing sliders since he suffered an elbow injury in September last season. Provided he emerges from Sunday's session without setbacks, the right-hander could soon toe the mound in a Cactus League contest. It remains unclear whether Lamet will be ready to pitch by Opening Day, and the Padres have a deep enough rotation to allow the 28-year-old as much time as necessary to comfortably ease back into action.

Hicks, who's already thrown a pair of live batting practice sessions, is scheduled to pitch in a "B" game Wednesday, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. "The good news is, Jordan is in a really good place, on track for the season," manager Mike Shildt said. "But we're just taking it rightfully slow and building up the intensity to what that looks like for competition."

The right-hander has been brought along carefully this spring after last pitching in June 2019, but with Hicks passing every test put in front of him thus far, he appears to be on the cusp of game action. If all checks out well after Wednesday's outing, Hicks would likely be deemed ready for his Grapefruit League debut.

Naughton (elbow) is nearing throwing, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Naughton suffered a Grade 1 flexor pronator strain in late February and was originally given a 3-5 week recovery timetable, but he appears to be ahead of schedule given the favorable update. He isn't considered an option for the Opening Day roster, so he'll work with an eye on pitching at the Triple-A level upon his return.

Rolison (1-0) gave up one hit and no walks while failing to strike out any batters over two scoreless innings as he earned the win in Sunday's spring game against the White Sox.

Rolison gave up a leadoff double to Yoan Moncada to begin his spring debut Sunday, but he retired the next three batters before pitching a clean fifth inning. Manager Bud Black was pleased with Rolison's performance. "He showed some pitchability," Black said. The southpaw will likely begin the season with Triple-A Albuquerque but could be in line to make his major-league debut at some point in 2021.

Hoffman is out of options heading into the 2021 season, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. He is competing for a roster spot, nominally as a starter but potentially as a reliever, after arriving from Colorado in a trade for Robert Stephenson in November.

As Rosecrans reports, Hoffman is the type of pitcher that the Reds like to target, with his fastball spin (83rd percentile) and curve spin (55th percentile) above average. That hasn't yet translated to good results, but the change of scenery could help.

Bednar walked one batter and struck out a pair in a scoreless inning Sunday against Baltimore.

The righty, acquired in the Joe Musgrove deal, has not allowed a run in three spring innings. He's yet to give up a hit, walking one while striking out seven. His strong start has put him in the mix for a bullpen spot and possibly even closer discussions at some point in 2021. The 26-year-old has done well with a 97-mph fastball and sharp-breaking curve.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kelly (shoulder) is a "ways away" from being ready for game action, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

The 32-year-old's Friday bullpen session seemed to indicate he was nearing a return, but Roberts said otherwise Sunday. Kelly has dealt with an unspecified illness and shoulder soreness, and he still has more than three weeks to get healthy and prepare for Opening Day.

Fulmer was designated for assignment by the Pirates on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was claimed off waivers by the Pirates back in September, but he apparently didn't show enough early in camp to maintain his spot on the 40-man roster. Fulmer could remain in the organization if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Underwood was acquired by the Pirates from the Cubs on Sunday in exchange for prospect Shendrik Apostel.

The right-hander was designated for assignment by the Cubs last week and will get a fresh start in the NL Central with the Pirates. Underwood appeared in 17 games last season and had a 5.66 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 27:6 K:BB over 20.2 innings.

Miller allowed one run across two innings and picked up the win in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Brewers. He gave up two hits and struck out three.

Miller is competing for a roster spot out of spring training, and he's now tossed three innings of one-run ball in Cactus League action with four strikeouts. The 30-year-old struggled mightily with an 8.59 ERA back in 2019, then didn't end up pitching in the majors during the condensed 2020 season, so it could be an uphill climb for him to make the team, but the Cubs are giving him a chance to prove himself.